MD Anderson Honors Nurses with Brown Foundation Awards for Excellence

BREAKING: The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center has just awarded the prestigious 2025 Brown Foundation Award for Excellence in Oncology Nursing to two exceptional nurses, Kimberly Vanderhorst and Terri Lynn Dunn. This recognition marks a significant milestone as both a clinical registered nurse (RN) and an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) have been honored in the same year for the first time.

The awards, presented yesterday, underscore the institution’s commitment to celebrating outstanding achievements in oncology nursing. Each recipient received $15,000, along with a commemorative crystal plaque and a pin, contributing to a total of $50,000 awarded among six finalists.

Kimberly Vanderhorst, who specializes in outpatient pediatric anesthesia care at MD Anderson, was recognized as the clinical RN awardee. Her leadership and commitment to patient care have been pivotal since she joined the institution in 2013. “To be a nurse at MD Anderson is to stand at the intersection of hope and science,” said Holly Clark, one of the runner-ups in the clinical RN category.

On the other hand, Terri Lynn Dunn received the award for advanced practice registered nurse in the General Oncology department. Since joining MD Anderson in 2009, Dunn has advanced from clinical roles to leadership, emphasizing the importance of restoring dignity and trust in patient care. “Nursing is not just about treating disease; it’s about walking alongside patients and families during some of their hardest moments,” Dunn stated.

The Brown Foundation, which has supported the award for over 44 years, expanded this year’s honors to recognize the growing impact of oncology nursing. “We are incredibly grateful to The Brown Foundation for their unwavering support,” said Kim Slusser, interim chief nursing officer at MD Anderson.

The recognition of these nurses not only highlights their individual achievements but also the collective excellence within MD Anderson’s nursing program, which has over 5,000 registered nurses. This program recently received its sixth consecutive Magnet Recognition Program ® designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center, reaffirming its status as a leader in the field of cancer care.

Additionally, the finalists for the awards included notable nurses who embody the spirit of nursing excellence. The recognition of these healthcare heroes is not only a celebration of their contributions but also a reminder of the critical role nurses play in the fight against cancer.

As MD Anderson continues to lead in oncology nursing, the institution recently established the Meyers Institute for Oncology Nursing, aimed at empowering nurses through specialized education and professional development. This initiative ensures that nurses can thrive in their careers, ultimately enhancing patient care.

With the announcement of these awards, MD Anderson emphasizes the importance of recognizing nursing excellence as essential to achieving its mission to end cancer. As the healthcare landscape evolves, the contributions of oncology nurses like Vanderhorst and Dunn remain vital in providing compassionate, expert care to patients during their most challenging times.

Expect further updates as MD Anderson continues to celebrate its nursing staff and their ongoing commitment to excellence in patient care.