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, Division of SrVP and Chief Nursing Officer, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Dual/Joint/Adjunct Appointment
Executive Director Advanced Practice, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Research Interests
APRN Utilization of Cancer Screening Guidelines
Utilization of Cancer Screening Guidelines by Primary Care Providers Using an App
Post Graduate Fellowship in Oncology Nursing: Outcomes
In Their Voices: Oncology Patient Preferences for Care by APRNs and PAs
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
| 1996 | Advanced Practice Registered Nurse |
| 1993 | Law |
| 1981 | Registered Nurse |
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, Department of 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 |
| 2021 | Accreditation with Distinction, Post Graduate Fellowship in Oncology Nursing, American Nurses Credentialing Center’s’ Commission on Accreditation, Practice Transition Accreditation Program, American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission of Accreditation |
Professional Memberships
Selected Presentations & Talks
Regional Presentations
- 2020. Choosing the Right Person for Your Fellowship. Conference. Choosing the Right Person for Your Fellowship. Atlanta/Virtual, GA, US.
National Presentations
- 2025. Fueling the Oncology Nurse Scientist Pipeline through an Academic Medical Center Based Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Oncology Nursing. 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.
- 2020. Choosing the Right Person for Your Fellowship. Conference. Choosing the Right Person for Your Fellowship. Atlanta/Virtual, GA, US.
Selected Publications
Peer-Reviewed Articles
- 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.
- 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, 2024. e-Pub 2024. PMID: 38830057.
- Patel, C, Bruno, M, Rukundo, I, Dains, JE, Martinez, A, Soliman, P. A new leadership frontier. Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners 35(8):457-460, 2023. e-Pub 2023. PMID: 37249389.
- Kalariya N, Bowe C, Dains JE. Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarkers for Graft-Versus-Host Disease After Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation. Oncol Nurs Forum 47(2):E35-E43, 2020. e-Pub 2020. PMID: 32078615.
Review Articles
- Igharas T, Martinez A, Dains JE. Substance Use in Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors: An Integrative Review. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 14(3):201-211, 2025. e-Pub 2025. PMID: 39479969.
- Lu C, Martinez A, Dains J E. 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.
- Johnson C, Martinez A, Dains J. E.. 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 J E. 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.
- Cao CL, Martinez A, Dains JE. Growth Factor in the Setting of CAR T-Cell Therapy: To Use or Not to Use. 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: An Integrative Review. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 13(1):80-96, 2024. e-Pub 2024. PMID: 37797223.
- Matyola M, Martinez A, Dains J E. 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Sphar BG, Bowe C, Dains JE. The Impact of Peripheral Cooling on Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy: An Integrative Review. J Adv Pract Oncol 11(8):845-857, 2020. e-Pub 2020. PMID: 33489425.
- Lee Brink A, Bowe C, Dains JE. Risk Factors for Ifosfamide-Related Encephalopathy in Adult Cancer Patients: An Integrative Review. J Adv Pract Oncol 11(4):368-380, 2020. e-Pub 2020. PMID: 33604097.
Other Articles
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Dains JE 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, 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.
- Thomas J, Bowe C, Dains J Antibiotic Therapy and Gastrointestinal Graft-Versus-Host Disease in the Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation Population. J Adv Pract Oncol 13(1):61-69, 2022.
- 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.
- 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.
- Ten Hagen P, Bowe C, Dains J Early Detection of Vulvovaginal Graft-Versus-Host Disease: An Integrative Review. J Adv Pract Oncol 12(7):725-737, 2021.
- Yajima D, Bowe C, Barber D, Dains J Telehealth Interventions for Supportive Management and Early Recognition of Treatment-Related Symptoms in Patients With Hematologic Malignancies. J Adv Pract Oncol 12(8):835-849, 2021.
- Cooper A, Dains JE Advanced Care Planning and End-of-life Outcomes in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Patients. American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, 2020.
- Kalariya N, Bowe C, Dains JE An Integrative Review of Diagnostic and Prog-nostic Protein Biomarkers for Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease after Allogenic Stem Cell Transplant. Oncology Nursing Forum 47(2), 2020.
Abstracts
- Whisenant M, Hacker E, Williams L, Dains JE, Fellman B, Isaac T, Shelton V, Barr A, Harty C, Rasulnia M, Brassil K. Abstract PS02-08: The Effect of a Digital Health Coaching Program on Patient Reported Outcomes of Women with Breast Cancer. Cancer Res 84(9), 2024. e-Pub 2024.
Books (edited and written)
- Dains J, Baumann L, Scheibel P. Advanced Health Assessment and Clinical Diagnosis in Primary Care. Ed(s) 6th. Elsevier, 2024.
- Ball J, Dains J, Flynn J, Solomon B, Stewart R. Seidels Guide to Physical Examination Handbook. Ed(s) 10th. Elsevier, 2023.
- Ball J, Dains J, Flynn J, Solomon B, Stewart R. Seidel's Guide to Physical Examination Handbook. Ed(s) 10th. Elsevier, 2023.
Patient Reviews
CV information above last modified September 30, 2025