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Meet Inaugural Associate Dean for Innovative Partnerships and Faculty Practice Mary McNamara

Meet Inaugural Associate Dean for Innovative Partnerships and Faculty Practice Mary McNamara

In August 2022, Loyola University Chicago Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing welcomed Mary McNamara, DNP, APRN, FNP, FAANP, as its inaugural associate dean for innovative partnerships and faculty practice. As a nationally-recognized nursing education and practice leader, Dr. McNamara has created multiple equity-driven academic-practice partnerships with community health systems. These partnerships address the complex physical, social, and emotional needs of underserved communities and prepare pre-licensure and advance practice nursing students to practice in these communities when they graduate.  We spoke with Dr. McNamara to learn more about her career and her reasons for becoming a Rambler.

What drew you to a career in nursing education?

As a family nurse practitioner in community health and emergency care settings, I noticed health inequities in my day-to-day practice. While I provided dedicated care to my patients, it became indelibly clear to me that not all patients receive the same access to quality health care. I wanted to influence change on a larger scale by preparing nurses and nurse practitioners who are practice-ready to make an impact in achieving a culture of health and health equity for all.

You have mentored and developed nurses at the institutions you have served. What is the moment when you witnessed the impact of your work?

It is difficult to choose one moment because each mentoring experience is a unique opportunity to witness how nurses can make a difference. One example is a recent grant-funded academic-practice partnership to prepare nurse practitioners (NPs) to practice in underserved communities with complex needs. As the academic partner on the grant, I mentored the first cohort of fellows as they transitioned from newly graduated NPs to primary care providers. We developed an integrated model to meet primary care and mental health needs within a Federally Qualified Health Center. This partnership is one example of how innovative nurse-led models can transform healthcare and move the needle on achieving health equity.

Your role is new to the School of Nursing. What does it entail? Why the focus on partnerships and faculty practice?

My role is to create academic-practice partnerships between the school of nursing, health systems, and community partners. These partnerships are opportunities for faculty to maintain clinical expertise, model evidence-based practice for their students, and advance their clinical scholarship. Practice partners also benefit from access to faculty’s expertise and input into nursing education.

What encouraged you to join Loyola?

Loyola’s social justice mission, vision, and values are consistent with my career dedicated to working with communities to achieve health equity. I am impressed with Dean Lorna Finnegan’s leadership and her commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusive excellence. The caliber of students, faculty, and alumni from the Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing is exceptional. Personally, I grew up in Rogers Park so this was a return home for me.

When you are not working, where will we find you?

I enjoy spending time with my husband, our two grown sons, our dog, and in our garden. We appreciate spending time with our extended family. I also enjoy playing guitar and reading.