Advanced Practice Nurses

Catherine C. Burke, RN, MS, ANP-BC, AOCN

I received a nursing scholarship from the US Army at high school graduation. I received a BSN from University of Maryland, and commissioned as a first lieutenant in 1978. I served in the Army Nurse Corp for five years. I have a masters degree in nursing from the University of Kansas (1989) and a completed a post master’s nurse practitioner (adult) program (1995). I am board certified as an Adult Nurse Practitioner by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). I am also certified as an Advanced Oncology Nurse by the Oncology Nursing Society.

I’ve been an advanced practice nurse in gynecologic oncology for 9 years, and an oncology nurse throughout my entire career. I have given many presentations at both local and national nursing conferences.

I have been an active member of the Oncology Nursing Society, and currently serve as a reviewer for the Oncology Nursing Forum. I have published 12 articles/book chapters, and edited a book, Psychosocial dimensions of oncology nursing care (2nd edition) for the Oncology Nursing Press in 2009. I previously served as a Trustee for the Oncology Nursing Foundation (2002-2008), and as an Associate Editor for the Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing (2004-2007).

Kimberly A. Burns, RNC, MSN, WHNP-BC

I am a certified women’s Health Care Nurse Practitioner. I obtained my Bachelors of Science in Nursing at Oklahoma City University. I graduated Magna Cum Laude. After graduating I started my nursing career at UTMB in Galveston, Texas. I worked as a Labor and Delivery Nurse until completion of my Masters degree. In 2002 I received a Master of Science in Nursing at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. Upon graduation, I continued to work for UTMB as a nurse practitioner in an outreach clinic focusing on maternal and child health. I then accepted a job with The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in the Department of Gynecologic Oncology in 2004.

I am primarily the nurse practitioner for both Dr. Gershenson and Dr. Levenback; however I do assist with other physicians in clinic when needed. I care for women newly diagnosed with cancer as well as those receiving treatment with chemotherapy and radiation. I also work closely with the genetic counselors and participated in the High Risk Ovarian Screening Clinic. I am an active participate in both departmental and institutional committees. I have also authored/co-authored published articles pertaining to cancer. I am active in many professional organizations. I volunteer at health fairs and to nursing students, teaching gynecologic cancer awareness. I actively participates in the MD Anderson Ambassador program which educates the community on both cancer prevention/awareness. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband and son.

Latira Chenevert, RN, MSN, FNP-BC

I received a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Hampton University in 1998. I worked as a staff nurse in Labor and Delivery and Medical/Surgical/Telemetry until 2001 while attending Prairie View A & M University. I earned a Master of Science degree in nursing in 2001 from Prairie View A & M University. I became a certified Family Nurse Practitioner by American Nursing Credentialing Center in 2001.

I practiced as a Nurse Practitioner in family practice, pediatric and women’s health clinics before coming to MD Anderson Cancer Center (MDACC) in 2004. I began in the Biomedical Engineering department where I staffed the Colposcopy clinics at MDACC and Lyndon B. Johnson (LBJ). I assisted with the education of Biomedical Engineering students from 2004-2007. I also assisted with colposcopy training of healthcare providers for the ExxonMobil screening program for cervical cancer in Nigeria in 2007. I then transferred to the Gynecologic Oncology clinic where I have practiced in the benign gynecology, oncology, high risk ovarian screening, and colposcopy clinics since 2007. I have been an MDACC ambassador since 2008 and conduct presentations for the community on, “how to reduce your cancer risk in women,” and “how to reduce your cancer risk.” I continue my education by attending annual local and national conferences.

Lynn M. Cloutier, RN, MSN, ACNP-BC, AOCN©

I began my healthcare career as a candy striper at the age of 14. I attended the Genesee County Skill Center during the last two years of high school, completing requirements to enter nursing school. I graduated from Mott Community College, Flint, MI with an Associate Degree in Nursing in 1981 and initiated my career as an oncology nurse. I completed a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Michigan in 1988, and became an Oncology Nurse Clinician at St Joseph Hospital in Flint, MI. I attended Wayne State University as an A.D.N. to MSN bridge student and graduated in 1998 as an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, one of 4 NP in the inaugural offering of this degree program at Wayne. I moved to Texas in 1998 to pursue my career-long goal of working at MD Anderson Cancer Center. I am board certified as an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). I am also certified as an Advanced Oncology Nurse by the Oncology Nursing Society.

I have been an Advanced Practice Nurse in the Department of Practice Outcomes and Gynecologic Oncology at MD Anderson. I am highly involved in APN Governance Structure within the institution, beginning as one of the first members of the APN credentialing committee, ascending to chair; I am presently an emeritus member. I have sat as the Chair of the APN Leadership Committee, and am presently chair-elect of the APN Practice/Competency Committee. I have sat on many MDACC committees, and maintain active membership on the Peer Review Committee, and the GYN Oncology Department Order Set Committee.

