Dennison Himmelfarb Becomes 1st Allison Chair

Professor Cheryl Dennison Himmelfarb, PhD, RN, ANP, FAAN, was inducted April 26 as the inaugural Sarah E. Allison Professor for Research and Self-Care. “I look forward to taking on this new role, collaborating with the exceptional students and researchers at Johns Hopkins, and using this platform to improve cardiovascular care and outcomes globally.”

Funded by recently deceased alumna Sarah Elizabeth Allison, the endowed chair was established to recognize nursing theorist Dorothea Orem for her Self-Care Deficit Theory and promote research that helps patients maintain dignity, function, and well-being. Allison, Class of 1953, worked with Orem on the theory and brought its tenets to the Wilmer Eye Clinic at Johns Hopkins Hospital, where she served as clinical director of nursing in the 1970s.

A trailblazer in cardiovascular care and patient safety, Himmelfarb is associate dean for research and director of the Helene Fuld Leadership Program for the Advancement of Patient Safety & Quality. She was recently inducted into the Sigma Theta Tau International Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame.

See images from her induction ceremony.