Criteria for the award are measured on whether the candidate is a recognizable expert in the field of radiation oncology through publications, presentations or peer reviews; has made significant contributions to professional or patient education, clinical practice or nursing research and is seen as a role model by other radiation oncology nurses.
"Whether I am doing patient care or research, I never stop being a nurse," said Bruner. "Nurses focus on the individual and not just the disease. In a high tech environment like radiation therapy it is very important for the nurse on the team to be constantly thinking about the needs of the patient and their family, while others focus on the treatment machines and eradicating the tumor."
Currently, Bruner focuses much of her attention on enhancing the participation of minorities in clinical studies. "Through the involvement of minorities and other underrepresented groups, we can better understand the development of prostate cancer, better ways to detect it, improve treatment, and possibly prevent the disease," said Bruner. Other research interests include quality of life assessment and economic, sexual and urinary function after prostate cancer therapy.
In addition to the Oncology Nursing Society, Bruner is the vice-chair for outcomes of the National Cancer Clinical Trials Cooperative Research Group, the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group, and a member of the Health Services Research Committee of the American Society of Therapeutic Radiologists and Oncologist. She is also a long time volunteer wit
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Contact: Colleen Kirsch
colleen.kirsch@fccc.edu
215-728-7784
Fox Chase Cancer Center
27-Apr-2004