Abby V. Hess, APRN, DNP

Abby Hess (Winterberg), DNP, APRN, is a nurse practitioner, clinical researcher and healthcare innovation leader at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. She graduated from the Doctor of Nursing Practice program at the University of Cincinnati in 2015 and collaborated with senior leadership to establish a dual role that integrates clinical care with research, quality improvement and innovation. Her research program, focused on preoperative anxiety reduction, has led to healthcare innovations that are patented, licensed and implemented across national and international health systems.

This work ignited her passion for developing the system, culture and support needed for frontline clinicians to bring innovative ideas to life. Dr. Hess continues to practice clinically while serving as the first Clinical Innovation Lead at Cincinnati Children’s. Nationally recognized for her leadership, Dr. Hess chaired the American Nurses Association’s Innovation Advisory Committee for Technology and Devices and serves on the education committee for the Society of Nurse Scientists, Innovators, Entrepreneurs and Leaders. She regularly contributes to advancement of healthcare innovation through mentorship, research, invited talks, podcasts, publications and presentations at leading academic and professional forums. Dr. Hess is passionate about empowering frontline clinicians to innovate and transform care in ways that promote exceptional patient experience and outcomes.

Select Achievements

• 1st Place research poster, International Conference of Perianesthesia Nurses (2017)
• Johnson & Johnson Nurses Innovate QuickFire Challenge Winner (2019)
• Global Voices Scholar, Aspen Ideas:Health (2019)
• Innovation Excellence Award, Cincinnati Children’s Innovation Ventures (2023)
• Innovator of the Year, Department of Anesthesiology, Cincinnati Children’s (2023)
• Women Who Mean Business, Cincinnati Business Courier (2023)
• Everyday Hero, Children’s Hospital Association (2024)
• 1st Place presentation, Society of Nurse Scientists, Innovators, Entrepreneurs and Leaders (2025)