Leslie D
Pitts
February 2026
Leslie D
Pitts
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham
,
AL
United States
She volunteers her time, shows up fully for her teams, and never backs down from a challenge.
Leslie Pitts was nominated by two faculty members and a peer in the PhD program and is someone who has redefined what is possible at the intersection of nursing practice, research, leadership, and service. As the School of Nursing’s first-ever dual DNP–PhD student, she has set a new standard for excellence—one that reaches far beyond our institution.
Since June 2024, her faculty advisors have had the privilege of witnessing her unwavering commitment to advancing pediatric endocrine care. She is a certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Endocrine Nurse who leads with purpose on a national stage. Within the Pediatric Endocrine Society, she co-chairs the Advanced Practice Provider Specialty Interest Group and serves on the education committee, helping shape national practice models that improve patient-centered outcomes for children and families across the country.
Her scholarly impact is equally impressive. She has authored multiple first-author publications, including two influential works applying the Social-Ecological Model to bridge research and clinical practice. Her work doesn’t just live on the page—it transforms care. One powerful example is her leadership in developing and implementing a comprehensive healthcare transition program for youth with congenital adrenal hyperplasia, strengthening continuity of care while empowering patients and families through education and advocacy.
Despite an extraordinary workload, she continues to excel. She actively pursues grant funding—and succeeds. She has completed both the Mixed Methods Certificate and the Nurse Educator Certificate. She presents nationally, earns competitive scholarships, and has been recognized with the 2024 Emerging Leader Award. She volunteers her time, shows up fully for her teams, and never backs down from a challenge.
Most importantly, she embodies the core values of the UAB School of Nursing—integrity, excellence, innovation, and compassion. She is a trailblazer, a mentor, a scholar, and a clinician whose work is transforming care for adolescents with complex endocrine conditions and shaping the future of nurse scientists in both practice and research.
Since June 2024, her faculty advisors have had the privilege of witnessing her unwavering commitment to advancing pediatric endocrine care. She is a certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Endocrine Nurse who leads with purpose on a national stage. Within the Pediatric Endocrine Society, she co-chairs the Advanced Practice Provider Specialty Interest Group and serves on the education committee, helping shape national practice models that improve patient-centered outcomes for children and families across the country.
Her scholarly impact is equally impressive. She has authored multiple first-author publications, including two influential works applying the Social-Ecological Model to bridge research and clinical practice. Her work doesn’t just live on the page—it transforms care. One powerful example is her leadership in developing and implementing a comprehensive healthcare transition program for youth with congenital adrenal hyperplasia, strengthening continuity of care while empowering patients and families through education and advocacy.
Despite an extraordinary workload, she continues to excel. She actively pursues grant funding—and succeeds. She has completed both the Mixed Methods Certificate and the Nurse Educator Certificate. She presents nationally, earns competitive scholarships, and has been recognized with the 2024 Emerging Leader Award. She volunteers her time, shows up fully for her teams, and never backs down from a challenge.
Most importantly, she embodies the core values of the UAB School of Nursing—integrity, excellence, innovation, and compassion. She is a trailblazer, a mentor, a scholar, and a clinician whose work is transforming care for adolescents with complex endocrine conditions and shaping the future of nurse scientists in both practice and research.