Yale School of Nursing (YSN) Dean Azita Emami was recently named an honorary fellow of Britain’s Royal College of Nursing. The honor was officially bestowed on Dean Emami at an induction ceremony in Liverpool, England.
Only a small number of honorary fellows from around the globe are named annually. Dean Emami was one of only five this year. The prestigious honorary fellowship honor is “presented to outstanding leaders who are not members of the Royal College of Nursing but have demonstrated significant evidence of an extraordinary contribution to the profession of nursing.”
Many of those contributions were cited in a series of nominating letters that led to Dean Emami’s selection. She has collaborated with leading institutions in the United States, Asia, the United Kingdom as well as Chile, Canada, Sweden, and Iran. Her efforts have advanced the field of nursing through international exchange and knowledge sharing. In particular, she has focused on women's health and well-being, especially among immigrant populations, which led to her being the first nurse inducted into the Immigrant Heritage Hall of Fame.
One of her notable achievements includes pioneering research on the role of music in dementia care. Through rigorous bio-behavioral studies, she demonstrated the powerful therapeutic benefits of music for individuals with dementia, improving their quality of life and well-being. This work has significantly influenced dementia care practices and inspired clinicians and caregivers globally.
“Her highly tuned social conscience and her pursuit for social justice has shaped her private and professional lives. She is a passionate advocate for inclusion and healthcare equity. She has tirelessly worked to improve access to healthcare for marginalized populations, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Her initiatives have resulted in increased access, improved health outcomes, and a more equitable distribution of healthcare resources.”
The Royal College of Nursing, in honoring Dean Emami
“The Royal College of Nursing is one of the world’s leading nursing organizations,” said Dean Emami. “I’m very honored to be recognized in this way by my British colleagues.”
The Royal College of Nursing was founded in 1916 as the College of Nursing and received its royal charter in 1928. Queen Elizabeth II was the patron until her death in 2022. King Charles III continued the royal connection and became patron in 2024.