From Passion to Practice: A Narrative of My Journey as a Clinician, Educator, and Researcher in Informatics and Transplant Immunogenetics

Every journey begins with a spark—a passion that transforms into purpose. For me, this transformation took shape through a lifelong commitment to improving patient outcomes, advancing nursing education, and leading innovations in research. As an adjunct professor of informatics, expert in transplant immunogenetics, and active clinician, my professional path reflects the fusion of curiosity, compassion, and determination. From rural health work in the Philippines to international research collaborations and advanced academic roles, my story exemplifies how clinical care, education, and research are inextricably linked.

The Early Years: Service Rooted in Public Health

My journey began in the early 1990s as a public health nurse serving rural communities in the Philippines. These early experiences opened my eyes to the complex barriers to healthcare access—poverty, health illiteracy, and systemic inequities. Immersed in these underserved environments, I witnessed firsthand how inadequate education and limited resources profoundly affected health outcomes. The urgency to address these challenges ignited my lifelong pursuit of evidence-based solutions and sparked a deep interest in clinical practice, education, and research.

Transition to the United States: Expanding Horizons in Advanced Practice

When I immigrated to the United States, my focus remained on service, education, and public health research. Joining Penn Medicine in 2009, I began integrating into the dynamic field of advanced nursing practice, specializing in cardiothoracic care and transplant immunogenetics. Working alongside multidisciplinary teams, I provided acute care for patients undergoing heart and lung transplants, a role that demanded precision and empathy. Through these clinical experiences, I saw how genomics and transplant immunology could revolutionize patient care, inspiring my research efforts to promote personalized medicine and address the complexities of organ rejection.

Bridging Research and Practice: A Dual Role as Educator and Clinician

The bridge between bedside care and academia became a defining element of my career. I pursued advanced certifications, including a postdoctoral genomics specialization at Harvard Medical School and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree in genome implementation science from Rutgers University. These credentials equipped me with the skills to translate complex genomic data into clinical decision-making processes. As I engaged more deeply with transplant immunogenetics, I led protocol revisions and case reviews, constantly re-evaluating best practices through a research lens. My co-investigative work on the BRIGHT study, spanning 46 countries, exemplified my commitment to collaborative, evidence-based solutions to address medication non-adherence and disparities in transplant outcomes.

Education as a Catalyst for Change

Parallel to my clinical and research activities, I embraced the role of an educator, believing that knowledge dissemination is central to healthcare advancement. My current position as an adjunct professor of informatics for evidence-based practice (EBP) allows me to mentor future nurse leaders and guide them in applying clinical data to improve patient care. Education became more than a teaching responsibility—it became a platform to inspire the next generation of healthcare providers. I see students not merely as learners, but as future colleagues equipped to bridge the gap between technology and clinical outcomes.

Leveraging my dual expertise in informatics and transplant immunogenetics, I designed educational modules that address the emerging intersection of data analytics and genomics. These modules empower clinicians to adopt precision medicine approaches, fostering a deeper understanding of how personalized treatment plans can improve transplant outcomes. My teaching philosophy centers on making complex concepts accessible and ensuring nurse practitioners feel confident in applying advanced knowledge to real-world clinical settings.

International Leadership and Advocacy

As I advanced professionally, my leadership roles expanded to the global stage. Serving as President of the International Transplant Nurses Society (ITNS) from 2024 to 2026 has given me a unique opportunity to advocate for policies that empower transplant nurses worldwide. My presentations at international conferences and the United Nations, where I addressed gender inequities in transplantation, reflect my passion for advocacy. Whether mentoring young nurses, representing Penn Transplant Nursing at the University of Basel, or collaborating with ministries of health in Uganda, I remain committed to fostering global partnerships that promote health equity.

Integrating Informatics and Genomics: Pioneering New Frontiers

In recent years, my work has focused on integrating informatics into transplant genomics. Informatics provides the tools to analyze vast genomic datasets, enabling clinicians to make timely, data-driven decisions. My contributions to the American College of Cardiology’s Advanced Practice Provider exam highlight the importance of equipping providers with informatics competencies to enhance patient care. Moreover, my efforts align with the American Academy of Nursing (AAN) and the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) strategic goals to promote evidence-based interventions and patient-centered care.

Working as a clinician, educator, and researcher at the intersection of informatics and genomics has allowed me to shape healthcare policy and advocate for greater patient involvement. I believe that informatics is not just a tool but a transformative force that connects scientific discovery with real-world application. Through white papers, policy statements, and genomic education, I aim to translate scientific evidence into actionable information that benefits patients, particularly marginalized populations.

Conclusion: A Lifelong Commitment to Making a Difference

The journey from public health nurse in rural Philippines to internationally recognized leader in transplant nursing has been both challenging and rewarding. Each phase of my career—as a clinician, educator, and researcher—has reinforced my belief in the power of knowledge, compassion, and collaboration. My passion for service continues to drive my efforts to improve patient outcomes, educate future leaders, and advance research in transplant immunogenetics and informatics.

This journey is far from over. As technology evolves and healthcare becomes increasingly complex, I remain committed to fostering innovation, reducing disparities, and mentoring the next generation of clinicians. In doing so, I hope to leave a lasting impact on the fields of nursing, informatics, and transplant medicine, ensuring that every patient, regardless of background, receives the highest standard of care.

References

• Bell, K. (2018). Public Policy and Health Informatics. Seminars in Oncology Nursing, 34(2), 184–187.
• Ronquillo, J. G., Lester, W. T., & Zuckerman, D. M. (2020). Using informatics to guide public health policy during the COVID-19 pandemic in the USA. Journal of Public Health (Oxford, England), 42(4), 660–664.
• Terasaki, P. (Ed.). (2020). Transplant Immunology: An Introduction to the Science and Clinical Practice. Los Angeles: Terasaki Foundation Laboratory.
• American College of Cardiology. (2024). Advanced Practice Provider Exam: A Framework for Competency in Cardiology Certification. Washington, DC: American College of Cardiology.
• Rutgers Business School Executive Education. (2019). Six Sigma Green Belt Training Manual. New Jersey: Rutgers University Press.