Sylvia Trent-Adams, PhD, RN, FAAN, FNAP — the executive vice president and chief strategy officer at the University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, former leader of the U.S. Public Health Service, and the first female nurse to serve as U.S. surgeon general — delivered “The New Normal: Preparedness for Better Health — Where Do We Go from Here?” for Duke University School of Nursing’s 59th annual Harriet Cook Carter Lecture on Thursday, March 24. 

Throughout her presentation, Trent-Adams discussed public health disasters, emerging infectious diseases, and broader threats to the health care delivery system; shared approaches for preparedness and response for the global community; explored global burden of disease in relationship to health care resources; and described opportunities for the nursing profession to engage in preparedness and response. 

“We have to use the power of the nurse [when responding to public health disasters],” Trent-Adams said. “We’re the ones communicating with community leaders. We're translating the needs of clinical practice and guidelines and also working to update the community in real time.” 

“It is the insight of experts like Dr. Trent-Adams that demonstrates the critical and strategic role of nurses in global public health preparedness,” said Vincent Guilamo-Ramos, PhD, MPH, LCSW, RN, ANP-BC, PMHNP-BC, FAAN, dean, Duke School of Nursing, and vice-chancellor, nursing affairs, Duke University. “This perspective is particularly relevant as we look towards a post-pandemic future. We were honored to have Dr. Trent-Adams to present this informative talk.” 

“The Duke School of Nursing has a storied history, and so much of the work you do here has helped around the world,” Trent-Adams said. “I would like to thank Dean Ramos and the faculty, staff and students of the school’s community for all you have endured over the past two-and-a-half years and all that you continue to do.”  

In addition to delivering the Harriet Cook Carter Lecture, Trent-Adams was given a tour of the School of Nursing and Duke Health by Ramos. She also met with Duke Health Chancellor Eugene Washington and several faculty. View Dr. Trent-Adams's slide deck. 

Top Photo: Dr. Sylvia Trent-Adams, second from left, with Sean Convoy, assistant professor; Dean Vincent Guilamo-Ramos; Devon Noonan, Dorothy L. Powell Term Chair in Nursing; Schenita Randolph, associate professor; and Michael V. Relf, associate dean for global and community health affairs. Bottom left: Ramos and Trent-Adams with Duke Health Chancellor Eugene Washington. Bottom right: Trent-Adams delivering the Harriet Cook Carter Lecture.