Mercy’s Pat McMullen, CRNP, Recognized by AANP for Outstanding Contributions in State of Maryland

Patricia C. McMullen, PhD, JD, CRNP, FAANP, FAAN, a certified nurse practitioner with Mercy Physicians at Annapolis, a satellite site of Mercy Medical Center’s women’s health center of excellence, has been awarded the 2026 American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) State Award for Outstanding Contributions for Maryland.  

As stated by the AANP, “This award honors individuals who have made significant strides in advancing health care through practice, education, advocacy, research and leadership (PEARL), and have demonstrated efforts to advance the image, profile and visibility of nurse practitioners (NPs).” 

“Each of these honorees exemplifies the very best of our profession,” said AANP President Dr. Valerie Fuller, PhD, DNP. “Their dedication to advancing patient care, strengthening our communities, and elevating the role of nurse practitioners is truly inspiring. AANP is proud to recognize their leadership and the meaningful difference they make every day.”

Over the years, AANP’s state-level awards have evolved to reflect the full scope of nurse practitioners’ impact. Today, the AANP State Awards for Outstanding Contributions honor one individual per state whose exemplary clinical care, advocacy, and leadership have strengthened the NP profession and improved the health of communities nationwide. These awards celebrate the extraordinary dedication of NPs and advocates who go above and beyond to advance patient-centered care and elevate the nursing profession.

Award recipients will be honored for this achievement at the Salute to the States Award Ceremony on June 26, 2026, at the 2026 AANP National Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada. 

About Patricia McMullen

Patricia McMullen, PhD, JD, CNS, CRNP, is a certified nurse practitioner with Mercy Physicians at Annapolis. She obtained her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the University of Maryland School of Nursing, her juris doctor from the University of Baltimore School of Law,  and her PhD in nursing from The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC, where she currently serves as dean for the School of Nursing. 

Dr. McMullen holds numerous academic achievements and honors, including the Gold Interprofessional Humanism in Health Award from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing and the Arnold P. Gold Foundation. In her role at Mercy, Dr. McMullen treats a range of gynecologic conditions and performs routine well-woman care and examinations.