The University of Cincinnati's own Suzie Newell, an assistant professor at the College of Nursing, has recently secured a prestigious recognition from the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology — she's been named Clinical Instructor of the Year, as reported by UC's news release. Newell, who boasts an impressive two-decade career excelling in obstetric anesthesia, will receive her award at the 2026 EDGE Conference, hosted by the AANA from February 4-7 in Louisville, Kentucky.
With her Doctor of Nursing Practice from the University of Cincinnati, Newell's taken her expertise beyond the operating room extending her influence into the realms of advocacy, policy, and leadership development, but it did not stop there—she's also delving into mental health, co-founding the Society of Obstetric Nurse Anesthesiology and Research and championing issues paramount to nurse anesthesiology both within and outside of the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology. In a statement Newell shared with the online healthcare publication Becker's ACS Review, according to UC News, she elucidates her work: "My work in the heart of the opioid crisis with people in women's health on labor and delivery units allowed me to take my history in peer support and mental health spaces and combine it with my clinical work creating an online program for women with substance use disorder called Recovery Path for Mothers and Others."
Newell's academic pursuits reflect a commitment to tackling the more complex challenges of healthcare — an aspect mirrored in her research exploring neuroscience, wellness, substance use disorder, and leadership. “I am interested in the neuroscience behind coping mechanisms, wellness, substance use disorder, depth psychology, leadership, and creative evidence-based solutions to the underlying problems in health care,” Newell elaborates in the UC news release. Her inclination towards addressing the intricacies of healthcare is evident in the holistic approach she advocates for both in academia and practice.
The distinction that she is due to receive not only acknowledges Newell's contribution to the field but also shines a light on the innovative strides being made within the University of Cincinnati's College of Nursing. The institution has once again risen in prominence by having one of its own recognized for outstanding educational excellence. For those wanting to learn more about Professor Newell's work and impact, more information can be found directly on UC's website.
