Brown Foundation Award for Excellence in Oncology Nursing awarded to Agnes Hsu

HOUSTON ― The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center today presented clinical nurse, Agnes Hsu, with the 2023 Brown Foundation Award for Excellence in Oncology Nursing. The Brown Foundation Award is the institution’s highest nursing honor, recognizing excellence in all aspects of oncology nursing, including superior patient care and adherence to the utmost standards in clinical treatment.

“The Brown Foundation Award pays tribute to extraordinary nurses who consistently demonstrate their personal dedication to our patients and share their professional expertise to enhance patient safety and quality of life,” said Carol Porter, D.N.P., senior vice president and chief nursing officer at MD Anderson. “MD Anderson nurses are the front line in our mission to end cancer, so it is an honor to recognize Agnes and the other finalists today.”

A committee comprised of MD Anderson clinical faculty, patient care administrators, a patient family advisory committee, nursing staff and previous award recipients selected Hsu as the recipient, awarding her $15,000, a pin and a commemorative crystal plaque. Jenilee Caeg and Sherin Binoy were recognized as finalists, each receiving a $5,000 cash award.

Nurses demonstrate excellence in cancer care
More than 30 years into her nursing career, Hsu was inspired to transition to oncology nursing after experiencing a friend and family member go through cancer treatment. Since joining MD Anderson in 2018 as a clinical nurse in the Ambulatory Surgery Center Post Anesthesia Care Unit, she has become a dedicated patient advocate, role model and collaborative leader. She proactively takes on quality improvement projects that enhance the patient experience, such as ensuring there are post-procedure patient education materials. In addition to her clinical expertise, Hsu builds strong relationships with international patients, using her knowledge of different cultures to make connections and help them navigate treatment. In 2022, Hsu was selected as a recipient of the Daisy Award, which recognized her compassion and excellence in patient care.

“Making Cancer History® requires more than one nurse, and I am proud to be part of a team that prioritizes patients through love, kindness, advocacy and learning,” Hsu said. “MD Anderson provides an environment where I can collaborate with an interdisciplinary team, thrive as a patient advocate and offer patient-centered care.”

Finalist Jenilee Caeg’s first experience at MD Anderson was as the family member of a patient. She attributes her family’s positive experience at
MD Anderson as her inspiration for joining the institution. Today, as a clinical nurse in the Gastrointestinal Center, Caeg continues to ensure each patient has the best possible experience. Her colleagues say she consistently goes above and beyond her professional responsibilities to make certain each patient receives not only the necessary medical treatment in a timely manner, but also the emotional support they need.

Finalist Sherin Binoy is a clinical nurse in the Neurosurgery and Rehabilitation inpatient unit who joined MD Anderson in 2017. She is dedicated to helping patients with their independence and quality of life, proactively addressing not only her patients’ medical concerns but also any psychosocial issues that may impact their rehabilitation. In addition, Binoy serves as a Skin Champion to educate fellow nurses in proper wound care and collaborates with physicians and other members of the health care team to ensure patient care goals are met. She also takes part in the Heart Success Program, where she provides education to patients and their families about congestive heart failure diagnosis and intervention plans.

A prestigious cancer nursing program
With more than 4,500 registered nurses and one of the largest cancer clinical trial programs in the world, MD Anderson offers a unique, collaborative environment for nurses to lead in the administration of research and management of cancer care. Since 2001, MD Anderson has earned five consecutive Magnet Recognition Program® designations from the American Nurses Credentialing Center, which recognizes health care organizations for superior patient outcomes, teamwork and innovations in professional nursing practice. This designation contributes to MD Anderson’s consistent ranking among the nation’s top hospitals for cancer care in U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Hospitals” survey. 

“MD Anderson is one of a small number of hospitals nationwide that have achieved five consecutive Magnet designations. I have no doubt this is due to the compassionate care and exemplary teamwork our nurses demonstrate each day,” said Rosanna Morris, senior vice president and chief operating officer. “We recognize our institution’s greatest strength is our people. MD Anderson is committed to investing in our outstanding nurses, which is exemplified by this award and our impressive honoree.”

Recognizing a legacy of philanthropy
Herman and Margarett Root Brown and George R. and Alice Pratt Brown founded The Brown Foundation in 1951. Since its inception, the foundation has awarded more than $1.6 billion in grants for public charitable purposes, primarily for support, encouragement and assistance to education, the arts and community service. 

In 1982, The Brown Foundation established the award, formerly known as the Ethel Fleming Arceneaux Outstanding Nurse-Oncologist Award. This year marks the 42nd anniversary of the award. Through the ongoing support and continued generosity of The Brown Foundation,
MD Anderson recognizes and applauds the crucial role of oncology nurses in the institution’s mission to end cancer.

“We’re honored to support MD Anderson and the awe-inspiring nurses who give so much of themselves to their patients,” said Ann Ziker, Ph.D., executive director of The Brown Foundation. “MD Anderson nurses are one of a kind. Their empathy, expertise and compassion set them far above the rest.”