Becoming a fellow of a professional membership organization is an honor reserved exclusively for the most senior scholars. Not to be confused with a post-graduate residency/fellowship program, fellow status is an honorary, competitive process for which applicants/nominees must detail their achievements and show a substantial amount of work that has enriched their profession.

Designation as a fellow can lead to novel work collaboration, mentorship experiences that cultivate leadership, influence in policy change and substantial career growth. The title indicates prestige and often offers the recipient the chance to do something exceptional in a particular field of interest. Advantages include exposure to invaluable professional networks, and engagement in challenging and varied work as an expert and thought leader.

Each year, APPex and its Board awards a highly select, special, and small group of fellows, recognizing individuals in honor of their extraordinary contributions to advanced practice leadership.