Cardio-Oncology: It's Not What You Think

Kerry Skurka’s professional career was as a nurse in cardiology, and after her own cancer experience she moved to oncology. While caring for cancer patients she saw cardiac symptoms routinely and therefore welcomed the opportunity to be the first Cardio-Oncology Nurse Navigator at Franciscan Health in Indianapolis. Together with her cardio-oncologist Vijay Rao the program grew to 3 nurse navigators and 6 satellite clinics. During this time Kerry was given the opportunity to start the Nursing Workgroup within the International Cardio-oncology Society to grow the field of cardio-oncology nursing.Losing both her husband and father to cancer, Kerry’s passion for this work continues. Currently, she works independently in the healthcare field sharing her knowledge and experience providing consultation for nurses and programs .Yvonne Callahan Assistant Clinical Instructor, Missouri State University School of Nursing and an oncology nursing specialist.