Dr. Tina Ohuche is an alumna of the 2022-2023 Doctoral Cohort of the American Nurses Association (ANA) Minority Fellowship Program (MFP). Dr. Ohuche received her DNP (doctor of nursing practice) from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, in 2023. Her research focuses on co-occurring substance abuse and mental health factors that impact treatment outcomes in veteran and underserved populations. Currently, Dr. Ohuche works in a Federally Qualified Health Center in rural North Carolina treating individuals for substance use disorders and other mental health diagnoses individuals.
Dr. Ohuche was drawn to the MFP during her search for an organization that supported minority individuals and aligned with her personal goals and culture. She shared, "I was led to enter the MFP because I was seeking the support of like-minded people who share my passion to care for the mental health needs of minority populations who experience greater disadvantage.”
When reflecting on how the MFP enriched her academic and professional career, Dr. Ohuche shared that the program provided access to resources, networking, and supplemental learning opportunities. She explained, "I would not have been afforded the opportunity to access such great talent and wealth of experience from any other group or association. The webinars have also been helpful in expanding my understanding of current standards for various diagnoses and treatment regimens based on proven evidence."
The MFP helped to build and nurture Dr. Ohuche’s professional network with others in her field. She shared, "The MFP availed me the opportunity to reach out to other fellows and alumni with rich histories and experiences working in the fields of mental health and substance use disorder treatment. There is no better company, organization, or fellowship to belong to than the MFP, which has so many great minds at work in our esteemed career fields. Whenever I am in their presence, I learn something new, which makes me want to do more in my professional career."
As a part of her ANA MFP requirements, Dr. Ohuche conducted a unique quality improvement project. She shared, “Through the MFP I was able to conduct a quality improvement project in a residential facility for 21st century at-risk veterans. This quality improvement project helped monitor and offer prompt treatment for veterans who are at increased risk of death by suicide. The project helped identify those at risk and offer needed help before it was too late.”
Since completing the MFP, Dr. Ohuche has continued to work as a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP), while also incorporating her new skills into her research and practice. She shared, "With consideration of my current work as a PMHNP, I plan to continue implementing every skill I have acquired as a fellow in my everyday work life as I see my patients. These skills have been helpful in making me a better psychiatric provider."
When asked if she had any advice for anyone thinking about applying to the MFP, Dr. Ohuche said, "I tell everyone I know to apply for the MFP and will continue to do so.”
Dr. Ohuche had additional glowing comments to share about her MFP agency, “Though I had been a nurse and an ANA member for a couple of years, I am delighted to note that the MFP made the ANA come alive to me! It has been a delight to listen to and watch key members of the ANA in various webinars, conferences, and meetings. They have been such great support in helping me in my career pursuit as a PMHNP.”