Brown Foundation Award for Excellence in Oncology Nursing presented to Jacqueline B. Broadway-Duren, Ph.D., D.N.P.

HOUSTON ― The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center has named Jacqueline B. Broadway-Duren, Ph.D., D.N.P., as the recipient of the 2022 Brown Foundation Award for Excellence in Oncology Nursing. The Brown Foundation Award is the institution’s highest individual nursing honor, recognizing excellence in all aspects of oncology nursing, including superior patient care and adherence to the utmost standards in clinical treatment.

A committee comprised of MD Anderson clinical faculty, patient care administration, nursing staff and previous award recipients selected Broadway-Duren as the recipient, awarding her $15,000, a pin and a commemorative crystal plaque. Abbey Kaler and Nancy Wipf were recognized as finalists, receiving a $5,000 cash award.

Peter WT Pisters, M.D., president of MD Anderson; Rosanna Morris, chief operating officer; Lavonia Thomas, D.N.P., nursing informatics officer; Joyce Dains, Dr.P.H, executive director for Advanced Practice Nursing; and Ann Ziker, Ph.D., executive director of The Brown Foundation joined in congratulating Broadway-Duren and the finalists at an award ceremony today.

“Our nurses are our front line in Making Cancer History^®,” said Pisters. “The Brown Foundation Award honors the phenomenal teammates at MD Anderson who go above and beyond every day to provide exceptional care for patients and their loved ones from around the world.”

MD Anderson nurses embody excellence in cancer care
The awardee, Jacqueline B. Broadway-Duren, is an advanced practice nurse in Leukemia. She joined the institution in 2001 and has since obtained two doctorate degrees and served on several advance practice committees and councils. Broadway-Duren said she is most proud of the research study she established as co-primary investigator that evaluates incidence of underlying autoimmune diseases in patients with chronic leukemia. In 2021, she received the Division of Cancer Medicine Award for Excellence in Patient Care. Broadway-Duren has delivered educational lectures, presented her work at professional conferences, and authored or co-authored numerous articles published in peer-reviewed journals.

“Being an advanced practice nurse at MD Anderson is the greatest professional accomplishment in my lifetime,” said Broadway-Duren. “I am honored to be a part of such a prestigious medical facility.”

Finalist Abbey Kaler is an advanced practice nurse for the Advanced Breast Cancer Clinic. Her professional affiliation with MD Anderson began in 2012, but her personal connection to the institution started at age 9 when she was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Kaler said the compassionate and knowledgeable nurses at MD Anderson supported her and her family through two craniotomies and, ultimately, inspired her to pursue nursing. She also is a Jane and Robert Cizik Ph.D. Scholar and leads various departmental initiatives.

Finalist Nancy Wipf is an advanced practice provider supervisor for Colon and Rectal Surgery. Her service at MD Anderson began in 2010 in Radiation Oncology and later Breast Surgical Oncology. Wipf said she appreciates the personal and educational growth opportunities provided by MD Anderson in areas of patient care, research and leadership. She serves on multiple institutional committees and contributes to fast-track pilot programs for newly diagnosed and young-onset colorectal cancer patients. Wipf received the Alice Judkins Professional Development Grant Award in 2022.

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 $1.54 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 41^st 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.

“The Brown Foundation Award pays tribute to the extraordinary individuals who consistently demonstrate their personal dedication to our patients and who share their professional expertise to enhance their quality of life,” said Pisters. “We are grateful for the foundation’s tremendous support.”