Baptist names 2025 Advanced Practice Provider of the Year

MEMPHIS, Tenn., Sept. 23, 2025–Baptist Memorial Health Care recognized Richard Keenan Jr. as Advanced Practice Provider of the Year at Baptist’s annual Advanced Practice Provider Conference on Sept.19. 

Kennan is an advanced practice nurse lead and board-certified family nurse practitioner with Baptist Medical Group-Collierville General Surgery. Colleagues nominated him for his compassionate, high-quality care. His attention to detail, calm demeanor and ability to connect with patients have made him a trusted and respected provider who plays an instrumental role in training medical students in general surgery.

“It is my honor to congratulate Richard Keenan Jr. as Baptist’s Advanced Practice Provider of the Year,” said Justin Rhodes, vice president and CEO of Baptist Medical Group and Connected Care. “Advanced practice providers, such as Richard, are vital to Baptist Memorial Health Care and provide exceptional patient care. I’m proud to celebrate the contributions of advanced practice providers throughout the Baptist network and commend them for their dedication and excellence.”

Baptist presents the APP Award annually during APP Week to advanced practice providers, such as nurse practitioners, certified nurse midwives, clinical nurse specialists, certified registered nurse anesthetists, or physician assistants who demonstrate excellence in promoting positive change in the nursing practice environment. APP Week is celebrated annually the fourth week in September, and Baptist recognizes team members at a one-day event designed to educate, inspire and celebrate local APP providers who ensure patients and communities receive safe, high-quality care.

Baptist Memorial Health Care is one of the country’s largest not-for-profit health care systems and the largest provider of Medicaid in the region. Consistently ranking among the top integrated health care networks in the country, Baptist Memorial comprises 23 affiliate hospitals in West Tennessee, North and Central Mississippi and East Arkansas; a freestanding emergency department; more than 6,000 affiliated physicians; Baptist Medical Group, a multispecialty physician group with more than 1,100 providers; Baptist Cancer Center; home, hospice and psychiatric care; walk-in and urgent care clinics; a network of surgery, rehabilitation and other outpatient centers; and an education system that includes Baptist Health Sciences University and a college of osteopathic medicine. Baptist employs more than 22,000 people, and in fiscal year 2023 contributed more than $465 million in community benefit and uncompensated care to the communities it serves. For more information, visit www.baptistonline.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.com.

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