The University of Michigan School of Nursing (U-M School of Nursing) is proud to celebrate postdoctoral fellow Dr. Kai-Lin You, on receiving a K00 award from the National Cancer Institute (NCI), funded for three years. The award will support her work to develop and test a digital intervention designed to help nurses and other health care workers return to work after cancer.
Health care workers face unique job-related health risks that may increase their chances of developing cancer. Yet, Dr. You said there is limited research and little personalized support available to guide them as they transition back into the workplace following treatment.
Her research intends to change that.
“My project aims to develop a mobile health intervention to support health care workers as they return to work after cancer,” she said.
“Along with caring for patients with cancer, it’s equally important to understand our colleagues’ experiences and explore ways to better support them.”
An oncology nurse by training, Dr. You was inspired by watching nurse colleagues navigate cancer diagnoses and treatment. Seeing their experiences firsthand only strengthened her commitment to improving support systems for the health care workforce.
The long-term goal of her research? Develop a program that helps health care workers who have been diagnosed with cancer return to work successfully while improving their overall health and well-being.
By supporting their return, the intervention aims to retain experienced professionals and contribute to a stronger, more resilient health care workforce.
Receiving the K00 award marks an important milestone in Dr. You’s career.
“I’m grateful for NCI’s support, which has opened the door for me to pursue postdoctoral training, expand my skillset and take my research to the next stage.”
Mentored by Dr. Christopher Friese, Elizabeth Tone Hosmer Professor of Nursing at U-M School of Nursing, and Dr. Milisa Manojlovich, professor at the U-M School of Nursing, Dr. You said she is energized by the school’s collaborative culture and the opportunity to learn from faculty who are deeply committed to advancing nursing science.
“I look forward to making connections, developing a new skillset and contributing to the Michigan Nursing community,” she said.
As her work progresses, Dr. You hopes her research will not only improve outcomes for health care workers recovering from cancer but also strengthen patient care by ensuring experienced clinicians are supported in returning to practice.