BREAKING: The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center has just announced the winners of the coveted 2025 Brown Foundation Award for Excellence in Oncology Nursing. Kimberly Vanderhorst, MSN, RN, CAPA, and Terri Lynn Dunn, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, CPHQ, have been recognized for their exceptional contributions to oncology nursing.
This prestigious award, which honors outstanding achievements in patient care and clinical practice, has expanded this year to recognize both a clinical registered nurse (RN) and an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). Vanderhorst received the clinical RN award, while Dunn was honored as the APRN awardee. Each recipient will receive a cash prize of $15,000, a commemorative crystal plaque, and a pin, with an additional $5,000 awarded to two finalists in each category, totaling $50,000 distributed among six finalists.
“Thanks to The Brown Foundation, we can celebrate even more remarkable nurses whose compassion and expertise drive our mission daily,” said Kim Slusser, Ph.D., RN, MSN, NEA-BC, CHPN, MD Anderson’s chief nursing officer ad interim.
Vanderhorst, specializing in outpatient pediatric anesthesia care, has been with MD Anderson since 2013. Her leadership in establishing Code Blue Operations at the Proton Therapy Center has been pivotal. “I fully embody the healing spirit of MD Anderson,” she remarked.
Dunn, who has been with MD Anderson since 2009, is recognized for her role as an advanced practice provider (APP) manager in General Oncology. She has advanced clinical trial opportunities for underserved patients and developed mentorship programs. “Nursing is about restoring dignity and building trust,” Dunn stated.
Other finalists included Holly Clark, BSN, RN, CNOR, and Leonard Pulido, BSN, RN, CMSRN, in the clinical RN category, and Tomar Foster-Mills, MSN, APRN, AGPCNP, and Susy Varghese, DNP, FNP, APRN, CMSRN, in the APRN category.
MD Anderson, with over 5,000 registered nurses, maintains its status as the nation’s leading cancer hospital, recently achieving its sixth consecutive Magnet Recognition Program designation. This honor reflects the institution’s commitment to quality patient care and nursing excellence.
The Brown Foundation, established in 1951, has supported MD Anderson’s mission for decades. Its ongoing commitment empowers the institution to recognize the vital contributions of oncology nurses, crucial in navigating patients through the challenging journey of cancer treatment.
As this year marks the 44th anniversary of the award, MD Anderson continues to foster a collaborative and innovative nursing environment that ultimately enhances patient care. “Nurses at MD Anderson stand at the intersection of hope and science,” said Rosanna Morris, chief operating officer at MD Anderson.
With these awards, MD Anderson not only honors individual achievements but also sets a new standard for nursing excellence in oncology. As the institution looks forward, it remains committed to empowering its nursing staff to provide the best cancer care in the nation.
Stay tuned for more updates on how these dedicated professionals continue to impact the field of oncology nursing.
