Joan C. Engebretson, DrPH, RN, Judy Fred professorship in nursing at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Nursing, was inducted as a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing Oct. 18 in Washington, D.C. A 2014 class of 168 new inductees join about 2,200 fellows recognized by the AAN as nursing leaders in education, management, practice and research, according to a news release.

Engebretson is a professor in the UTHealth School of Nursing’s department of family health and also has a joint appointment to the University of Texas School of Public Health.

“The American Academy of Nursing welcomes this stellar cohort of new fellows,” Academy President Diana Mason, PhD, RN, FAAN, said in the release. “As clinicians, researchers, educators, executives and leaders in all sectors of our society, they are joining the nation’s thought leaders in nursing
and healthcare.”

Engebretson background

Engebretson is a clinical nurse specialist in maternal child health and is certified as an advanced holistic nurse. She is frequently published in the research area of complementary and alternative therapies. Along with departmental colleague Diane Wardell, PhD, RN, she researched, developed and patented a pacifier for low birthweight infants. The “Wee Thumbie” is marketed and sold worldwide.

Criteria

Selection criteria as an academy fellow include evidence of significant contributions to nursing and healthcare and sponsorship by two current fellows, according to the release.