May 17, 2010

Dean Martha Hill named to Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame

Martha N. Hill, dean of the Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing and professor in the schools of Nursing, Medicine and Public Health, has been named an inaugural inductee of the Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame. Induction recognizes lifetime achievements and sustained contributions to nursing research.

“Nursing research is important because nurses look comprehensively at the broad social determinants of health in addition to physiological, psychological and emotional factors,” Hill said. “Research is marvelous, adventurous and fun. I have loved the multidisciplinary work throughout my career.”

Hill has made her mark in the field of cardiovascular nursing science, with the aim of improving heart health for individuals and communities worldwide. After earning her doctorate in 1986, she created what is now internationally recognized as the model for nurse-led, community-based and team-delivered interventions to control hypertension among young urban black men. With more than 180 publications, Hill is an active researcher, author, policy-maker and advocate for community-based participatory research in underserved populations. Her prolific publication record, commitment to community, extensive mentoring of students and junior faculty, and organizational leadership demonstrate a lifetime of contributing knowledge to clinical and community public health practice.

Hill is a member of the Institute of Medicine and its council and just completed four years of service on the board of directors of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. She also serves as vice chair of the board of directors of Research!America. Hill was the first nurse to be named an honorary member of Alpha Omega Alpha, the national medical honor society, in recognition of her extraordinary contributions to medicine.

“Dr. Martha Hill’s leadership in nursing and her research have made a significant impact on the nursing profession,” said Fannie Gaston-Johansson, chair of the School of Nursing’s Department of Acute and Chronic Care, who prepared and submitted the nomination.

Hill is one of 22 inductees who will be honored at the 21st International Nursing Research Congress of the Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International, to be held July 12 to 16 in Orlando, Fla.