Nursing is a notoriously laborious profession, physically, mentally and emotionally. It takes an especially capable and hard-working individual to excel in the field, and Dr. Jacqueline Ambush more than meets these requirements. As Maryland’s first solo pediatric nurse practitioner, her story is powerful in its message of commitment to one’s community and future generations. In breaking down barriers, Dr. Ambush has proven her leadership and dedication to pediatric health care.
Accomplishments and Overcoming Challenges
As both a woman and a person of color in America, Dr. Ambush was predisposed to facing challenges. She has also contended with a seizure disorder since she was in high school, creating an additional obstacle to her success. This ailment prevented her from finishing a pre-med program in college, so she took up nursing instead, discovering her passion in the ICU working with children. Dr. Ambush earned a master’s degree in nursing at Lehman College in 1992.
Although Dr. Ambush continued to face troubles involving her disorder, taking her out of her schooling for some time, she persevered and earned a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from Chatham University in 2018.
During her time away from college, Dr. Ambush founded the Ambush Pediatrics and Family Medical Clinic in Baltimore, becoming one of Maryland’s first solo pediatric nurse practitioners to enter a solo private practice in the state. Here, she seeks to assist underprivileged individuals and communities in her area, emphasizing the value of connecting with other people out of compassion and love for one another.
The practice has been in operation for 10 years. In addition to taking care of the needs of local children, it also provides support to adults and the geriatric population through services like psychiatry and substance abuse assistance. Dr. Ambush and her staff of seven aim to expand these services further over the next several years to be more comprehensive and accessible.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Now having established herself and her business in her community, Dr. Ambush seeks to mentor and inspire the next generation of healthcare workers. “The biggest thing I want to do with every platform is understand the power of the human spirit,” she explains. “The human spirit is one that will surpass everything and anything. I want to be an inspiration to others, letting my story ignite their own passion for caring.”
When asked about what she attributes her success and subsequent mentorship to, Dr. Ambush stated that God served as her inspiration for becoming a nurse, in no small part because she was also able to mother two children, whom she says are her most notable achievements and greatest passion.
Dr. Ambush’s passion for the community remains the driving force behind her work. She is committed to providing health care of the highest quality to her patients. Dr. Ambush cares deeply for her family, community, and co-workers. As she continues in her practice, she hopes to inspire others to have the same deep feeling of compassion and caring in whatever they do.
About Marquis Who’s Who®
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who’s Who in America®, Marquis Who’s Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion, and entertainment. Who’s Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians, and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who’s Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.
