News Releases

University of Maryland School of Nursing Professors Inducted into Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame

August 6, 2015

Inductees have made significant research contributions to the profession and the people it serves.

Baltimore, Md. – The University of Maryland School of Nursing (UMSON) is pleased to announce that Susan G. Dorsey, PhD ‘01, MS ’98, RN, FAAN, professor and chair, Department of Pain and Translational Symptom Science, and Barbara Resnick, PhD ’96, RN, CRNP, FAAN, FAANP, professor and Sonia Ziporkin Gershowitz Chair in Gerontology, were recently inducted into the International Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame. They were among 19 nurse researchers inducted at the Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI) Honor Society of Nursing’s 26th International Nursing Research Congress held recently in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Created in 2010, the International Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame is one of STTI’s International Awards for Nursing Excellence. The award recognizes nurse researchers who have achieved significant and sustained broad national or international recognition for their work, and whose research has impacted the profession and the people it serves.  

‌Dorsey’s research examines the molecular, cellular, and genetic factors associated with the development and persistence of chronic pain. More people suffer from chronic pain than cancer, heart disease, and diabetes combined, making this a research study of great importance.  Although people who suffer from chronic pain cost the U.S. more than $600 billion annually, there are few effective treatments that can reduce or eliminate chronic pain without significantly disrupting a person’s quality of life. Dorsey’s team seeks to remedy this problem.

‌Resnick’s research has exclusively focused on caring for older adults. She examines methods of optimizing function and physical activity among older adults and their caregivers in long-term care settings.  Additionally, Resnick and her team have been investigating techniques to motivate older adults in their recovery from acute medical events. Resnick’s Function Focused Care approach has been disseminated nationally through publications and presentations. 

“We are very proud of our colleagues, Dr. Dorsey and Dr. Resnick, for receiving this distinguished honor,” said UMSON Dean Jane M. Kirschling, PhD, RN, FAAN. “Dr. Dorsey’s groundbreaking work in pain research and Dr. Resnick’s seminal studies in gerontology have had a major impact on the nursing profession, which aligns with STTI’s mission of advancing world health.” 

# # #

The University of Maryland School of Nursing, founded in 1889, is one of the oldest and largest nursing schools, and is ranked sixth nationally. Enrolling more than 1,600 students in its baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral programs, the School develops leaders who shape the profession of nursing and impact the health care environment.