UMSN Faculty Member Named the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner of the Year in Michigan

Dr. Donna Marvicsin was selected for excellence in promoting child health, especially as related to diabetes, obesity, and bullying.

The annual Pediatric Nurse Practitioner award from the Michigan Chapter of the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (MINAPNAP) recognizes a pediatric nurse practitioner (PNP) who excels in clinical excellence, community involvement, research, and promoting the role of the pediatric nurse practitioner.

UMSN Clinical Assistant Professor Donna Marvicsin, Ph.D., PNP-BC, CDE, was honored for her clinical expertise and leadership on a variety of child health topics. In particular, her research and understanding of diabetes in school-age children, parenting of children with chronic conditions, and prevention of pediatric obesity are considered of critical importance for families.

Dr. Marvicsin was nominated by Kristy K. Martyn, Ph.D., RN, CPNP-PC, FNP-BC, chair of UMSN’s Division of Health Promotion and Risk Reduction. Esther Sikorski, DNP, CPNP, president of MINAPNAP, said, “Dr. Marvicsin was chosen because of her significant contributions to the health and well-being of children and their families, innovative leadership, research and active role in the health policies fostering health care of children.”

MINAPNAP recognized Dr. Marvicsin’s comprehensive understanding of family health issues and expert focus on child health care in her clinical practice in the Nurse Managed Health Center (NMHC) at the Community Health and Social Services Center (CHASS), a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in Detroit. In addition, Dr. Marvicsin played a key role in securing an NMHC grant to support health care and education for families at CHASS.

In addition to receiving this award, Dr. Marvicsin is currently featured on Disneyfamily.com in an advice column for parents and coaches, to make sure kids with type 1 diabetes stay safe when being active and playing sports. Her work with students and the community is also highlighted in an outreach and clinical practice video, below, which was filmed on location at CHASS.