My UMSOP Story – Judy Lentz, RN, PhD ‘25

Judy Lentz, RN, PhD ‘25, FPCN is one of the first two PhD in Palliative Care graduates in the United States.

Could you describe your career path up until now? What has been most meaningful to you? And what do you consider to be most impactful?

My career path has been long but wonderfully successful. I graduated from a diploma nursing program in 1963 – yes, I am nearly 83 years old. My career path started in 1983 when I started an oncology specialty program in a community hospital located in a bedroom community of Pittsburgh, Penn. In 1987, I completed my Master’s degree, becoming an oncology clinical nurse specialist. I loved cancer care but felt like as professionals, we were missing the mark for those with serious illnesses outside of the field of cancer. In 2000, I was hired to lead the Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association and retired as their CEO in 2012. During that 12-year tenure, I was at the forefront of palliative care, serving on a team with other national leaders that wrote the first edition of the National Consensus Project’s Quality Palliative Care Guidelines. What is most meaningful to me and most impactful for others has been the ability to serve in this leadership role alongside national leaders in this field. Upon retirement, I became a volunteer Palliative Care Doula®, serving nationally through referrals and locally through faith-based programs for the past 13+ years, positively impacting the quality of life of individuals with serious illness.

What interested you in pursuing your PhD in Palliative Care?

Professionally, I have always valued advancing my nursing education. Until the PhD in Palliative Care program was initiated at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, obtaining a doctoral degree in palliative care was not an option. Upon hearing of this new program, I applied and fortunately was accepted in the first cohort – what a joy!! I am one of the first two graduates!

What was your experience like in the PhD in Palliative Care program?

The experience was invigorating. I met and interacted with colleagues of other disciplines from all over the country who share the same professional goals. It was challenging in terms of meeting the expectations of outstanding faculty offering the highest standards of education. I am full of gratitude and admiration for the visionary leadership of Dr. Mary Lynn McPherson, and last but certainly not least, I am professionally gratified at completing this difficult journey at a time of life when others might be hesitant to consider it.

What were some of the highlights of the program for you?

Blackboard interactions with colleagues and faculty, hearing the interviews of the legendary leaders in the field, publishing two papers as part of the program, and a wonderfully supportive dissertation committee. There are three individuals I would like to acknowledge – Dr. McPherson for her educational as well as electronic guidance and instantaneous responsiveness,; fellow student Arlen Gaines for being my constant companion and cheerleader as we walked this untraveled road together, and Dr. Jane Kirschling, dean emeritus of the University of Maryland School of Nursing, for serving as my dissertation chair and whose patience and unwavering support inspired me daily.

How do you plan to apply your knowledge, skills, and experience from this program into practice?

My work in the future has already begun. Nationally, publishing my research, as the first step, to offer education to others in our field. This step is already underway. Locally, I will be offering to initiate Palliative Care Ministry programs in the 14 churches that participated in my research. I will also be seeking the opportunity to serve the community as a palliative care doula® and finally, I will seek to initiate faith-based palliative care ministries within the regional network of Presbyterian ECO churches in South Carolina.

What is your advice to prospective students who might be considering this program?

Believe in yourself. Determine your research direction immediately upon entrance into the program. Understand there will be peaks and valleys along the way. Offer help to your colleagues and seek help from faculty and leaders associated with the program when the going gets rough.

Palliative care is serving many but is touching only the tip of the iceberg. Only by creating new avenues of care, new partnerships within our communities, new theories of methods and approaches to delivery will we begin to meet the overwhelming need for those facing serious illness. Join our team!!