Eileen D. Hacker, PhD, APRN, AOCN, FAAN
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
What advice would you give your younger self?
Be the person that you want to be regardless of the circumstances.
Where is your favorite vacation spot?
Anywhere I can completely unplug.
What made you want to pursue a career in nursing?
The simplest reason is likely the most accurate - I wanted to take care of people that were sick.
What book should every nurse read?
Haven't You Suffered Enough?: Clinically Proven Methods to Conquer Stress. Author: Brenda Lyon, PhD, CNS, RN
What has been your most interesting/surprising outcome while conducting nursing research?
Increasing free-living physical activity, also known as life-style physical activity, may lead to more fatigue, not less, immediately following hematopoietic cell transplantation.
What is a fun fact many people may not know about you?
I learned to play the bagpipes after graduating from college and played in a bagpipe band. Playing the bagpipes, however, requires a tremendous amount of time and practice. I still have my bagpipes, but no longer play. I still love the music!
About Eileen
Dr. Eileen Hacker is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Nursing at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. She has extensive experience in clinical oncology nursing, cancer research, education, and academic leadership. Dr. Hacker has championed innovations and improvements in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation nursing. Her progressive research program focuses on fatigue, physical activity, exercise interventions, and quality of life. Her research has been funded by the American Cancer Society, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Nursing Research, and Oncology Nursing Society. Her work has been published in leading cancer journals. Dr. Hacker is committed to advancing oncology nursing science and promoting quality of life outcomes in people with cancer. She is the recipient of multiple research and teaching awards. She is a Fellow in the American Academy of Nursing.