State Liaison Candidate
Campaign Message
I am thrilled to announce my candidacy for Georgia State Liaison. With 27 years of clinical experience and serving as the VP of Clinical Operations at LocumTenens.com, I am deeply committed to advancing the role of nurse practitioners. As your current Georgia State Liaison, I have remained dedicated to championing the interests of our profession at the state level and on the national stage. Through active engagement in legislative initiatives, policy discussions, and collaborative forums, I have worked to raise the voice of our members and advocate for meaningful advancements that impact our local communities and the broader healthcare landscape. My service in this role has strengthened my resolve to amplify our platform, ensuring that the unique needs of Georgia s nurse practitioners are represented and that our state remains at the forefront of innovation and influence. Together, we can achieve remarkable progress for our profession and the communities we serve.
Bio Sketch
Dr. Pamela Ograbisz serves as the Vice President of Clinical Operations at LocumTenens.com and LT Telehealth, where she plays a key role in shaping the organization s telehealth strategy, expanding advanced practice provider (APP) programs, and leading legislative advocacy efforts. With a strong foundation in clinical care and health policy, she works across both strategic and operational domains to champion APP rights, enhance access to virtual care, and ensure compliance with evolving healthcare regulations. Her expertise enables clients and providers to implement and scale critical medical programs using evidence-based best practices and deliver consistent high-quality treatments across diverse populations. Dr. Ograbisz has 27 years of clinical experience and has developed APP and Telehealth programs for hospitals and clinics launching innovative initiatives across 60+ specialty lines. As the current Georgia State Liaison, she champions full practice authority in one of the most highly regulated states in the country. Dr. Ograbisz specializes in cardiothoracic surgery and internal medicine. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from George Mason University and was named a Mason Scholar. Her Master of Science as a Family Nurse Practitioner was completed at Old Dominion University, and her Doctorate obtained at Augusta University/Medical College of Georgia.
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing NPs in the delivery of health care over the next decade? How should AANP address this issue to support NPs and the populations they serve?
One of the greatest challenges for nurse practitioners over the next decade is overcoming legislative and regulatory barriers that restrict full practice authority. These obstacles limit professional autonomy and contribute to healthcare disparities, especially in rural and underserved areas. AANP should strengthen its advocacy by working with stakeholders, educating policymakers, and mobilizing grassroots efforts to advance full practice legislation nationwide. Additionally, AANP must expand public awareness of our impacts on patient outcomes and support research demonstrating the value of NP-led care. Through these strategies, AANP can empower nurse practitioners and improve access to high-quality healthcare for all communities.
Describe, in detail, leadership and other professional skills that you will bring to AANP and provide at least one initiative or outcome that occurred because of these skills.
I bring strong strategic leadership, communication, and mentorship skills, with a focus on advancing patient outcomes and fostering collaboration. Notably, I led the implementation of Puerto Rico s first critical care telehealth program with the U.S. Army Telemedicine & Advanced Technology Research Center during COVID-19, coordinating a multidisciplinary team to provide 24/7 care. By introducing evidence-based practices and supporting local staff, we achieved a 75% reduction in death rates and enabled the medical team to transition to independent practice. This experience reflects my commitment to innovation, teamwork, and improving care for diverse populations; skills I will leverage to further AANP s mission.
Identify one major challenge that could impact your ability to fulfill the responsibilities of the position you are seeking. How do you plan to manage this challenge to be successful?
The main challenge I may face in fulfilling this role is balancing my responsibilities as a healthcare executive alongside AANP commitments. To overcome this, I will implement effective time management strategies by dedicating regular periods to AANP duties and using digital tools for streamlined communication. Collaboration and mentorship with colleagues will help me stay informed and supported. Through proactive planning, goal setting, and ongoing self-reflection, I can remain accountable and manage both roles successfully. I am confident that a structured approach and commitment to service will enable me to meet the demands required in this position.
AANP’s mission is to empower all NPs to advance accessible, person-centered, equitable, high-quality health care for diverse communities through practice, education, advocacy, research, and leadership. If elected, how do you propose to advance AANP's mission and strategic plan?
If elected, I will advance AANP s mission by advocating for equitable, patient-centered care and expanding nurse practitioner visibility. I will focus on strengthening NP-led care in underserved communities through legislative support for full practice authority, fostering culturally competent education, and promoting diversity in the NP workforce. Prioritizing engagement in policy, advocacy, and supporting nurse practitioners at all stages is essential. I will represent Georgia members and advocate for resources that enable high-quality care across a multitude of settings. With a focus on inclusion, professional autonomy, and improved outcomes, I am committed to advancing AANP s strategic plan and mission.