Urology San Antonio nurse practitioner Peggy P. Francis won the 2010 State Award for Nurse Practitioner Excellence from the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.

The award, founded in 1991, recognizes a nurse practitioner from each state who demonstrates excellence in clinical practice, research, education or community affairs. The AANP will honor Francis during its 25th National Conference being held June 23-27 in Phoenix.

Francis directs Urology San Antonio’s Center for Urinary Control and co-directs its Center for Female Sexual Medicine. She provides diagnostic testing and non-surgical treatments for pelvic health problems including bladder leakage, pelvic pain and female sexual dysfunction.

As a healthcare provider and patient advocate, Francis champions health issues that many people find too embarrassing to discuss. She regularly leads community seminars to educate individuals about the availability of treatments for their disorders. Francis also shares her expertise with healthcare professionals by lecturing at local, regional and national conferences.

Francis is passionate about advanc¬ing the field of nursing. She serves as a preceptor and mentor for students pursuing advanced nursing degrees and certifications. She is on the board of San Antonio Nurses in Advanced Practice as well as a member of nine other state and national professional organizations.

Francis is certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and American Nurse’s Credentialing Center. She holds additional certification in Gynecologic and Reproductive Health Care and as a Menopause Clinician from the National Certification Corporation.

She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas at Arlington in 1980. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing and Family Nurse Practitioner certificate from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio in 1997. In May 2008 she earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice from Case Western Reserve University.

Urology San Antonio was established in 1996. It is the largest urology practice in South Texas, with 27 physicians, approximately 200 employees and eight clinic locations. Its doctors diagnose and treat disorders and diseases of the urinary system as well as concerns about sexual wellness. www.urologysanantonio.com

The AANP was founded in 1985 and is the oldest and largest national professional association for nurse practitioners of all specialties. It provides national representation and advocacy for 135,000 nurse practitioners. www.aanp.org