WASHINGTON, DC—August 19, 2021—Ten Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) members were included among the highly distinguished nurse leaders inducted into the American Academy of Nursing’s (AAN’s) 2021 Class of Fellows. In total, 225 inductees will be recognized at the Academy’s annual conference, taking place on October 7–9, 2021, virtually and in-person in Washington, DC.

“Congratulations to our members being inducted as fellows in AAN. Collectively, they have advanced oncology nursing science, educated and mentored the next generation specializing in oncology, and been leaders in their communities and in ONS,” ONS Chief Executive Officer Brenda Nevidjon, MSN, RN, FAAN, said. “Welcome to the Academy.”

AAN represents more than 2,800 nursing leaders who are experts in policy, research, administration, practice, and academia, locally and globally. The Academy advances health policy and equity through nursing leadership, innovation, and science.

The 10 ONS members in the 2021 class represent oncology nurses from nine states across the country and a variety of oncology specialties:

  • JoAnn S. Oliver, PhD, RN, CNE - The University of Alabama
  • Roberta Kaplow, PhD, APRN-CCNS, AOCNS®, CCRN – Emory University Hospital
  • Jamie Myers, PhD, RN, AOCNS® – University of Kansas
  • Carolyn Hayes, PhD, RN, NEA-BC – Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey/RWJBarnabas Health
  • Pamela Paplham, DNP, AOCNP®, FNP-BC, FAANP – University at Buffalo
  • Meghan Underhill-Blazey, PhD, APRN – University of Rochester, Wilmot Cancer Institute
  • Susan Watters Wesmiller, PhD, RN – University of Pittsburgh
  • Fedricker Diane Barber, PhD, ANP-BC, AOCNP®, FAANP – MD Anderson Cancer Center
  • Lauri Linder, PhD, APRN, CPON® – University of Utah
  • Virginia LeBaron, PhD, APRN, FAANP – University of Virginia

Inductees were chosen through a competitive application process, in which the Academy’s fellow selection committee reviews applicants based on their contributions to the advancement of public health.

ONS is a professional association that represents 100,000 nurses and is the professional home to more than 35,000 members. ONS is committed to promoting excellence in oncology nursing and the transformation of cancer care. Since 1975, ONS has provided a professional community for oncology nurses, developed evidence-based education programs and treatment information, and advocated for patient care, all in an effort to improve quality of life and outcomes for patients with cancer and their families. Learn more at ons.org.