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Nursing professor honored for distinguished research in oncology nursing
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Melanie Kieve
Sr. Director of Communications and Marketing
Eun Ok Im

The Oncology Nursing Society has announced that Eun-Ok Im, PhD, MPH, RN, CNS, FAAN, is the 2023 recipient of its Distinguished Researcher Award. Im is a professor and Edith Folsom Honeycutt Endowed Chair at the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing at Emory University.

The award recognizes the contributions of an ONS member whose research enhances the science and practice of oncology nursing. Award recipients are noted for a sustained program of substantive research that advances the delivery of quality cancer care by nurses and contributes to the cancer community at large.

Im’s research involves the adoption of Internet and computer technologies to examine gender and ethnic disparities in the health and illness experience of midlife women, including those with cancer. She has developed novel interventions to explain complex symptoms and illuminate cultural and ethnic differences, and her cutting-edge work has become the exemplar for Internet use as a research method, simultaneously developing research methods and theoretical advances.

“My ultimate research goal is to provide culturally competent and gender-sensitive care using computers, tablets and smartphones for women from diverse ethnic backgrounds, especially Asian American midlife women,” she said. “I appreciate the recognition of the Oncology Nursing Society, which brings attention to this work and the patients we serve.”

According to Emory School of Nursing Dean Linda McCauley, PhD, RN, FAAN, FRCN, Im’s award is indicative of her excellent scholarship and the school’s overarching commitment to nursing research, particularly in the area of cancer. “Cancer research is one of the pillars of our research efforts, and Dr. Im is a key contributor to this work,” she said. “This honor is well deserved.”

Since 1999, Im has generated over $132 million in funding, serving across 66 grants as a principal investigator (PI), co-investigator, co-director, consultant, or executive board member. She has been the PI of five National Institutes for Health R01 grants, one R21 study, a recent R61/R33 study, and more than 30 other grants totaling $20 million. The impact of her research is reflected in countless journal articles, papers, abstracts, chapters, and multidisciplinary presentations.

As one of the early adopters of computer and mobile technologies in cancer research, her research program has been highlighted through national and international awards including the National Institute of Nursing Research Director’s Lecturer, the Council for the Advancement of Nursing Science Distinguished Researcher Award, the Friends of the National Institute of Nursing Research Faye Glenn Abdellah Research Leadership Award, and the Sigma Theta Tau International Hall of Fame Research Award. She has served as a mentor to more than 60 doctoral and post-doctoral scholars, 90 undergraduate students, and 70 research assistants. She also serves as editor-in-chief of Advances in Nursing Science.

As the 2023 Distinguished Researcher Award recipient, Im will present her research at the Oncology Nursing Society Congress in April in San Antonio, Texas.

The Oncology Nursing Society is a professional association committed to promoting excellence in oncology nursing and the transformation of cancer care. ONS provides a professional community for oncology nurses, develops evidence-based education programs and treatment information, and advocates for patient care, all to improve the quality of life and outcomes for patients with cancer and their families.

About the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing  

Ranked No. 2 in BSN and master’s degree programs and No. 6 in Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs by U.S. News & World Report, the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing prepares nurse leaders who are transforming health care through science, education, practice and policy. The school is also among the top five nursing schools in the U.S. for funding from the National Institutes of Health. For more information, visit nursing.emory.edu. Follow the School of Nursing on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.

 

 


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