Joyce E Dains, DrPH, JD, APRN, FNP-BC, FNAP, FAANP, FAAN
Department of Nursing, Division of SrVP and Chief Nursing Officer
About Dr. Joyce E Dains
Dr. Joyce Dains is currently Professor, Department of Nursing, at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. She has been with MD Anderson since 2002 and is the Advanced Practice Nursing Program Director. She developed and directs the Post-Graduate Fellowship in Oncology Nursing, the first of its kind in the county.
Dr. Dains was Program Manager for Professional Education for Prevention and Early Detection at MD Anderson and directed education programs in cancer prevention, screening, and early detection for health care professionals from all over the United and States and the world. She served as PI for multiple grants from the Cancer Prevention Research Institute of Texas and the Texas Cancer Council to educate health professionals in cancer prevention and early detection in rural and medically underserved communities in Texas. Prior to MD Anderson Dr. Dains held education and leadership positions at major universities and medical institutions where she was instrumental in the education of undergraduate and graduate nursing students, medical students, and medical residents. As a board certified Family Nurse Practitioner she has also held clinical positions and maintains a clinical practice in the MD Anderson Cancer Prevention Center.
Dr. Dains is a graduate of New England Baptist Hospital School of Nursing, earned a baccalaureate degree in Nursing from Boston College, a master’s degree in Nursing from Case Western Reserve University, a doctorate in Public Health from the University of Texas – Houston, and a post-graduate certificate as a Family Nurse Practitioner from the Texas Woman’s University. She also earned a doctorate in Law at the University of Houston and practiced law for a brief period. Dr. Dains is an internationally recognized author of physical examination textbooks, is an Oncology Nursing Society-recognized cancer genetics educator, and is on the review board for the Oncology Nursing Forum. She has been a recipient of the Baylor College of Medicine, Fulbright & Jaworski LLP Faculty Excellence Award for Educational Leadership. Dr. Dains is a Distinguished Practitioner of the National Academies of Practice and a Fellow of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.
Present Title & Affiliation
Primary Appointment
Professor, Department of Nursing, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Dual/Joint/Adjunct Appointment
Professor, Nursing, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
Education & Training
Degree-Granting Education
| 1993 | The University of Houston Law Center, Houston, Texas, US, Law, JD |
| 1987 | The University of Texas at Houston School of Public Health, Houston, Texas, US, Health Services, DPH |
| 1978 | Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, US, Medical/Surgical Nursing, MSN |
| 1973 | Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, US, Nursing, BSN |
| 1971 | New England Baptist Hospital School of Nursing, Boston, Massachusetts, US, Nursing, RN |
Postgraduate Training
| 2012-2012 | Clinical Safety and Effectiveness Program, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas |
| 2005-2005 | Cancer Genetics Short Course, Oncology Nursing Society Cancer Genetics Educator, Oncology Nursing Society, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania |
| 1998-1999 | Master Teacher Fellowship Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas |
| 1993-1995 | Family Nurse Practitioner Program, Texas Woman's University College of Nursing, Houston, Texas |
Licenses & Certifications
| 1995 | American Nurses Credentialing Center, Family Nurse Practitioner |
| 1993 | Law |
Experience & Service
Administrative Appointments/Responsibilities
Executive Director Advanced Practice, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2019 - Present
Director, Post Graduate Fellowship in Oncology Nursing, Nursing, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2006 - Present
Other Professional Positions
Consultant, Health Assessment, Elsevier Publishing, St. Louis, Missouri, 2016 - Present
Extramural Institutional Committee Activities
Member, Nursing Transformation, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2023 - Present
Member, Ambulatory CCLT, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2022 - Present
Member, APP Strategic Position Management-Committee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2021 - Present
Member, APP Strategy Workgroup, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2021 - Present
Member, Covid Workforce Staffing Taskforce, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2020 - Present
Member, Virtual Visit Taskforce, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2020 - Present
Member, Ambulatory Leadership Team, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2020 - Present
Member, Research-CCLT, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2020 - Present
Member, Executive Billing and Compliance Committee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2018 - Present
Member, Executive Committee of the Medical Staff, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2018 - Present
Member, Clinical Operations Leadership Team, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2017 - Present
Member, Nursing Protocol Research Committee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2015 - Present
member, Institutional Patient Safety Committee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2015 - Present
Member, EHR Provider and Nursing Officer, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2014 - Present
Leader, CS&E Project on Patient Forms Standardization, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2013 - Present
Member, Medical Records Committee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2012 - Present
Abstract Reviewer, Division of Nursing, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2012 - Present
Ex Officio Member, Medical Practice Committee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2012 - Present
member, Medical Practice Bylaws Committee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2012 - Present
Member, EMR Strategy Review Committee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2011 - Present
Member, Rotary House Hurricane Triage Process, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2010 - Present
Leader, APP Supervisor and Manager Forum, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2007 - Present
Member, Medical Practice Committee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2006 - Present
Editorial Activities
Member of Editorial Review Board, Oncology Nurse Forum, 2004 - Present
Honors & Awards
| 2024 | Top 1% provider nationally, Clinician and Group Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Provider and Systems |
| 2022 | Top 1% provider nationally, Clinician and Group Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Provider and Systems |
Selected Presentations & Talks
National Presentations
- 2025. Fueling the Oncology Nurse Scientist Pipeline through an Academic Medical Center Based Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Oncology Nursing. Conference. 50th Annual ONS Congress®. Denver, CO, US.
