PHILADELPHIA — The Fellowship of The College of Physicians of Philadelphia on Friday elected the first nurse practitioner to its ranks: Sandra Ryan, Walgreens' Take Care Health Systems chief nurse practitioner officer and clinical advocate.

“Through [Ryan's] leadership, she has demonstrated commitment to enhancing the role that nursing can play in the future of health care,” stated George Wohlreich, director and CEO and the Thomas W. Langfitt Chair. “Through her dedication and advocacy, she’s benefitted nurses and nurse practitioners by opening doors to new opportunities, helped to reinforce the value of a collaborative healthcare team to take care of a patient and increased access for patients to receive high-quality, convenient health care.”

One-of-6 founding officers of Take Care Health Systems and a founding board member of the Convenient Care Association, Ryan was the first chief nurse practitioner officer in the convenient care industry. She has paved the way for the nursing profession and nursing leadership within the evolving and growing industry. Ryan has helped develop and implement clinical standards and evidenced-based guidelines delivered by operators in this retail-based setting.