UA Nursing Alumnus and Advocate for the Underserved Inducted into AAN
May 9, 2019
The American Academy of Nursing inducted the Reverend Dr. Rudy Valenzuela as a Fellow of the Academy of Nursing during an induction ceremony on November 3, 2018 during their annual conference in Washington, DC.
Father Valenzuela is an alumnus of the University of Arizona College of Nursing (MSN 2002, PhD 2010) and a family nurse practitioner at the YRMC San Luis Primary Care. He is pastor of Holy Spirit Church and director of Clinica Santa Maria de Guadalupe in San Luis Rio Colorado, Sonora, Mexico, a full service health clinic serving the poor and underserved on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border, with more than 50,000 visits a year.
“I was humbled to learn that I was selected to be a fellow. My professional nursing career started at UA Nursing, and I feel most grateful for the wonderful education and the diverse opportunities I had to deepen my research interests along the U.A.-Mexico border." ~ Rev. Rudy Valenzuela, PhD, NP, FAANP
“I was honored to be nominated by Drs. Judith Berg and Sally Reel to the American Academy of Nursing,” said Dr. Valezuela. “I was humbled to learn that I was selected to be a fellow. My professional nursing career started at UA Nursing, and I feel most grateful for the wonderful education and the diverse opportunities I had to deepen my research interests along the U.S.-Mexico border.”
Dr. Valenzuela has recently been recognized by the Arizona Medical Association by bestowing on him the David O. Landrith Humanitarian Award, He was named the University of Arizona College of Nursing Alumni of the Year in 2014 and Yuma County nurse of the year in 2009. He is past president of the National Association of Hispanic Nurse and founder of the Yuma Chapter of Hispanic Nurses, Angeles del Desierto.
Dr. Valenzuela is internationally known for his work at the U.S.-Mexico border, and for his expertise on caring for underserved populations, especially migrant workers and homeless. For the past 20 years, Dr. Valenzuela has served in numerous national and state boards and committees and has served as a mentor and clinical preceptor for numerous students from various universities. His work at the primary and community level have helped improved the health of populations on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border.
The Academy fellows represent all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and 29 countries. Dr. Valenzuela is one of only seven Latino male nurses to hold such an honor.
The Academy is currently comprised of more than 2,500 nurse leaders in education, management, practice, policy, and research. Academy fellows include hospital and government administrators, college deans, and renowned scientific researchers.
Fellow selection criteria include evidence of significant contributions to nursing and health care, and sponsorship by two current Academy fellows. Applicants are reviewed by a panel comprised of elected and appointed fellows, and selection is based, in part, on the extent the fellow's nursing career has influenced health policies and the health and wellbeing of all. New fellows are recognized with the use of the FAAN credential (fellow of the American Academy of Nursing) after their name and title.
Learn more about Dr. Valenzuela in the engaging video profile created especially for Nurses Week 2019.