FEBRUARY 12-15, 2025 | HAWAIʻI CONVENTION CENTER, HONOLULU, HI

FEBRUARY 12-15, 2025
HAWAIʻI CONVENTION CENTER, HONOLULU, HI



APP Lifetime Achievement Award

Sameeya Ahmed-Winston, CPNP, CPHON, BMTCN
Sameeya Ahmed-Winston, CPNP, CPHON, BMTCN

Award Recipient: Sameeya Ahmed-Winston, CPNP, CPHON, BMTCN, pediatric nurse practitioner with the Blood and Marrow Transplantation Program and team lead for the advanced practice providers for the Divisions of Allergy/Immunology, Blood and Marrow Transplantation, and Rheumatology, Children’s National Hospital

Awards Session: (APP) SIG Updates & Lifetime Achievement Award, 8 a.m. on Feb. 13, Room 313 ABC

What was your reaction to finding out you were the recipient of this award? 

“I was truly surprised and deeply honored to learn that I had been chosen as the recipient of the APP Lifetime Achievement Award. It was an incredibly humbling moment, and I felt immense gratitude for being recognized by such a prestigious organization. To receive this award is a testament to the support of colleagues, mentors, and peers who have been with me along the way. It’s a privilege to have contributed to the field in a meaningful way, and this recognition makes all the effort worthwhile.”

How did you first become interested in transplantation and cellular and gene therapy? 

“I first became interested in transplantation and cellular and gene therapy almost by chance. I started my career as a bedside nurse in 2002, and at that time, I honestly had no idea what being a stem cell transplant nurse entailed. When I graduated from nursing school, my initial goal was to work in neonatology, but there were no positions available at the time. So, I decided to take a chance on the blood marrow transplantation (BMT) unit at Duke University Hospital, and that’s where my journey began. I quickly found myself drawn to the complexity and the potential of cellular therapies, and over time, I became deeply passionate about the field. It’s been a rewarding path that I never could have anticipated when I first started, but I’m so grateful for the opportunity to contribute to such a groundbreaking area of healthcare.”

What do you consider your greatest achievement in the field as an APP? 

“One of my greatest achievements as an APP has been the opportunity to mentor and precept the next generations of nurses. Working with such a complex patient population can be incredibly difficult with many ups and downs. The emotional and physical challenges for both patients and caregivers are significant, and it takes a deep commitment to navigate those difficulties. Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to have had many incredible mentors who have shaped me into the provider I am today. I believe it’s essential to give back what I received, and mentorship has become a core focus of my work. Guiding and supporting newer nurses and APPs as they grow in their careers has been incredibly fulfilling, and it’s something I’m proud to contribute to the future of nursing and healthcare.”

What excites you most about the field and opportunities for APPs today? 

“What excites me most about the field today is how much the role of APPs has evolved, particularly in the past 10 years. We are now more independent and increasingly utilized in the care of complex patient populations. In the transplant field, this has opened up so many new opportunities for APPs, allowing us to be involved in areas like research, quality improvement, education, and mentorship — far beyond just bedside care. This holistic approach enables us to not only manage the medical aspects of patient care but also to contribute to their overall well-being, addressing psychological, emotional, and social needs. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how much progress has been made in recognizing the value of APPs, and I’m excited to be part of a field that continues to expand and offer such diverse opportunities for growth and impact.”

What advice do you have for someone just getting started in the field? 

“My advice for someone just getting started in the field is to give yourself grace. Being a new nurse or APP in the field of transplantation is incredibly difficult, and it’s normal to feel overwhelmed at times. Allow yourself time to read up on concepts you’re not familiar with and never hesitate to ask questions — there’s so much to learn, and curiosity will be your greatest asset. It’s also crucial to set up boundaries and prioritize work-life balance to prevent burnout. Taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your patients. Lastly, I highly encourage joining various professional organizations and attending conferences. These opportunities will allow you to network, learn from others, and stay connected to the broader community of professionals who can offer support and guidance along your journey.”

REGISTER TODAY FOR THE TANDEM MEETINGS

There’s still time to join the 2025 Tandem Meetings | Transplantation & Cellular Therapy Meetings of ASTCT® and CIBMTR® in Honolulu, Feb. 12-15. Registered attendees will have access to on-demand recordings of sessions.