I have authored several articles and book chapters surrounding the topic of gynecologic cancer and acute care. I have been involved in several professional organizations, including ONS, AANP, and SGNO. I have held board positions in the AANP (Member- at-Large, Nominations Committee) and SGNO (2nd VP, 1st VP, Secretary/Treasurer), where I am currently officiating as the President for the 2010-2012 cycle.

Kathleen M. Doughtie RN, MSN, WHNP

I am a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner and have been practicing in that role for the past 18 years. I was born and raised in Houston, Texas, and became a registered nurse in 1976. I graduated from The University of Texas in Houston twice, with both my Bachelor’s and my Master’s degrees. I have had jobs in labor and delivery, high risk obstetrics, family planning, education, and now in oncology. I have 6 children and 4 grandchildren. I currently live in the Bay Area and love to be on the water, whether sailing, surfing, or just walking on the beach. I recently have had the privilege of going on 2 medical mission trips, and I very much liked being able to help with patients in underserved areas of the world.

Michele Flanagan RN, MS, FNP-BC

My career in the health care field started over 30 years ago in 1981 when I obtained a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Arizona State University, graduating magna cum laude. While living in Arizona and California during the 1980’s, I worked in the areas of critical care, nursing administration, and emergency care. In 1989, I relocated with my family to Chicago, Illinois where I continued to work in the emergency department, and in 1997 completed a Master of Science degree, majoring in adult nursing, from Northern Illinois University. I continued my advanced nursing education, completing a Post Masters Family Nurse Practitioner program from Northern Illinois University in 1999 and then obtained national board certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

My first position as a Family Nurse Practitioner was in a general Obstetrical/Gynecology practice. I then worked for six years in a busy Family Practice office in Naperville, Illinois caring for patients of all ages and medical conditions. In 2007, my desire to pursue a Nurse Practitioner leadership position led me to Take Care Health Systems, where I was responsible for opening and managing multiple retail clinics in both Tampa, Florida and Chicago, Illinois. As a Market Manager - Clinic Operations, and Lead Nurse Practitioner, I managed multiple clinics and teams of 40-50 Nurse Practitioners and Medical Assistants. I was an active participant in the evolution of this innovative model of health care.

I joined the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas in early July 2011 as a Mid-Level Provider Manager in the Department of Gynecologic Oncology. I enjoy the responsibility of being a manager while also working directly with patients in the gynecologic oncology clinic. I also enjoy the sunny warm weather of Houston and spending time with family including my two grown children and one granddaughter.

Nicki Flowers RN, MSN, WHNP-BC

I earned my Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Houston Baptist University in May of 1993. I worked in the area of Emergency Care in trauma centers in Houston, Texas and various other cities in the U. S. through travel nursing. I then pursued my interest in women’s health and worked in the Labor and Delivery department at the Texas Medical Center while working toward my master’s degree in women’s health. I graduated with my Masters of Science in Nursing from The University of Texas Health Science Center in May, 2002. I became certified in the area of women’s health care and have been practicing in the area of gynecologic oncology since 2002, first in private practice for two years and then at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center.

Julie George, RN, MSN, FNP-C.

I am a board certified Family Nurse Practitioner and have worked as an Advanced Practice Nurse in the Department of Gynecologic Oncology since April 2011. In my previous position, I worked as a clinical nurse on the Medical telemetry floor at MD Anderson within the Phase 1 department for two and a half years. I also worked as a Registered Nurse for 12 years in Medical Telemetry, Medical Surgical, Pediatrics, Gynecology and Obstetrics in the USA, Abudhabi, UAE and India.

I received my Bachelor’s degree and a Masters degree in nursing from India, completing a Post Masters course of study as a Family Nurse Practitioner at Texas Tech University of Health Science Center, Lubbock, Texas in 2010. I am a member of APN Orientation Committee, Oncology Nursing Society and American Academy of Nurse Practitioner. Outside of my work, I enjoy spending time with my husband, children, family and various church activities. I have a son and daughter.

Shiney Kurian, RN, MSN, WHNP-BC

I graduated from the University of Texas Health Science Center in 1999 with a Masters of Science of Nursing with a Board Certification in Women’s Health Care. I joined the Gynecology Oncology department in July 2000 and enjoy my role in caring for women and families undergoing treatment for gynecologic cancer.

I am a member of National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health (NPWH) and Society of Gynecologic Nurse Oncologists (SGNO).

Verne Lee J. Nagle, MHA, MS-N, RN, FNP-BC

I received a bachelor of science degree with a major in psychology/biology from the University of Houston in 1972. I returned to school at The University of Texas Medical Branch and completed my bachelor of science degree in nursing in 1978. In 1991 I received a master of health care administration, concentration finance, from the Univeristy of Houston Clear Lake. In 2005 I completed my master of science degree in nursing. I am certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) as a Family Nurse Practitioner.

I practiced in hypertensive cardiovascular disease for 15 years, and thereafter, developed a career in oncology. Since 2005 I have worked in gynecologic oncology. I have given many presentations, presented abstracts and posters both to local organizations and at national and international meetings.