- 2023. Opening Remarks: Interprofessional Collaboration to Achieve the Best Outcomes in Cancer Care. Conference. MD Anderson Cancer Center. Houston, TX, US.
- 2022. Best Practices for APP Satisfaction. Conference. Best Practices for APP Satisfaction, US.
Selected Publications
Peer-Reviewed Articles
- Tlusty, GC, Choi, E, Alsbrook, KE, Gilmore, K, Rollins, JL, Dains, JE, Fadol, AP, Roth, M, Hacker, E. Symptom burden in cancer survivorship. Quality of Life Research 35(8), 2026. e-Pub 2026. PMID: 42319622.
- Bottomley, S, Pickard, TA, Bailey, AY, Dains, JE. Impact of a centralized APP-led peer-to-peer program on patient access, provider burden, and institutional revenue. Journal of Clinical Oncology 44:1549, 2026. e-Pub 2026.
- Whisenant, M, Williams, LA, Dains, JE, Brassil, KJ, Fellman, B, Urbauer, D, Isaac, T, Shelton, V, Burton, BS, Hacker, E. The Effect of a Digital Health Coaching Program on Patient-Reported and Healthcare Utilization Outcomes of Women With Breast Cancer. Oncology nursing forum 53(1), 2026. e-Pub 2026. PMID: 41586740.
- Igharas T, Martinez A, Dains JE. Substance Use in Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 14(3):201-211, 2025. e-Pub 2025. PMID: 39479969.
- Lu C, Martinez A, Dains JE. Comparison of Quality of Life in Tongue Cancer Patients Following Various Glossectomy Reconstructive Techniques. J Adv Pract Oncol:1-9, 2025. e-Pub 2025. PMID: 40224921.
- Nunley, E, Martinez, A, Dains, JE. Eligibility and Accessibility Barriers of Patient Assistance Programs for Oral Oncolytics in Patients With Cancer. Clinical journal of oncology nursing 29(1):79-86, 2025. e-Pub 2025. PMID: 39933085.
- Johnson C, Martinez A, Dains JE. Psychosocial Impact of Ostomies in Women With Colorectal Cancer: An Integrative Review. J Adv Pract Oncol:1-11, 2025. e-Pub 2025. PMID: 39990041.
- Osburn J, Martinez A, Dains JE. Reducing Distress in Caregivers of Patients Undergoing Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation With Remotely Accessible Interventions: An Integrative Review. J Adv Pract Oncol:1-10, 2025. e-Pub 2025. PMID: 39990043.
- Nielsen A, Martinez A, Dains JE. Cancer Patient Perspectives on Medical Aid in Dying. Cancer Care Res Online, 2025. e-Pub 2025.
- Hacker ED, Forbes S, Martinez A, Fadol A, Vaughn J, Shelton V, Dains JE. Consensus Building to Identify Nursing Research Priorities Among Oncology Nurses: A Delphi Study in a National Cancer Institute-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. Cancer Nurs 48(6):E387-E396, 2024. e-Pub 2024. PMID: 38830057.
- Whisenant, Megan, Hacker, ED, Williams, Loretta, Dains JE, Fellman, Bryan, Isaac, Trinity, Shelton, Valerie, Barr, Austin, Harty, Carolyn, Brassil, Kelly. The Effect of a Digital Health Coaching Program on Patient Reported Outcomes of Women with Breast Cancer. Cancer Res (2024) 84 (9_Supplement): PS02-08 84(9), 2024. e-Pub 2024.
- Cao CL, Martinez A, Dains JE. Growth Factor in the Setting of CAR T-Cell Therapy. J Adv Pract Oncol 15(4):253-264, 2024. e-Pub 2024. PMID: 39301101.
- Otto SM, Martinez AL, Dains JE. Risk Factors for Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-Related Myocarditis: An Integrative Review. J Adv Pract Oncol 15(2):111-123, 2024. e-Pub 2024. PMID: 39132554.
- Wolfe KR, Martinez A, Dains JE. The Psychosocial Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors in the United States. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 13(1):80-96, 2024. e-Pub 2024. PMID: 37797223.
