Northeastern Spotlight

Winter 2023 Volume 18

TB Limelight - Anna C. Hippchen, DNP

“Caring is the essence of nursing.” —Jean Watson

True to this quote is Anna C. Hippchen, DNP, who is currently the TB Nurse Lead in the Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences at the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Growing up in upstate New York, Anna always knew she wanted to find a meaningful way to serve people....Read More

Recognizing an outstanding TB clinician in the Northeastern region
During the 2023 National TB Controllers Association Conference, nominated individuals were recognized for their outstanding dedication to TB prevention and elimination efforts, including Dr. Diana Nilsen from the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. The Global TB Institute acknowledges Dr. Nilsen for her contribution to TB research and patient care as well as leadership roles. We are fortunate to work with her through the planning and coordination of training activities and development of educational materials, and we thank her for all the work she does!

Dr. Nilsen began working at the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) in the Bureau of TB Control (BTBC) in 2004 as the Bureau’s Director of Medical Affairs where she remains today. During her time at BTBC, Dr. Nilsen has devoted her career to controlling and preventing TB in NYC. In addition to caring for patients with TB in the City’s chest centers, Dr. Nilsen is a TB medical expert, providing expert consultation to clinicians around the city. Another part of her role as a medical expert includes giving lectures and grand rounds at the city’s hospitals, keeping health care providers abreast of updates in the field of TB. Congratulations to Dr. Nilsen for her well-deserved recognition and award.

Pictured above: Dr. Diana Nilsen and Christine Chuck from NYC DOHMH.

GTBI Celebrates 30 Years

October 4, 2023 – GTBI is in its 30th year as a Center of Excellence for TB in clinical care, public health services, cutting edge research, as well as training and education. Recently, we commemorated this anniversary with a ½ day symposium to reflect on the past, present, and future of TB care and prevention. The event highlighted progress on diagnostics, treatment, and research, important contributions from the field, the TB patient and nursing perspectives, and the role of advocacy in empowering communities – all part of a comprehensive and collaborative approach for the elimination of TB. The day marked a special occasion to recognize the contributions of GTBI to the TB community and the dedication of the extraordinary staff who have helped shape its success.