Michelle Scotton Franklin, PhD, FNP, PMHNP

Researcher, Nurse Practitioner, Professor, disability advocate. @DukeMedSchool @dukemargolis @UNCCIDD. She/Her/Dr. All opinions are my own.

[Michelle Scotton Franklin, PhD, FNP, PMHNP @michellescotton]

It still suprises me when people say "you can get a PhD in nursing?" My response - absolutely like other PhDs #PhD #Nurses generate much needed knowledge. My thought - nurse scientists I know are among the top intellectuals I know in breath and depth. You should meet them!

[Michelle Scotton Franklin, PhD, FNP, PMHNP @michellescotton]

The celebration, the disappointment, the loyalty, the hope — all of it is part of what makes sports, teams, and community meaningful.
Grateful for the memories, the perspective, and the amazing people I got to share it with.
Game 2 awaits.

Go Canes. ❤️🖤

[Michelle Scotton Franklin, PhD, FNP, PMHNP @michellescotton]

Last night reminded me why sports matter so much more than the scoreboard.

Watching Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals with friends, surrounded by the energy, hope, disappointment, and resilience of the moment, was something I will never forget.

[Michelle Scotton Franklin, PhD, FNP, PMHNP @michellescotton]

And maybe most importantly — there is always another opportunity ahead. Another game. Another chance to regroup, reconnect, and rise again.
There was something powerful about watching people experience both the highs and the hard moments together.

[Michelle Scotton Franklin, PhD, FNP, PMHNP @michellescotton]

May we continue creating systems and communities that support health, dignity, and belonging.

[Michelle Scotton Franklin, PhD, FNP, PMHNP @michellescotton]

Today, I’m reflecting on the individuals and families whose lives have been forever shaped by service and sacrifice.

[Michelle Scotton Franklin, PhD, FNP, PMHNP @michellescotton]

As someone who works at the intersection of health, leadership, and systems, I’m continually reminded that caring well for people requires us to see the full context of their experiences, both visible and invisible.

Remembering with gratitude today.

[Michelle Scotton Franklin, PhD, FNP, PMHNP @michellescotton]

And maybe the most meaningful part is the uninterrupted time. Real conversations. Laughter. Presence. The kind that reminds you how rare and special these moments are.

These days are a gift. 🤍

[Michelle Scotton Franklin, PhD, FNP, PMHNP @michellescotton]

There’s something about New Mexico—the vast skies, the quiet strength of the land, the way the light settles differently here that invites me to slow down and really see.

[Michelle Scotton Franklin, PhD, FNP, PMHNP @michellescotton]

Tucked inside my friend Marlyn’s home, I’ve found the coziest corner to write, think, create and work remotely. The kind of space that feels both grounding and expansive at the same.

[Michelle Scotton Franklin, PhD, FNP, PMHNP @michellescotton]

Austin ✔️
Albuquerque loading
I am so excited I can hardly stand it!!! 💙

[Michelle Scotton Franklin, PhD, FNP, PMHNP @michellescotton]

Honored to keynote TraumaCon 2026 with the Society of Trauma Nurses today!

Incredible global audience, powerful discussion, and meaningful connections.

25 years ago I worked in the ER—this felt like coming home.

And that sunset dinner at Lake Travis! 🌅

[Michelle Scotton Franklin, PhD, FNP, PMHNP @michellescotton]

Designed for NC primary care teams who want practical, case-informed strategies for caring for children with autism & I/DD — from diagnostics to transition to adulthood.

Register once for all sessions:
🔗 https://t.co/oYyj8BXeOL (yellow banner)

Hope to see you there

[Michelle Scotton Franklin, PhD, FNP, PMHNP @michellescotton]

Providers & clinical team members — join us tomorrow!

The I/DD Deeper Dive: Supporting Children with Autism & I/DD in Clinic and Beyond series kicks off March 3.

🗓 Tuesdays | March 3–June 9
⏰ 12:10–1:00 PM (virtual)
🎓 Up to 6 CEUs

[Michelle Scotton Franklin, PhD, FNP, PMHNP @michellescotton]

Just rest.
Sometimes the most important thing we can do is pause and practice stillness.

What does rest look like for you today?
☕ Slow coffee?
📖 Reading?
🚶‍♀️ A quiet walk?
😴 Sleeping in?

Tell me below — or drop a 🙌 if you’re giving yourself permission to rest too.

[Michelle Scotton Franklin, PhD, FNP, PMHNP @michellescotton]

Rainy-morning reminder 🌧️
Rest is not a reward we earn after doing everything — it’s part of how we stay well, creative, and grounded. This morning I’m leaning into it: still in bed, rain tapping the windows, reading and letting my body, heart, and mind catch up. No rushing.

[Michelle Scotton Franklin, PhD, FNP, PMHNP @michellescotton]

What’s your one word for 2026?
Save this. Reflect on it. Come back to it mid-year.
Words matter—especially the ones we choose to live by.
#OneWord2026 #CreateWithIntention #LeadershipWithHeart #HealthIsNotOptional #StillnessAndStrategy #OptimizingHealth #CreateYourLife

[Michelle Scotton Franklin, PhD, FNP, PMHNP @michellescotton]

My One Aword for 2026: CREATE.

Create new research.
Create offerings that truly serve through my coaching and consulting work.
Create deeper relationships—personally and professionally.
Create space to prioritize my own health.
That may sound like a lot.

[Michelle Scotton Franklin, PhD, FNP, PMHNP @michellescotton]

If you’re curious about how this philosophy shows up in my coaching and consulting work through Optimizing Health Collaborative, drop the word CREATE in the comments and I’ll share more.
And now I want to hear from you 👇