- Matyola M, Martinez A, Dains J. Does Use of Intratumoral Injections in Solid Tumor Malignancies Improve Outcomes and Reduce Adverse Events? An Integrative Review. J Adv Pract Oncol 15(1):36-42, 2024. e-Pub 2024. PMID: 39055366.
- Dains JE, Otto, Sara M, Martinez, Ashely L. Risk Factors for Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor–Related Myocarditis: An Integrative Review. Journal of the Advanced Practitioner in Oncology 15(2):111-113, 2024. e-Pub 2024.
- Matoyla, Maggie, Martinez, Ashley, Dains JE. Does Use of Intratumoral Injections in Solid Tumor Malignancies Improve Outcomes and Reduce Adverse Events? An Integrative Review. Journal of the Advanced Practitioner in Oncology 15(1):36-42, 2024. e-Pub 2024.
- Whittaker J, Martinez A, Dains JE. Role of Preemptive Cytomegalovirus Hyperimmunoglobulin in Cytomegalovirus Viremia Following Stem Cell Transplant: An Integrative Review. J Adv Pract Oncol 14(7):620-630, 2023. e-Pub 2023. PMID: 38196668.
- Patel C, Bruno M, Rukundo I, Dains J, Martinez A, Soliman P. A new leadership frontier: Nurse practitioners and physician associates as inpatient medical directors. J Am Assoc Nurse Pract 35(8):457-460, 2023. e-Pub 2023. PMID: 37249389.
- Mota-George G, Martinez A, Dains JE. Quality of Life in Adult Cancer Patients With Underage Children: An Integrative Review. J Adv Pract Oncol 14(5):390-402, 2023. e-Pub 2023. PMID: 37576361.
- Patel C, Bruno M, Rukundo I, Dains J, Martinez M, Soliman P. A New Leadership Frontier: Nurse Practitioners and Physician Associates as Inpatient Medical Directors. J Amer Assoc Nurse Pract(35 (8)):457-460, 2023. e-Pub 2023.
- Otto S, Martinez A, Dains JE. Risk Factors for Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor–Related Myocarditis: An Integrative Review. J Adv Pract Oncol 15(2):111-123, 2023. e-Pub 2023.
- Whittaker, Jaci, Martinez, Ashely L, Dains JE. Role of Preemptive Cytomegalovirus Hyperimmunoglobulin in Cytomegalovirus Viremia Following Stem Cell Transplant: An Integrative Review. Journal of the Advanced Practitioner in Oncology 14(7):620-630, 2023. e-Pub 2023.
- Hubert E, Dains JE. The Role of Echocardiogram and Cardiac Rhythm Analysis for Early Detection of Cardiac Amyloidosis. J Adv Pract Oncol 13(7):695-704, 2022. e-Pub 2022. PMID: 36199495.
- Thomas J, Bowe C, Dains JE. Antibiotic Therapy and Gastrointestinal Graft-Versus-Host Disease in the Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation Population. J Adv Pract Oncol 13(1):61-69, 2022. e-Pub 2022. PMID: 35173989.
- Randolph W, Dains JE. Ultrasound Evaluation of Carotid Artery Intima-Media Thickness: Effective Early Marker of Carotid Artery Disease in Adult Head and Neck Cancer Patients After Neck Radiation?. J Adv Pract Oncol 13(7):683-694, 2022. e-Pub 2022.
- Ten Hagen PL, Bowe C, Dains JE. Early Detection of Vulvovaginal Graft-Versus-Host Disease: An Integrative Review. J Adv Pract Oncol 12(7):725-737, 2021. e-Pub 2021. PMID: 34671502.
Abstracts
- Alsbrook K, Hacker E, Dains JE, Fadol A, Choi E, Tlusty G. Priorities of Patients Seen in the Survivorship Clinics of a Large Comprehensive Cancer Center. ONS Congress 2026.
- Dains JE. Age-Related Differences in Life Interference Among Cancer Survivors. 23rd Annual APOS.
Books (edited and written)
- Ball J, Dains JE, Flynn J, Solomon B, Stewart R. Seidel's Guide to Physical Examination. Ed(s) 11th. Elsevier, 2026.
- Dains JE, Baumann L, Scheibel P. Advanced Health Assessment and Clinical Diagnosis in Primary Care. Ed(s) 6th. Elsevier, 2024.
- Ball J, Dains JE, Flynn J, Solomon B, Stewart R. Seidel's Guide to Physical Examination Handbook. Ed(s) 10th. Elsevier, 2023.
- Ball J, Dains JE, Flynn J, Solomon B, Stewart R. Seidel's Guide to Physical Examination. Ed(s) 10th. Elsevier, 2022.
Patient Reviews
CV information above last modified July 31, 2026