MacLachlan named a fellow of American College Health Association

Monday, June 16, 2008, By News Staff

Matthew R. Snyder
313 443 7082

Kathleen MacLachlan, a certified nurse practitioner with Syracuse University Health Services, has been named a fellow of the American College Health Association (ACHA).

The title of ACHA Fellow is the highest honor in college health, and it has been bestowed upon fewer than 200 exemplary professionals over its 40-year history. The fellow designation recognizes individuals who have demonstrated superior professional stature and performance in the college health field, plus outstanding service to ACHA. MacLachlan will be honored during the organization’s annual meeting this month in Orlando, Fla.

MacLachlan has been a registered nurse since 1966, and joined SU Health Services in 1982 as a staff nurse. She earned a master’s degree in nursing and became certified as a nurse practitioner in 1989. Throughout her career, MacLachlan has specialized in women’s health, and has expanded her practice to include special skills in men’s health in recent years.

“Kathy’s primary identity is that of a clinician, and her clinical skills and patient advocacy are regarded with great respect by both peers and patients,” says James Jacobs, SU’s director of health services. “She is in fact a ‘go-to’ resource for most of the other providers and nurses on our staff. She is a trusted colleague and friend, and epitomizes the University’s institutional vision of Scholarship in Action.”

MacLachlan has been the chair or co-chair of Health Services’ Professional Development Committee since 1992 and has been the driving force behind Health Services’ annual Teaching Days, three days each January in which continuing education credit-bearing didactic sessions through ACHA are offered to all members of the Health Services’ staff. She also provides didactic sessions for peer educators in SU’s Sexual Assault Support Services.

MacLachan previously served on the nursing faculties at both SU and the State University of New York Health Science Center. She has been a member of the New York State College Health Association (NYSCHA) since 1987 and served on the executive board continuously since 1990, including currently holding her second term as NYSCHA president. She was honored by NYSCHA in 2005 with the Vincent J. Lamparella Award. She has been a member of ACHA since 1988 and has held leadership positions with the organization continuously since 1997.