Donald H. Bucher earns statewide nurse practitioner award

Donald H. Bucher has received the 2026 American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) State Award for Outstanding Contributions for Pennsylvania.

Presented annually to one nurse practitioner in each state, the award honors individuals who have significantly advanced health care through clinical practice, education, advocacy, research and leadership.

Bucher serves as vice chair of advanced practice in the Department of Medicine at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and as an assistant professor at Penn State College of Medicine. His career reflects more than a decade of clinical excellence combined with sustained leadership at both the institutional and statewide levels.

In addition to his executive leadership role within Penn State Health, Bucher is a former president of the Pennsylvania Coalition of Nurse Practitioners and a longstanding advocate for policies that expand access to high‑quality, equitable care for patients across the Commonwealth.

“This award is very well deserved,” said Dr. Nasr Ghahramani, interim chair of the Department of Medicine. “Dr. Bucher’s recognition closely aligns with Penn State Health’s commitment to delivering local, personal and continuous care — every minute of every hour, every day. His work exemplifies that commitment and the impact advanced practice providers have on patients and our health system.”

Bucher will be formally recognized during the Salute to the States Award Ceremony at the AANP National Conference in June in Las Vegas.

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