Alanna Kavanaugh

Alanna Kavanaugh, a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner, stands at the intersection of exceptional patient care, education, and leadership. With a Master’s degree from the College of Mount Saint Vincent and an ongoing pursuit of a Doctorate of Nursing Education at Columbia University, Teachers College, Alanna embodies a commitment to academic and clinical excellence.

As the Assistant Dean of Graduate Nursing and Chair of the Family Nurse Practitioner Program at her alma mater, Alanna has spearheaded transformative changes. Under her guidance, curriculum restructuring has yielded outstanding results, notably elevating board certification scores from 44% to an impressive 97% for first-time test-takers. Her innovative initiatives include a transition-to-practice boot camp, targeted remediation programs, 1:1 faculty-student coaching, and peer mentorship programs, facilitating seamless practice transitions for students.

Alanna’s influence extends beyond academia. With over 17 years of clinical experience, she has significantly contributed to the Pulmonary Division at Weill Cornell Medical College where she served as the sole Nurse Practitioner in the department. Her initiatives in oxygen therapy, patient education, and support group work have positively impacted patient care. Actively engaged with the American Lung Association and COPD Advisory Board, Alanna continues to shape the landscape of pulmonary care.

Her dedication to advancing nursing knowledge is evident in an extensive list of presentations, podcasts, and publications. Notably, her research on “Preferences for Asthma Decision-Making” has been accepted by the European Respiratory Society. Recognized as a trailblazer in healthcare, Alanna has secured notable grants, including two consecutive $25,000 Stonywold Grants and a $1,500 Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation grant. Her impactful work is featured in magazines and online platforms, including the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation’s Breathe Bulletin and Weill Cornell Medicine.

Serving as the Secretary on the Board of the Nurse Practitioner Association of New York and as the President of her local Sigma Theta Tau chapter, Eta Sigma, Alanna Kavanaugh’s multifaceted contributions underscore her dedication to elevating healthcare, education, and professional organizations alike. Her journey exemplifies excellence and innovation in the dynamic field of nursing.