The School of Nursing has marked 2025 as a significant year, earning recognition as one of the top nursing schools both nationally and internationally. The institution has engaged students in a range of programs that span policy, community, and global initiatives while faculty members have actively contributed to discussions on relevant topics through podcasts.
One notable highlight of the year involved Dr. Yvonne Commodore-Mensah and post-doctoral student Faith Elise Metlock, who provided expert testimony to the Maryland Senate Finance Committee. Their insights aimed to influence healthcare policies that affect nursing practice and education.
Community Engagement and Global Initiatives
In a move to inspire future generations, students from Paul Lawrence Dunbar High School visited the School of Nursing to learn about the rigorous training and preparation that current nursing students undergo. This outreach initiative underscores the School’s commitment to fostering interest in healthcare careers among young people.
Additionally, Dr. Bonnie Swenor, the founder and director of the Johns Hopkins Disability Health Research Center (DHRC), shared her personal journey navigating life with a disability. She highlighted how her team utilizes data to inform their research on disability health, aiming to create more inclusive healthcare practices.
A significant theme throughout the year was the concept of “brain gain,” which challenges traditional notions of “brain drain.” Dr. Jason Farley discussed strategies to collaborate with the diaspora to enhance nursing and midwifery education in Africa. His team has developed innovative, nurse-led models of care that aim to make tuberculosis treatment more accessible and affordable in South Africa.
International Perspectives on Health Care
Students who traveled to Nepal through the Center for Global Initiatives shared enriching experiences from their journey, reflecting on the cultural and educational impact of their work abroad. These firsthand accounts provide valuable insights into global health challenges and the role of nursing in addressing them.
In another enlightening podcast episode, Dr. Cecília Tomori explored the complex dynamics surrounding breastfeeding, considering societal norms and healthcare practices. She emphasized the influence of cultural expectations on breastfeeding and the necessity for supportive environments for new parents.
The year also saw the participation of Dr. Connie Siskowski, founder and president of the American Association of Caregiving Youth (AACY), in a panel discussion hosted by the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing’s Center for Equity in Aging and the Center for Equity in Child and Youth Health and Well-Being. Titled “Caregiving Youth: A Call to Action for Research, Education and Policy,” the discussion aimed to raise awareness about the unique challenges faced by young caregivers and the need for targeted support systems.
Throughout 2025, the School of Nursing has continued to exemplify a commitment to excellence in education, community engagement, and global health initiatives. The accomplishments of both students and faculty highlight the institution’s role as a leader in the nursing field, advocating for improved healthcare policies and practices worldwide.
