INF 40 Under 40 Awardee: Michael Solomon

Dr. Michael Solomon’s career in behavioral health began over 11 years ago, not as a nurse, but as a social worker at Thresholds in Chicago. It was there he first experienced the profound fulfillment of serving others as a mental health professional a passion that would lead him to the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) College of Nursing. While pursuing his degree at UIC, Michael quickly became a leader, serving as President of the Student Nurses for Social Justice, where he began advocating for change in both patient care and nursing education. After earning his degree, he worked as a clinical nurse on Northwestern Memorial Hospital’s Adult Inpatient Psychiatric Unit before completing his Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in December 2021.

Shaping the Future of Psychiatric Nursing

Since 2022, Michael has served as a faculty member at UIC’s College of Nursing, teaching Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing to doctoral students on the Chicago campus. Alongside his teaching, he practices as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) at Mile Square Back of the Yards, providing essential care to underserved populations. Michael’s research reflects his innovative approach to mental health, exploring digital technology’s role in improving mental health outcomes and biophilia, the connection between humans and nature, as a tool for healing.

Offering Light, Love, and Hope

Whether he’s teaching the next generation of nurse practitioners, caring for patients, or conducting research, Michael carries a simple but powerful mission: to offer light, love, and hope to every individual he works with so they can see those qualities within themselves.

The Illinois Nurses Foundation proudly celebrates Michael Solomon as a 2025 40 Under 40 Emerging Nurse Leader for his dedication to education, innovation, and advancing mental health care across Illinois.

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