Guiding Hope for Patients With Lung Cancer

"Her compassion, expertise and commitment to personalized patient care for patients make her a shining beacon of hope and healing for those battling lung cancer."

It is with great pleasure that I nominate Amy Wallace, RN, OCN, an exceptional oncology nurse at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, for the Extraordinary Healer Award. Amy has dedicated her life to providing compassionate care and support to patients with lung cancer, embodying the qualities of empathy, expertise and dedication.

As a practicing thoracic medical oncologist at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, I have known Amy for two years now as my primary nurse in my thoracic medical oncology clinic. Together, we have cared for hundreds of patients with lung cancer and their families who are not only from the state of Texas, but also travel from other national and international locations to meet with us.

What sets Amy apart is her profound understanding of the challenges faced by patients with cancer, as she has personally experienced the impact of this disease within her own family. Having lost a family member to cancer, she channels this poignant experience into her work, fostering a deep connection with her patients and their loved ones. This unique empathy creates a comforting and understanding environment, helping patients feel heard and supported.

Amy is renowned for her calming presence, which becomes immediately apparent when patients meet her. Many of our patients and their loves ones are understandably anxious at our initial medical oncology visit. Amy’s ability to instill a sense of peace and reassurance is invaluable, especially in the challenging journey that is a cancer diagnosis. Patients often express how her comforting demeanor has a positive impact on their overall well-being. They look forward to not only meeting with me at follow-up visits but also Amy.

Furthermore, Amy goes above and beyond to personalize the scheduling of appointments for her patients. Recognizing the significance of maximizing quality of life and minimizing time spent at our cancer center, she tailors their schedules with meticulous attention to detail. This thoughtful approach showcases her commitment to enhancing the overall patient experience.

In preparation for patient visits, Amy demonstrates exceptional dedication. Her thorough preparation ensures that each patient receives personalized and effective care. Moreover, her commitment extends beyond the clinic as she diligently follows up with patients, ensuring they feel supported and addressing any concerns that may arise post-appointment as they continue through their cancer treatment journey.

What truly sets Amy apart is her team approach to patient care. She collaborates seamlessly with other health care professionals, as the care of a patient with lung cancer is very heavily focused on multidisciplinary care, fostering an environment of comprehensive support for patients and their families. This collaborative spirit enhances the overall effectiveness of the care provided and reinforces the sense of community within the health care team.

Amy exemplifies the qualities of an Extraordinary Healer. Her compassion, expertise and commitment to personalized patient care for patients make her a shining beacon of hope and healing for those battling lung cancer.

Just Like Amy

I am honored to nominate Amy Wallace, RN, an oncology nurse at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, for the CURE Extraordinary Healer award. Amy embodies the essence of exceptional nursing care, compassion and dedication to her patients and colleagues. With over a decade of experience in oncology, she has developed a unique expertise in cancer care, providing individualized attention to each patient’s physical and emotional needs. Her unwavering empathy and kindness create a safe and supportive environment for patients and their families during their most vulnerable moments.

Amy’s exceptional clinical skills are complemented by her leadership and mentorship. She actively participates in professional development, staying updated on the latest cancer treatments and best practices. She eagerly shares her knowledge with colleagues, fostering a collaborative work environment that benefits patients and staff alike. Her tireless advocacy for patients extends beyond the bedside, driving improvements in cancer care policies and protocols.

I strongly believe that Amy deserves recognition with the CURE Extraordinary Healer award for her outstanding contributions to the nursing profession and her unwavering commitment to cancer care. She is an inspiration for everyone, but especially for me. I look up to her to become an extraordinary, caring, kind and devoted nurse like Amy. I wish everyone could have a nurse like Amy. She is a wonderful nurse.

Nominations are now open for the 2025 CURE Extraordinary Healer award.

For more news on cancer updates, research and education, don’t forget to subscribe to CURE®’s newsletters here.