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Mary Lou Siefert, DNSc, MBA, AOCN® Associate Professor DNP Program

Join the faculty December 2022

Do you also work in a clinical atmosphere?

I have a role as a nurse scientist/clinical inquiry specialist at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) in the Phyllis F. Cantor Center for Research in Nursing and Patient Care Services. With my colleagues in the Cantor Center and other advanced practice clinicians we are currently working on projects to create and implement evidence-based symptom management practices and strategies targeting clinician, patients and families.

What do you like most about your job(s)?

There are many things I like “most” about my job(s). I love being an oncology nurse, all aspects of it, and am privileged to be able to assist patients and families, directly and indirectly, with managing their symptoms to improve their quality of life during their illness experiences currently at DFCI. And in my role at Tan Chingfen GSN, I especially enjoy advising, educating and mentoring nurses and those who will become nurses so that they will be able to better understand the importance of and apply evidence-based practices in their specialty areas to improve the experiences of patients and families. It is very rewarding to see our learners move from novice to expert in their journey here and it is humbling to think that we have played a part in that journey. I am very thankful for and humbled by the opportunities that the nursing profession has afforded me including directly and indirectly caring for patients with cancer and their families, as an educator and nurse scientist, and currently as a member of the faculty and larger team here at Tan Chingfen Graduate School of Nursing.

What do you enjoy doing on your days off?

I love spending time in the outdoors, and especially during the fall and winter seasons, yes I love cooler weather and snow! Spending time outdoors is joyful, invigorating and contemplative. But I also love reading, especially historical fiction and non-fiction, and just relaxing and visiting with friends and family.

Do you have a hobby or a special talent you can tell me about?

I don’t really have anything that I consider a special talent or hobby, but I do enjoy cooking and trying new recipes to share with family and friends.

Anything else you would like to share?

I have always enjoyed the company of dogs, and currently have a good old rescue pal living with me, a dog named Olive. And thankfully, she is also very popular with the neighbors, who come to visit her when I am on campus or otherwise away for more than a few hours.