Ukamaka Marian Oruche

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

SKILLS

ABOUT UKAMAKA MARIAN ORUCHE

Ukamaka M. Oruche, PHD, RN, PHMCNS-BC, FAAN is the Gordon Keller Professor of Nursing at University of South Florida College of Nursing in Tampa Florida. She engages national and international colleagues and stakeholders in tackling mental health care structure, delivery, workforce capacity, and policy. Her research program focuses on developing and testing parent- and provider-focused evidence-based interventions to improve the well-being of children with DIC. Dr. Oruche also works to enhance mental health and wellbeing of populations in southeastern Nigeria. Her health service project in Nigeria (19 years) has enhanced the health and well-being of populations across 23 communities in southeastern Nigeria. In 2022 alone, The Village CHI, Inc, served 1,100 patients, provided prenatal care (n = 11 women; n = 9 births), provided preventative care and nutrition to n = 60 children. Furthermore, she has supported two young adults through health profession schools.Dr. Oruche has translated her work to the public through numerous media outlets. This work is accessible to people around the world, including her tips on parenting children during the pandemic, which are geared towards helping families maintain mental well-being. The importance of her work has been recognized at the national and international levels. The American Academy of Nursing has inducted her as a fellow and honored her with the COVID 19 Courage Award. The impact of her contribution is evidenced by her selection as an Edge Runners National Advisory Council member, election as President of the International Society of Pediatric Mental Health Nurses, and designation as a U.S. News and World Report Hospital and Healthcare Hero, and selection as a Sigma International Researcher Hall of Famer.