UPDATE: MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston has just announced the recipients of the prestigious 2025 Brown Foundation Award for Excellence in Oncology Nursing. Kimberly Vanderhorst and Terri Lynn Dunn have been recognized for their exceptional contributions to oncology nursing, marking a pivotal moment for the institution as both categories of nursing are honored for the first time in the same year.
This award is MD Anderson’s highest nursing honor, celebrating outstanding achievements in patient care and clinical excellence. Each awardee receives $15,000, with additional finalists awarded a total of $50,000 across six recipients. The announcement comes at a critical time as the institution continues to lead in cancer care, recognized as the nation’s No. 1 hospital for cancer treatment by U.S. News & World Report.
The Brown Foundation, which has been supporting oncology nursing excellence for 44 years, expanded the award to include both a clinical registered nurse (RN) and an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) this year. Vanderhorst, who specializes in outpatient pediatric anesthesia care, received the RN award, while Dunn, an advanced practice provider manager in General Oncology, earned the APRN distinction. Their achievements highlight the vital role nurses play in the cancer treatment journey.
“Nursing is not just about treating disease; it’s about restoring dignity and building trust,” said Dunn, emphasizing the emotional connection nurses have with patients.
The selection process was rigorous, with a panel of MD Anderson clinical faculty and patient care administrators evaluating nominees. The finalists were chosen for their exemplary dedication, leadership, and impact on patient care. Vanderhorst has held significant leadership roles since joining MD Anderson in 2013, while Dunn has made strides in enhancing clinical trial opportunities for underserved patients since her start in 2009.
Other finalists included Holly Clark and Leonard Pulido for the RN category, and Tomar Foster-Mills and Susy Varghese for the APRN category. Each of these nurses has demonstrated exceptional leadership and patient advocacy within their specialties, reflecting the high standards of care at MD Anderson.
MD Anderson’s nursing program, which boasts over 5,000 registered nurses, recently earned its sixth consecutive Magnet Recognition Program® designation, highlighting its commitment to quality patient care and nursing excellence. This recognition is a testament to the institution’s focus on creating an environment where nurses can thrive and innovate in cancer care.
Looking ahead, the institution is poised to further elevate its nursing services through the recently established Meyers Institute for Oncology Nursing, which aims to empower nurses through specialized education and professional development. This initiative underscores MD Anderson’s ongoing commitment to supporting its nursing staff and enhancing patient care.
As the healthcare community celebrates these accomplishments, the impact of nursing excellence at MD Anderson serves as a vital reminder of the compassion and dedication necessary in the fight against cancer.
For more information on the awardees and their contributions, visit MD Anderson’s official website.
