Spotlight on My Journey: Shaping Healthcare with Passion and Expertise

By Dr. Roxanne Spurlark, DNP, APRN-FPA, FNP-C

In the realm of healthcare, my journey has been one of innovation, dedication, and leadership, which is held as a testament to over three decades of commitment to enhancing patient care and healthcare standards. As a doctorally prepared and nationally board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with full practice authority, my path has been shaped by a relentless pursuit of excellence in clinical practice, leadership, and advocacy. Having over 60,000 hours in healthcare delivery and elevating team performances, it is a pleasure to be here with you to share what is new and promising as we navigate the new beginnings after the pandemic.

Holding a Doctorate in Nursing Practice with a specialty in healthcare systems leadership, I've been privileged to lead advocacy and policy development efforts, driving the sustainability of healthcare organizations at both the local and national levels. My full practice authority as a nurse practitioner positions me to operate independently and has empowered me to deliver comprehensive care to my patients, from conducting in-depth assessments to crafting and managing detailed treatment plans, always prioritizing their well-being and health outcomes.

My blend of education and experience have put me in a unique position to help shape the future of healthcare, not just in treating patients one-on-one but also in making bigger changes that affect entire communities from an impact that is inclusive. I can see a patient, figure out what they need, and create a plan to help them feel better, always making their health and happiness my top priority.

My work also extends beyond clinical care arena into research, legal consultation, and a deep commitment to serving underserved communities though mindset and resilience coaching. Employing a qualitative, exploratory approach in my research, I've highlighted best practices as it relates to complex healthcare issues, offering answers that make impact in real world settings. As a Nurse Legal Consultant, I bridge nursing and law, guiding legal matters and shaping policies to promote zero-error environments. Born and raised on the south side of Chicago in the Bronzeville community, I've focused my efforts on providing emergency services through safety net organizations and primary care in my independent practice, empowering individuals that share my same humble beginnings to take control of their health.

I'm really excited about what's ahead of us. My mission is to ensure that healthcare is equitable, comprehensive and rooted in community well-being and this is a ripe time for innovation. There are so many opportunities to keep making healthcare better for everyone, and I'm here for it all.