Heather Rivasplata

Heather Rivasplata is an Assistant Professor in the Graduate School of Nursing at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS), Bethesda, MD. She is affiliated with the Family Nurse Practitioner and Women's Health Nurse Practitioner Program. Her research focuses on infectious diseases prevention, global health partnerships, and improving outcomes in infectious disease care through DOD and VA coordination.

Education:

• Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP), Duke University, 2020
• Post MSN HIV Specialty Certificate, Duke University, 2018
• Tropical and Travel Medicine Certificate, University of Minnesota/CDC, 2014
• Master of Public Health (MPH) & Humanitarian Certificate, Johns Hopkins University, 2004
• Master of Science in Nursing (FNP), Georgetown University, 2003
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, 2001
• Bachelor of Science in Biology (Microbiology/Immunology), Virginia Tech, 1996

Research Interests: Dr. Rivasplata specializes in clinical infectious diseases, particularly at the DCVA Medical Center. Her work addresses prevention strategies for infectious diseases, their impact on chronic conditions, and travel medicine in challenging environments. She advocates for collaborative global health initiatives and improved care coordination between military and veteran healthcare systems.

Awards/Grants: No specific awards or grants listed. However, her credentials include certifications such as AAHIVS (Advanced AIDS Care Practitioner), CTropMed® (Tropical Medicine), and FNP-BC (Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner).

Advising & Labs: No formal advising or lab teams explicitly listed. Her professional activities emphasize clinical practice and interdisciplinary partnerships to enhance healthcare outcomes in military and civilian populations.