Georgetown Doctoral Student Receives ‘Forty Under 40’ Award from National Association of Hispanic Nurses

November 23, 2021 – Last week, Georgetown doctoral student Felipe Santoyo-Cuellar (G’23) received a ‘Forty Under 40’ Award during the annual conference of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses in San Juan, Puerto Rico. 

Santoyo-Cuellar, who is enrolled in the post-master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice Program, explained that the award recognizes his work in Phoenix, AZ, to challenge “the social determinants of health among the underserved and underinsured.”

“This is a collaboration I am co-leading with the [association] along with my health care institution in creating education in Spanish that is utilized to increase health promotion and awareness and decrease the knowledge gaps among the LatinX community,” he said. 

‘A Strong Passion’

Santoyo-Cuellar began his nursing career at the Mayo Clinic Arizona as a part of a residency program for newly graduated registered nurses. 

While there, he has worked on the cardiovascular progressive care unit, as well as served on the telemetry unit as a clinical nurse supervisor. To gain experience in critical care, he is now working in intensive care. Additionally, his committee participation has focused on quality care, research, nursing knowledge and innovations, and wound-ostomy resources. 

Santoyo-Cuellar said that he is “really enjoying” his Georgetown doctoral education.

“I hold a strong passion for health equity, social justice, and a commitment to serving our communities,” he explained. “These traits correlate with the mission, vision, and values that are evident through the nursing programs at Georgetown University. Also, my professors have all been amazing and helpful throughout my journey.”

Association Participation

Santoyo-Cuellar has greatly valued his four-year participation in the Phoenix chapter of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses, for which he currently serves as education chair.

“NAHN has a strong focus on improving patient outcomes and helping the underserved communities throughout the United States,” he said, noting its goals of “volunteerism, education, leadership, and caring acts” to address the social determinants of health. 

He added, “NAHN has been a major influence on my nursing career and the desire to help those who need a voice.”

Population Health

As he progresses through Georgetown’s program, Santoyo-Cuellar seeks to add to his experiences as a leader with the goal of improving the health and well-being of individuals and communities.

“I am hoping to achieve a strong growth in leadership skills through Georgetown’s robust DNP Program,” he noted. “This will help refine my current knowledge and will increase opportunities in leadership, academia, and population health.”

By Bill Cessato