Teresa Judge-Ellis

Teresa Judge-Ellis serves as an Associate Professor (Clinical) at the College of Nursing at the University of Iowa, where she brings over three decades of extensive nursing experience to her role. Her career is distinguished by her dual board certification as a nurse practitioner in both family practice and psychiatry-mental health, a testament to her comprehensive expertise in these fields. With a particular focus on integrated care, Judge-Ellis has dedicated much of her practice to rural health settings, where she adeptly combines primary care and psychiatry to address the complex needs of individuals grappling with serious mental illnesses and substance use disorders. Judge-Ellis is deeply committed to addressing the challenges posed by the fragmented healthcare system, particularly for vulnerable populations. Her advocacy for healthcare reform is driven by a passion to bridge existing gaps and improve access to quality care for those most in need. Her efforts in this area are complemented by her active involvement in research, where she has made significant contributions to the fields of cultural competence and the elimination of health disparities. Her leadership in these areas has been recognized through several prestigious awards. In addition to her academic and clinical pursuits, Judge-Ellis is a Fellow in the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, an honor that underscores her commitment to advancing the profession. She also shares her knowledge and expertise as an associate lecturer for Fitzgerald Health Education Associates, Inc., where she plays a vital role in educating the next generation of healthcare professionals. Her work is characterized by a holistic approach to healthcare, emphasizing the importance of integrating mental health services with primary care to provide comprehensive support for patients. Through her research and practice, Judge-Ellis continues to influence the field of nursing, advocating for innovative solutions to improve healthcare delivery and outcomes, particularly in underserved rural communities. Judge-Ellis's dedication to her field and her patients is evident in her ongoing efforts to promote cultural competence and reduce health disparities. Her work not only impacts the immediate communities she serves but also contributes to broader discussions on healthcare reform and the future of nursing practice.