Kelly Foltz-Ramos, director of simulation and innovation, and assistant professor in the School of Nursing, was recently inducted as a Distinguished Fellow of the National Academies of Practice (NAP) Nursing Academy. 

Distinguished Fellows are nominated by peers and selected through a rigorous review process that recognizes significant and enduring contributions to both one’s profession and to interprofessional health care. Nominees must demonstrate at least 10 years of exemplary practice and a sustained commitment to accessible, affordable care for all. Induction as a Distinguished Fellow reflects national recognition by leading experts across disciplines and affirms a career dedicated to advancing collaboration, scholarship and improved health outcomes.

An internationally recognized leader in nursing simulation, Foltz-Ramos is advancing the use of immersive simulation techniques to meet the evolving educational needs of health care professionals. Her work focuses on developing and implementing simulation-based curricula designed to build essential teamwork and clinical skills in diverse health care environments.

Her research explores how innovative educational tools can strengthen clinical judgment, enhance interprofessional collaboration and improve patient care outcomes. She is also exploring the integration of artificial intelligence in simulation-based learning to enrich educational experiences and better prepare students for the complexities of contemporary health care practice.

“Being inducted as a Distinguished Fellow of the National Academies of Practice is a tremendous honor and an affirmation of my commitment to advancing health care through collaboration,” Foltz-Ramos says.

“Simulation provides a powerful space where learners from multiple professions can practice communication, decision-making and teamwork. Preparing the future workforce requires intentional interprofessional education, and immersive simulation offers one of the most effective ways to help health professionals learn to work together to deliver safer, higher-quality patient care.”

Founded in 1981, the National Academies of Practice advances interprofessional education, scholarship, research, practice and public policy. The NAP Academies include Athletic Training, Audiology, Nursing, Nutrition and Dietetics, Occupational Therapy, Optometry, Oral Health, Pharmacy, Physical Therapy, Physician, Podiatric Medicine, Psychology, Public Health, Respiratory Care, Social Work, Speech-Language Pathology and Veterinary Medicine.