MD Anderson Honors Nurses with 2025 Brown Foundation Awards

BREAKING: The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center has just announced the recipients of the prestigious 2025 Brown Foundation Award for Excellence in Oncology Nursing. Honored are Kimberly Vanderhorst and Terri Lynn Dunn, marking a historic moment as the award recognizes both a clinical registered nurse and an advanced practice registered nurse for the first time in the same year.

This accolade highlights the exceptional dedication and achievements of oncology nurses in providing outstanding patient care. Vanderhorst, awarded for her role as a clinical RN, and Dunn, honored as an APRN, each received $15,000, a commemorative plaque, and recognition for their vital contributions to cancer care.

“We are incredibly grateful to The Brown Foundation for 44 years of unwavering support,” said Kim Slusser, chief nursing officer ad interim at MD Anderson. The expanded recognition allows the institution to celebrate not only the awardees but also the finalists, underscoring the collective excellence among its nursing staff.

The total prize money awarded has surged to $50,000, double the amount from previous years, thanks to the Brown Foundation’s increased investment. This year, finalists included two additional nurses in both categories, highlighting a broader recognition of nursing excellence.

Vanderhorst, specializing in outpatient pediatric anesthesia care since 2013, has played a pivotal role in enhancing patient safety protocols and nurturing the healing spirit within the institution. Her commitment to leadership is reflected in her involvement with multiple committees and her role in establishing critical operational protocols.

“To be a nurse at MD Anderson is to stand at the intersection of hope and science,” said runner-up Holly Clark, an assistant nurse manager who has dedicated over a decade to brachytherapy.

Dunn, who joined MD Anderson in 2009, has transitioned from gynecologic oncology to a leadership position, where she has implemented systems for better patient navigation and expanded clinical trials. Her approach emphasizes the emotional and psychological support nurses provide during critical moments in a patient’s journey.

“Nursing is not just about treating disease,” she stated. “It’s about restoring dignity and building trust.”

The finalists also include two other outstanding nurses: Tomar Foster-Mills and Susy Varghese, who have both showcased exemplary dedication to patient-centered care in their respective specialties.

MD Anderson’s nursing program, which employs over 5,000 registered nurses, remains at the forefront of cancer care, recently achieving its sixth consecutive Magnet Recognition Program® designation. This recognition is the highest honor for nursing excellence, further solidifying MD Anderson’s position as the nation’s leading cancer hospital according to U.S. News & World Report.

As MD Anderson continues to innovate in oncology nursing through initiatives like the newly established Meyers Institute for Oncology Nursing, the institution is committed to empowering its nurses with specialized education and professional development, ensuring they provide the highest standard of care.

“By creating an environment where our nurses can thrive, we ensure that our patients receive the best cancer care in the nation,” stated Rosanna Morris, chief operating officer at MD Anderson.

The Brown Foundation, with a philanthropic legacy since 1951, has been instrumental in supporting healthcare initiatives, including this award that honors the critical role of oncology nurses in the fight against cancer. Their ongoing commitment underscores the importance of nursing in providing compassionate care during one of life’s most challenging journeys.

With this year marking the 44th anniversary of the Brown Foundation Award, the contributions of these dedicated professionals continue to shape the future of oncology nursing and inspire generations to come.