I have been a member of the American Nurses Association since 1978, a member of the Oncology Nursing Society since 1997, and joined the Society of Gynecologic Nurse Oncologists in 2011.

Karen Rabel, MSN, RN, ANP-BC

I have worked at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center since 1991. I graduated from The University of Texas Health Science Center School of Nursing in 1991 with my Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and in 1999 I graduated with my Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). I also completed the Adult Nurse Practitioners program in 1999. I am board certified as an Adult Nurse Practitioner by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
I have worked with patients in the Gynecologic Oncology Center since 1994.

Wendy A. Salinas, MSN, RN-C, WHNP

Originally from Corpus Christi, Texas, I graduated from Del Mar College with an Associate Degree in Nursing. After receiving my R.N. license in 1983, I worked in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit for 2 years. I continued my education while I worked as a R.N. in Labor and Deliver for almost 6 years. I completed my Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing in 1986 then went on to receive my Master’s Degree in Nursing in 1990. With the goal of becoming a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner, I accepted a job from The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School on a 3 year payback while I attended Nurse Practitioner School graduating in 1990. Upon completing this commitment, I attended Colposcopy School at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School – Nurse Practitioner School.

Having practiced well-woman Gynecology for 20 years, I have worked in a variety of settings and have continued my education in nursing. Some of these areas include Obstetrics, Gynecology, Medical – Legal Nurse Consulting, Forensic Nursing, and Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Training (SANE – Adult & Pediatric). Recently I was selected to attend a year long Nurse Practitioner Fellowship Program at The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. I completed this program August 2011. At the present time, I have been fortunate enough to have joined the Gynecology Oncology team also at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

I am licensed by the Texas Board of Nurse Examiners as a Registered Nurse and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner. I am also certified by the National Certification Corporation as a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner.

Annamma Sam (Anna), RN, MSN, WHNP-BC

I’m a board certified Womans Health Care Nurse Practitioner since 1995. I have been working as an Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) in the department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston for over 5 years. I have worked as a clinical nurse in Gynecology for 14 years and a Nursing Instructor for 3 years before becoming an APN.

I received a bachelor’s degree in nursing from India. I have a master’s degree in nursing from the University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston. I’m currently working towards a PhD in nursing at the University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston. I have participated in various committees at the institutional level. I have served as a mentor for new APNs and APN students. I’m a member of the Oncology Nursing Society and Trained Nurses Association of India.

Alma C. Sbach RN MSN FNP-BC

I completed a Diploma in Nursing from Baptist Memorial Hospital in San Antonio, Texas in 1972. From 1973 through 1978, I was in the Air Force Nurse Corps and worked in a variety of areas in the United States and in Europe and obtained the rank of Captain. I completed a Bachelor of Nursing degree at the University of Texas at El Paso, Texas in 1979. My Masters in Nursing was completed at the University of Utah in 1989 as a Family Nurse Practitioner. I have worked in Family Practice, but have spent most of my career in women’s health. I am board certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). I am a member of the Texas Nurse Practitioners and the American Society of Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology.

I have worked as an Advanced Practice Nurse at MD Anderson since 1991. I have worked in several different areas including education of health care providers in performing risk assessments and prevention of cancer along with performing and teaching colposcopy. My specialty area of interest has been colposcopy and Leep treatments for cervical dysplasia which I have practiced clinically since 1992 in the gynecologic oncology clinic.

Valerie F. Villanueva, MSN, RN, FNP-BC

I am a Family Nurse Practitioner, Board Certified from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and licensed in the state of Texas and California with the ability to provide care to patients of all ages.

I was born and raised on the island of Guam and received my BSN from the University of Guam in 2001. My passion is in Women’s health and OB/GYN. I’ve worked as a registered nurse in both the clinic setting and labor and delivery before deciding to go back to school in 2005 to pursue my Master of Science in Nursing and become a Family Nurse Practitioner.

In 2007 I received my Master of Science in Nursing from the Family Nurse Practitioner Program at Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, CA, all the while working as an RN in labor and delivery. I followed my supportive husband to Houston, Texas to begin my adventures as a new Family Nurse Practitioner. I am fairly new to the oncology side of nursing and was fortunate enough to have been offered a position in 2010 with the GYN-ONC and Reproductive Medicine department here in MDACC.

In striving to provide the best health care possible, I believe in a holistic approach, acquiring a comprehensive evaluation of every patient by taking time to listen and understand their needs - physical, emotional, and spiritual.

Terri Wheeler, RN, MSN, WHNP-BC

I am a board certified Women’s Healthcare Nurse Practitioner, credentialed by the National Certification Corporation (NCC). In my current role, I oversee the Gynecologic Oncology Survivorship Clinic.

I am an active member of the Society of Gynecologic Nurse Oncologists (SGNO). I am on the board of directors serving as 2nd Vice President. I am also a member of the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) and National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health (NPWH).