Galik Named Recipient of American Association of Nurse Practitioners 2021 State Award for Excellence

Baltimore, Md. – Elizabeth Galik, PhD ’07, CRNP, FAAN, FAANP, professor and chair, Department of Organizational Systems and Adult Health, University of Maryland School of Nursing, has been named the Maryland nurse practitioner (NP) recipient of the 2021 American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) State Award for Excellence.

“I am honored to be recognized by AANP for my clinical practice with older adults,” Galik said. “I am grateful to the wonderful patients, families, and colleagues that I have had the pleasure to work with in my career. My clinical practice continues to serve as the foundation and inspiration for my role as an educator and nurse scientist.” 

Established in 1991, the State Awards for Excellence annually recognize outstanding achievements by one NP and one NP advocate in each state. The State Award for Excellence for NPs is given to those who demonstrate excellence in clinical practice. Recipients will be honored during the AANP National Conference, taking place virtually on June 15.

In addition to her role as professor, Galik serves as a nurse practitioner who specializes in the medical and neuropsychiatric care of older adults with dementia. She teaches in the Doctor of Nursing Practice Adult-Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner specialty and conducts research designed to optimize function and physical activity and to effectively manage behavioral symptoms among older adults with dementia. Through a clinical practice with the Sheppard Pratt health system, she provides patient care to older adults and their caregivers in long-term care communities. In addition, she has developed a house call practice for dementia symptom management. 

“We congratulate Dr. Galik on this important honor; it is a true testament to the caliber of the care she provides as a nurse practitioner,” said Jane Kirschling, PhD, RN, FAAN, the Bill and Joanne Conway Dean of the University of Maryland School of Nursing. “Dr. Galik’s clinical excellence is guided by her research and that of others, illustrating the important connection between nursing research and implementation of evidence-based practices that can improve the quality of care. 

The AANP is the largest professional membership organization for NPs of all specialties. It provides legislative leadership at the local, state, and national levels; promotes excellence in practice, education, and research; and establishes standards that best serve NPs’ patients and other health care consumers. 

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The University of Maryland School of Nursing, founded in 1889, is one of the oldest and largest nursing schools in the nation and is ranked among the top nursing schools nationwide. Enrolling nearly 2,100 students in its baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral programs, the School develops leaders who shape the profession of nursing and impact the health care environment.