Dr. Slusser leads a nursing workforce of more than 5,400 nurses at MD Anderson Cancer Center, providing strategic oversight for nursing practice, clinical operations, quality, safety, emergency management and interdisciplinary collaboration at the nation’s leading cancer center. In 2025, she guided the organization to its sixth consecutive Magnet designation, supported by an 8% nurse turnover rate, high certification and education levels, and strong nurse engagement scores. Her focus on strengthened patient flow and high-reliability practices has contributed to reduced patient wait times, improved discharge efficiency, lower ICU mortality and a 50% reduction in nursing overtime. Dr. Slusser also serves on the executive leadership team for the Meyers Institute for Oncology Nursing and is the inaugural co-lead of its growth and wellbeing focus area, advancing resiliency, professional development and wellness initiatives. She recently led the development of the nursing division’s multiyear strategic priorities, informed by input from frontline nurses and more than 140 nursing leaders across the enterprise. A nurse scholar, Dr. Slusser’s research focuses on early palliative care integration in oncology. She has published in peer-reviewed journals, including The Journal of Nursing Administration and The American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care.
