Sixteen NYC Health + Hospitals Nurse Leaders Recognized for Achieving Doctoral Distinction

Sixteen NYC Health + Hospitals Nurse Leaders Recognized for Achieving Doctoral Distinction

Nurses with doctoral degrees incorporate their years of education and bedside practice to advance the field of nursing both clinically and operationally

These 16 nurses join 146 other nurses in the health care system who have achieved this level of distinction

Only 2.7% of all Registered Nurses in the United States have a doctoral degree

Oct 28, 2025

NYC Health + Hospitals today announced that 16 nurse leaders who have attained doctoral-level education were recognized at the health system's fourth annual Doctoral Circle of Excellence event. The Circle honors nurses who have earned a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), Doctor of Health Administration (DHA), Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Doctor of Public Health (DrPH), or Doctor of Education (EdD) in nursing. The program supports and promotes mentoring and networking among nurses across the health care system. It also connects nurse researchers with aligned interests to collaborate across facilities to generate new knowledge and integrate nursing research and evidence-based practices into clinical and operational processes. These 16 nurses join 146 other nurses in the health care system who have achieved this level of distinction. In 2022, 17.4% of the nation's registered nurses held a master's degree and 2.7% held a doctoral degree. The current demand for nurses with a master's or doctor's degree who are prepared for advanced practice, clinical specialties, teaching, and research roles far outpaces supply.

"The achievements of these 16 exceptional nurse leaders underscores our commitment to fostering nursing excellence across the public health care system through professional development, engagement, and recognition," said NYC Health + Hospitals President and CEO Mitchell Katz, MD. "The Doctoral Circle inductees exemplify the highest standards of clinical expertise and dedication, and their achievements are a testament to their passion for improving patient care and advancing the nursing profession. Their contributions will shape the future of health care at our hospitals and benefit New Yorkers for years to come."

"The growing number of honorees in our Doctoral Circle of Excellence reflects our nurses' deep commitment to leadership, innovation, and continuous improvement in health care practice," said NYC Health + Hospitals System Chief Nurse Executive Natalia Cineas, MBA, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN, FADLN. "As we strive for excellence in patient care, these nurses are leading the way by advancing their professional and clinical expertise, contributing to nursing science, and expanding the reach and quality of care for our communities."

Doctoral Circle 2025 Awardees by Facility

NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue

• Ingrid Prince, DNP, MSN, RN, CCRN

NYC Health + Hospitals/Correctional Health

• Ava-Joan Hinkson DNP, RN

NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst

• Beatriz Makhoulian DNP, MS, RN, FNP-C

NYC Health + Hospitals/Harlem

• Abigail Nketsia DNP, RN, FNP-BC
• Chris Chantler DNP, MSN, RN, CPHQ, NE-BC, CEN

NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings

• Marilou Corpuz DNP, MSN, RN
• Queon Spellen Duke DNP, MSN, MBA, RN
• Scheri Shepherd DNP, RN, PMH-BC

NYC Health + Hospitals/Post-Acute Care

• Julissa Cardona DNP, MSN, RN

NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens

• Anna Jacob DNP, RN, NP-C
• Jawany Joseph DNP, RN, FNP-BC
• Marvetta Rios DNP, MSN, RN, FNP-BC
• Nikesha Duplan DNP, RN, AGPCNP-C, AAHVIS
• Sherley Gebara DNP, MHA, NEA-BC, RNC-NIC, IBCLC

NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull

• Kim Coppin-Douglas DNP, MSN, RN
• Valanie Lezama DNP, MSN, RN

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About NYC Health + HospitalsNYC Health + Hospitals is the largest municipal health care system in the nation. We are a network of 11 hospitals, trauma centers, neighborhood health centers, nursing homes, and post-acute care centers. We are a home care agency and a health plan, MetroPlus. Our health system provides essential services to more than one million New Yorkers every year in more than 70 locations across the city's five boroughs. Our diverse workforce of more than 46,000 employees is uniquely focused on empowering New Yorkers, without exception, to live the healthiest life possible. For more information, visit https://www.nychealthandhospitals.org and stay connected on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.