Katie Atkin Receives National Award for Excellence in Women’s Health Education

(September 24, 2026) — Katie Atkin, DNP, WHNP-BC, ANP-BC, an associate professor at Georgetown University’s Berkley School of Nursing, has received the 2026 Inspiration in Women’s Health: Education Award from the National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health (NPWH). The award was presented Sept. 23 during the 2026 NPWH Annual Women’s Healthcare Conference in Richmond, Va.

The national award recognizes a women’s health nurse practitioner whose dedication, achievements and contributions have strengthened women’s health education and advanced practice nursing. NPWH selected Atkin for her contributions to the profession and her “inspirational presence as an educator.”

At Georgetown, Atkin teaches in the Nurse-Midwifery/Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner programs. Drawing on more than two decades of experience in clinical practice and education, she develops teaching approaches that prepare students to provide evidence-based, equitable and patient-centered perinatal, sexual and reproductive health care.

“I am deeply honored to receive the Inspiration in Women’s Health Award from NPWH, an organization that has played a foundational role in shaping my career as both a clinician and an educator,” said Atkin. “Mentoring future midwives and WHNPs [women’s health nurse practitioner] remains the highlight of my career. I am constantly inspired to see my students carry their passion into their future clinical practice, and watching them step forward to lead, innovate, and transform the healthcare landscape fills me with immense pride and gratitude. I am deeply thankful to NPWH for this award and for its commitment to elevating our profession.”

“Dr. Atkin is an extraordinary educator, mentor, and leader, and I am absolutely thrilled to see her receive the NPWH Inspiration in Women’s Health: Education Award,” said Roberta Waite, EdD, RN, PMHCNS, ANEF, FADLN, FAAN, Berkley School of Nursing Dean. “She has a remarkable ability to make students feel seen, supported, and inspired while challenging them to reach for excellence. Her passion for women’s health and her commitment to the WHNP profession are evident in everything she does. Dr. Atkin is helping to shape not only exceptional nurse practitioners, but also the future of women’s health care. This honor is a beautiful reflection of the impact she has on her students, her colleagues, and the profession.

A board-certified women’s health and adult nurse practitioner, Atkin has practiced since 2010 at Beth Israel Deaconess Plymouth Obstetrics, Gynecology and Midwifery, where she has also served as a preceptor to nurse practitioner and midwifery students. She is co-director of the hospital’s OB Patient Safety Program, designing and leading interdisciplinary simulations to strengthen patient safety, teamwork and clinical outcomes.

Her areas of clinical expertise include complex contraceptive management, abnormal cervical cancer screening results, abnormal uterine bleeding and care during the menopausal transition. Her academic interests also include the effects of climate and environmental health on women and pregnant people, particularly their role in maternal and infant health disparities.

Atkin earned her BSN from Georgetown, her master’s degree from New York University and her DNP from the MGH Institute of Health Professions.

Atkin is the second Georgetown nursing faculty member in as many years to receive the education award. Ella Heitzler, PhD, WHNP-BC, FNP-BC, RNC-OB, FNPWH, received the honor in 2025, reflecting the national leadership of Georgetown faculty in preparing women’s health nurse practitioners.