Image caption: Patricia Davidson, dean of the Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing
Image credit: Will Kirk / Johns Hopkins University
Patricia Davidson, dean of the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, received the 2016 Australian Museum's Eureka Prize for Outstanding Mentor of Young Researchers.
The award is considered one of Australia's most prestigious scientific awards, and Davidson is the first nurse to receive this honor.
"This is a wonderful recognition, and I am truly humbled to have been selected," says Davidson. "Mentoring has given me the opportunity to see others grow, and it's a source of immense satisfaction to give back to my profession and help guide the next generation of nurses."
Given annually by the Australian Museum, the awards are the most comprehensive Australian science accolades that showcase excellence in research and innovation, leadership, school science, and science communication. With roots in science, technology, engineering, and math, nursing is gaining traction as a STEM field and was recognized by the Museum for its tie to the scientific community.
As dean of the highest-ranked accredited graduate nursing school program in rankings by U.S. News & World Report, Davidson finds mentorship deeply connected with her leadership and vision for the School of Nursing and the nursing profession as a whole. With emphasis on local to global nursing education, research, and practice, she says nurses have a great privilege and responsibility to help students discover the tools, resources, and foothold they need to be able to make a difference.
"Creating nurse leaders is a part of my commitment to global equity in health care. In order to change the trajectory of health across all populations, I want to be able to show nurses what it means to be a leader and then help them discover what it will take to get there."
An expert in cardiac health for women and vulnerable populations, Davidson has mentored more than 35 doctoral and postdoctoral researchers, many whose focus was on cardiovascular and chronic care. She is Counsel General for the non-profit International Council on Women's Health Issues, part-time faculty at the University of Technology Sydney, and was ranked nursing's most influential dean in 2015 by Mometrix.
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