Recap of Oct. 11, 2010 Meeting by Steve Lamon

Dr. Heather Young graced us with her presence and eloquence last Monday, October 11.  Dr. Young is a 1981 graduate of the University of California at Davis and she returned recently to help establish and develop the esteemed university’s graduate nursing program.  She brings to the position a stellar academic record – a degree in nursing from Sac City College, and masters and doctorate degrees from the University of Washington – as well several years of “hands on” nursing experience.  Her enthusiasm for her vocation and her excited approach to education were truly uplifting and encouraging. 

Dr. Young extolled the virtues of UCD and its recently developed nursing program.  As one of the top 6 research universities in the country, with extremely strong and well-respected programs in the medical sciences, UCD was an excellent choice for the Moore Foundation to endow with a companion graduate nursing school.  Now with around 8 doctoral students and 15 others seeking masters degrees, UCD’s 30 faculty members provide the inter-disciplinary expertise and cooperation to provide an excellent educational opportunity.  Dr. Young hopes to add additional undergraduate nursing curricula and degree opportunities at UCD in the near future. 

Dr. Young truly hopes to provide a national model of highly innovative techniques focusing on making nursing more accessible to aging “baby boomers”.  With another U.S. citizen turning 65 on average every 8 seconds for the next 30 years, the need is growing exponentially.  Also, with the recently adopted healthcare reform laws adding tens of millions to the healthcare system over the near term, while the current majority of nurses approach retirement age, the demand for nurses will continue to exceed the supply for several years ahead.  Our area is extremely fortunate and honored to have such dedicated professionals as Dr. Young to lead us in this critical industry.  We thank her for her professionalism and dedication to her craft.