UT Physicians HIV medicine expert Robin Hardwicke, PhD, FNP-C, was recently honored for the second time by the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care (ANAC), receiving the Joanne Ruiz Achievement for Excellence in Clinical Practice in HIV Award, honoring an outstanding nurse clinician who brings knowledge and care to people infected with the disease.
Hardwicke was nominated for the award by Diane M. Santa Maria, DrPH, RN, FAAN, dean of the Cizik School of Nursing at UTHealth Houston, Jane, and Robert Cizik Distinguished Chair, and Huffington Foundation Endowed Chair in Nursing Education Leadership at Cizik School of Nursing.
“Nominating Dr. Hardwicke was an easy choice for me. She is the go-to HIV care provider in our community,” says Santa Maria. “Not only does she provide exceptional care to our patients, but she is a resource for providers across Houston and the nation.”
For nearly 25 years, Hardwicke has been a passionate nurse practitioner committed to HIV/AIDS research, advocating for patients’ rights, educating the next generation of nurses and physicians, and challenging preconceived notions concerning the disease.
Daily Nurse is proud to honor Dr. Hardwicke as the Nurse of the Week as a passionate nurse practitioner committed to HIV/AIDS research for more than 25 years, advocating for patient’s rights, the education of the next generation of nurses and physicians, and challenging preconceived notions concerning the disease.
“While science and appropriate treatment options have allowed those with HIV to live longer and vibrant lives, there is still work to do to reduce the discrimination, persecution, and fear associated with the diagnosis. There are few afflictions, if any, which carry the same level of stigma,” says Hardwicke. “Your neighbor, coworker, or friend may tell you about a diagnosis of cancer or diabetes, but they would unlikely disclose an HIV diagnosis.”
Hardwicke’s affiliation with ANAC has spanned two decades. On a regional level, she currently serves as the president of ANAC’s Houston Gulf Coast Chapter and is a founding member.
For the 2023 conference, the chapter will receive ANAC’s Chapter Recognition Award.
“I am proud to see the Houston Gulf Coast chapter being recognized as the ANAC’s chapter of the year – now for the second time in our group’s history. With our membership continuing to grow, we are as strong as ever,” Hardwicke says. “Through continuing education, networking, and scholarship, we aim to be inclusive of all healthcare professionals interested in HIV/AIDS care. These efforts help ensure our local representation of nurses are the strongest advocates, clinicians, researchers, and educators in the county in the field of HIV.”
Nominate a Nurse of the Week! Every Wednesday, DailyNurse.com features a nurse making a difference in the lives of their patients, students, and colleagues. We encourage you to nominate a nurse who has impacted your life as the next Nurse of the Week, and we’ll feature them online and in our weekly newsletter.
