Fate and Resolve Bring Alumna Full Circle

When Corrie O’Hara, DNP ’13, was 18 years old, she wanted to become a physician – that all changed, though, when at the end of her senior year in high school she was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

During her course of cancer treatment, she resolved to become a nurse. Now, O’Hara is a cancer survivor and a practicing family nurse practitioner at Roswell Park Cancer Institute, the same place she received her cancer treatment over 11 years ago.

O’Hara explains that she chose to pursue a DNP because it is a rewarding field that allows her the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with her patients. She also feels that the profession has an advantage over other health care providers, as it allows for and encourages a deeper understanding of the health care needs of patients and their families.

When asked what advice she would give to those completing a nursing undergraduate program and thinking about pursuing a DNP, O’Hara emphatically recommends that prior to enrolling in graduate school, students should be well organized, research the program, explore possible capstone choices and talk to an advisor. She is quick to underscore that one of the keys to her success was building a support system of close family and friends who she could lean on as she was navigating her academic preparation.

“UB was my first choice for graduate school based on its reputation for providing an excellent education,” O’Hara says. “The flexibility to complete the program in three years of full time study and the outstanding financial value were also major factors in my decision to go to UB School of Nursing.” She also credits the support and encouragement she received from the faculty, along with her personal support system of friends and family, with providing her the opportunity to fulfill her dream.

- DONNA A. TYRPAK