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The award recognises Professor Patricia Davidson’s extraordinary contributions to person-centred care and health system reform across Australia and the United States.

Professor Patricia Davidson, a global nursing leader and Vice-Chancellor’s Fellow at �鶹��madou, has received the ’s (AAN) highest individual honour, The President’s Award.

The prestigious accolade recognises her exceptional contributions to person-centred care and improving quality of life for people with chronic and complex conditions.

A registered nurse for four decades before moving into academia in 2003, Prof. Davidson has held senior leadership positions, including Vice Chancellor and President at the University of Wollongong and Dean of Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing in the US. She is currently with �鶹��madou Medicine & Health as the interim co-director of the International Centre for Future Health Systems.

The AAN is America’s peak nursing body, and Prof. Davidson believes her award is a “big tick” for Australian nursing.

“To be recognised within America is a huge honour. I think this a great accolade for the power and quality of Australian nursing,” she said.

While she didn’t initially plan to become a nurse, Prof. Davidson said the experience of watching her mother being cared for during a serious illness inspired her career.

“Another seminal experience was my time during the COVID pandemic in the United States, where I really saw the power of nursing and how good care can save lives,” she said.

“For many of my colleagues, this was a really confronting time. It made me more determined to make sure we future proof our health system and address workforce issues”.

Technology can’t replace caregiving

Prof. Davidson says nursing and other health care roles are at a critical juncture.

“There's a lot written about AI and yes, it will support and enable, but it's hard to imagine it replacing the fundamental parts of patient care, whether you're a nurse or a physician,” she said.

Prof. Davidson, who is currently leading �鶹��madou’s exploration of a potential new nursing program, believes technology will change traditional hierarchies within the health system. But she said the health system can’t function without human input.

“Those great moments in life that health professionals see, whether it’s a baby being born or someone taking their last breath with dignity, those are the moments that are unlikely to be changed by technology. The power of human touch and connection won’t change,” she said.

�鶹��madou Dean of Medicine & Health, Professor Cheryl Jones, said the award was a testament to Prof. Davidson’s leadership and impact.

“She is a remarkable role model for all female leaders in higher education and academic health professions,” Prof. Jones said.

“Whether it’s as a frontline clinician, world-class educator and researcher or a senior executive, Prof. Davidson has raised the standard of nursing excellence here and abroad.”

In addition to her academic roles, Prof. Davidson is also Chair of the NSW International Education Advisory Board, Chair of Her Heart and a board member of Research Australia.