Winship’s Fall 2024 Oncology Nurse Residency cohort at their completion ceremony.
Nurse residents listen to a guest speaker over breakfast.
Emory’s Oncology Nurse Residency Program at Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University has reached a milestone, marking two years since its launch in 2023. Designed to prepare nurses for the specialized field of oncology, the program has become a cornerstone for both recent graduates and experienced clinicians transitioning to oncology careers.
The Fall 2024 cohort was recognized at a completion ceremony on Sept. 23, 2025, celebrating the achievements of the participants. At the same time, Winship welcomed its 10th—and largest—group of nurse residents. This growth of the program reflects a commitment to meeting the expanding needs of Emory Healthcare’s comprehensive cancer service line, which spans dozens of clinical specialties and departments across both inpatient and outpatient care.
The year-long residency is offered quarterly—in winter, spring, summer and fall—to ensure that new hires receive timely onboarding and structured support. The curriculum combines clinical training, mentorship and professional development to help nurses adapt to the complexities of oncology care.
Edna M. Smith, PhD, RN, OCN, nurse practice specialist and program coordinator, notes the dedication and enthusiasm each group brings to the program. “With every new cohort, we see renewed energy and purpose—nurses who are eager to learn, grow and make a meaningful impact in oncology care.”
Graduates complete the program with a deeper understanding of oncology nursing, a stronger sense of professional identity and greater confidence in navigating complex clinical environments. The program not only fosters clinical skill development but also leadership, collaboration and resilience.
As the need for oncology nurses continues to grow, Leslie Landon, MSN, RN, NPD-BC, OCN, director of patient care service at Winship, says the program plays an essential role in developing a highly skilled and resilient nursing workforce. “Oncology is an amazing specialty for nurses, but it isn’t an easy transition,” she says. “New oncology nurses need support to prepare them to take excellent care of complex patients, especially given the rapidly evolving treatments that are available to treat cancer. This residency serves as the first step in developing expert oncology nurses.”
Leadership at Winship continues to support this effort. Colleen Lewis, MSN, ANP-BC, AOCNP, senior vice president of cancer nursing for Winship and Emory Healthcare, says, “By supporting our oncology nurse residents, we are building a foundation for lifelong learning, professional growth, and exceptional patient care. Their success strengthens the future of oncology nursing.”
2025 Fall Graduates
- Adedoyin Adeogun, BSN, RN
- Isabella Ferraz Agosin, MSN, RN
- Shereece Baltrip, BSN, RN
- Shatreese Brown, BSN, RN
- Quiana Brownlee, RN
- Vineisha Nichole Burke, BSN RN
- Monet Carter, MN, RN
- Sherrice Cleveland, BSN RN
- Kelsey Curl, RN
- Chloe Doan, RN
- M. Gynelle England, MN, MS, RN, MLS
- Song Yi Lee, RN
- Grace Patton, MSN, RN
- Tamara Perdue, MSN, LSSYB, RN
- Huong Thi Pham, RN
- Bailey Takash, BSN, RN
- Rasheema Toliver, BSN, RN-BC
- Brandi Winfrey, ASN, RN
- Comfort Yamoah, BSN, RN