Heather French

Board-certified nurse practitioner with 15+ years of advanced clinical experience across trauma surgery, acute care surgery, critical care, hospital medicine, and hospice. Experienced in clinical quality improvement, evidence-based practice, guideline development, case review, clinical documentation, and multidisciplinary collaboration. Strong ability to analyze complex clinical scenarios, assess the accuracy and appropriateness of clinical information, identify gaps or inconsistencies, and communicate clear, clinically defensible recommendations.

Brings an MBA and extensive experience translating clinical evidence into practical workflows—skills directly applicable to evaluating, refining, and improving AI-generated healthcare content.

Nurse Practitioner, PRN at Inspire Hospice (2025-08 – Present)

• Perform face-to-face assessments and clinical evaluations for determination of continued hospice eligibility.
• Review clinical status, functional decline, diagnoses, documentation, and disease trajectory to support evidence-based eligibility determinations.
• Communicate concise clinical findings and recommendations to hospice interdisciplinary teams.

Trauma Acute Care Surgery — Director of Quality at Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center (2024-02 – 2025-11)

• Led clinical quality activities within Trauma & Acute Care Surgery, applying evidence-based standards to patient care processes and outcomes. Active clinical reviewer and provider during American College of Surgeons Trauma Verification process. Achieved Level I Verification.
• Primary author of Emergency General Surgery clinical practice guidelines
• Conducted clinical case reviews and Trauma Quality Improvement Program (TQIP) data review to identify opportunities for improvement
• Participated in surgical site infection review and writing/editing of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) order sets.
• Collaborated with surgeons, advanced practice providers, nursing, and other disciplines to translate clinical evidence into standardized workflows.

Trauma Surgery / Wellstar TACS Service — Nurse Practitioner at Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center (2012-03 – Present)

• Provide advanced clinical care for complex trauma patients, including SICU and trauma-floor rounds, consultations, procedures, wound care, and interdisciplinary coordination.
• Served as Geriatric Trauma Liaison (Feb 2024–Nov 2025), Credentialing Committee APP Representative (Jun 2020–Jun 2023), and APP Lead (2015–2020).
• Participated in MCE, Trauma Committee, Trauma Policy Subcommittee, and Trauma Staff meetings; contributed to policy, education, and quality initiatives.
• Physician Leadership Academy graduate (Jan 2020–Jul 2020) and Surgery Department Chair / APP Leadership Board member (Jun 2012–2015).

Emergency General Surgery / Wellstar TACS Service — Nurse Practitioner at Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center (2018-06 – Present)

• Manage acute surgical patients through evaluation, consultation, inpatient care, wound management, and interdisciplinary communication.
• Apply current evidence and clinical guidelines to complex emergency general surgery presentations and treatment planning.

Nurse Practitioner at Wellstar Hospital Medicine (2021-10 – 2023-10)

• Provided night-shift cross coverage for hospitalized patients, requiring rapid clinical assessment, prioritization, and evidence-based decision-making.

Nurse Practitioner at Wellstar Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine (2010-05 – 2012-07)

• Managed ICU and floor patients, consultations, procedures including central and arterial lines, interdisciplinary coordination, and patient/family communication.
• Physician Leadership Academy graduate (Aug 2011–Mar 2012).

Emergency Department Registered Nurse / Charge Nurse at Grady Memorial Hospital (2006-06 – 2010-06)

• Provided emergency nursing care and charge responsibilities in a high-acuity academic medical center.

Master of Business Administration – Kennesaw State University (2020-08 – 2022-05)

Post-Master's Certificate in Acute Care Nurse Practitioner – Emory University (2013-01 – 2013-08)

Master of Science in Nursing in Dual Family & Emergency Nurse Practitioner – Emory University (2008-08 – 2009-12)

Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Emory University (2004-08 – 2006-05)

Nursing Prerequisites – University of Georgia (2001-08 – 2004-06)