Catherine Urso

About Catherine Urso

I never knew the power of autonomy until it was granted to me. At MD Anderson, I could sense it permeating, and it ignited a spark in me. As a new research intern, I presented a proposal to MD Andersons’s ICU Executive Director. To my surprise, he went for it in full force, and immediately we began moving pieces into place. I conducted the research design and constructed a team of physicians, nurses, psychologists, and a yoga therapist to conduct this project to tend to our caretakers. Determined and galvanized, I applied for a grant to enable the project and acquired a position as a research assistant in the Critical Care Department. Concurrently, the yoga therapist and I co-created the Mindfulness-Based Intervention, which was implemented in MDA’s ICU to nursing staff in effort to reduce burnout and increase resilience. I thoroughly enjoyed this process, as leadership and creativity are innate in me. I found once a foundation of trust, respect, and responsibility is cultivated, almost anyone will open up to working on a team. As our project progresses, our team’s trust builds, our friendships grow, and our work efficiency increases. Over time, it’s become second nature to provide constructive feedback and collaboratively overcome obstacles. Our inspiration is kindled by the hopes of helping people reach beyond their perceived potential, and is sustained by the appreciation we receive from those lives we’ve positively impacted.

Experience

1. Mind-body Specialist

   UT MD Anderson

   May 2022 — Present · Houston, TX, US

Education

• Tulane University

  Bachelor of Science (BS), Public Health

  2013 — 2017

• University of Houston

  Doctor of Philosophy - PhD, School Psychology

  2027

• The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center

  Clinical Safety & Effectiveness (CS&E), Clinical Research & Quality Improvement