Young Kee Markham is a Senior Continuing Lecturer in the Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Program at the University of California, Los Angeles, with 27 years of dedicated service as an educator. Throughout her distinguished career, she has embodied academic excellence, compassion, and unwavering commitment to student achievement. Her comprehensive expertise and supportive teaching style have made her a vital member of the UCLA School of Nursing.

Young Kee Markham’s influence transcends the classroom. She has enriched the School of Nursing through her role on the curriculum task force and earned numerous distinctions, including:

• 2016 Faculty Marshal for the UCLA School of Nursing Graduation Ceremony
 • 2016 Daisy Faculty Award Recipient
 • 2019 Faculty Marshal for the UCLA School of Nursing Graduation Ceremony
 • 2019 Distinguished Educator in Gerontological Nursing Award from the National Hartford Center of Gerontological Nursing Excellence

As former students, we can attest to Young Kee Markham’s remarkable influence from her guidance in Adult-Gerontology practicum and clinical courses throughout our master’s program. Her deep and lasting impact on our academic and personal growth is undeniable. Her teaching approach fosters active engagement, critical thinking, and meaningful discussion. She clarifies complex concepts while challenging students to think independently. Her creation of “The Markham Outline,” a comprehensive geriatric SOAP note template, exemplifies her sustained commitment to improving clinical reasoning and documentation. Many of us use this tool daily as geriatric nurse practitioners.

Young Kee Markham’s support extends beyond formal instruction. She is approachable, patient, kind, and deeply invested in each student’s success. She was consistently available during office hours, offered insightful feedback, and even provided guidance by phone on weekends for students facing difficulties. During clinical site visits, she brought calm, clarity, and inspiration. Her discussions on geriatric assessment, differential diagnosis, and patient-centered geriatric care enhanced our understanding and confidence. She continuously encouraged self-reflection and welcomed our input to strengthen her teaching, demonstrating humility and dedication.

Young Kee Markham inspires students with her passion for geriatrics, nursing education, lifelong learning, and patient advocacy. She exemplifies intellectual integrity, compassion, and professionalism. Her influence shapes not only more capable clinicians but also more thoughtful, ethical, and geriatric-focused practitioners.

The impending loss of Young Kee Markham would irreparably impact the UCLA School of Nursing. Her mentorship, expertise, and unwavering dedication have shaped generations of nurse practitioners and enriched the program in ways that cannot be replaced. Her contributions are essential to the university’s mission and values, and her continued presence is critical to the academic experience.

We respectfully urge the chancellor Dr. Julio Frenk to reconsider any decision that might remove Young Kee Markham from her role as Senior Continuing Lecturer for Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioners. She has garnered substantial support from former students and colleagues, reflecting her exceptional commitment to advancing geriatric nursing education. Her absence would significantly diminish education and mentorship within the UCLA School of Nursing.

Let us unite in support of a lecturer who has profoundly impacted her students' lives. Please sign this petition to support Young Kee Markham and help her retain her position at UCLA. Your support is essential to ensure our voices are heard.