On January 22, the advanced practice provider community lost an icon with the passing of Dr. Loretta C. “Lee” Ford, EdD, RN, PNP, FAAN, FAANP, at the age of 104. A true trailblazer, Dr. Ford redefined nursing by establishing the nurse practitioner role, laying the groundwork for the advanced practice professions we know today.
Dr. Ford’s work in establishing the NP role in 1965 fundamentally changed how health care is delivered, creating new opportunities for nurses to expand their scope of practice and improving access to high-quality care for countless patients. Her pioneering efforts have empowered more than 385,000 nurse practitioners in the U.S. and countless advanced practice providers to meet the needs of diverse communities through compassionate, patient-centered care.
At the Consortium for Advanced Practice Providers, we celebrate Dr. Ford’s extraordinary contributions, which align deeply with our mission to advance postgraduate APP training, support providers, and improve patient outcomes. Her legacy inspires us to continue advocating for the growth and excellence of nurse practitioners and advanced practice providers everywhere.
