Caroline G Dorsen

Faculty

Caroline G Dorsen headshot

Caroline G Dorsen

FAAN FNP-BC PhD

Associate Dean, Clinical Faculty Affairs
Clinical Professor

1 212 992 7340

433 FIRST AVENUE
NEW YORK, NY 10010
United States

Accepting PhD students

Caroline Dorsen, PhD, FNP-BC, FAAN (she/her) is Associate Dean for Clinical Faculty Affairs and Clinical Professor at New York University Meyers College of Nursing. She is a scholar, educator, and family nurse practitioner whose career-long passion has been the intersection of health and social justice. For over 15 years, she has focused on the role of nursing in perpetuating and lessening health disparities and has worked to develop innovative teaching, practice, and research interventions to improve student, patient, and community outcomes. Caroline has been a member of numerous diversity, equity, and inclusion taskforces, including for the Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health, and has twice been an invited speaker at the National Academy of Medicine on the role of nurses in interprofessional healthcare teams. She is a member of the Board of Directors for Community Health Network (CHN) in NYC and the Program Director for the National University Psychedelic Education Program (U-PEP).

Prior to joining NYU Meyers, Dorsen was Associate Dean for Clinical Partnerships at Rutgers University, where she was a professor in both the Schools of Nursing and Public Health. From 2005-2020, she was on the faculty at NYU Meyers, first as the director of the adult and family NP programs and subsequently on the tenure track, examining the role of provider attitudes on mental and physical healthcare access and utilization among LGBTQIA+ persons and people who use drugs.

In recognition of her expertise as an educator, Caroline was the 2020 recipient of the Dean’s Distinguished Teaching Award at NYU Meyers College of Nursing. In 2020, she was also the recipient of NYU’s MLK, Jr Faculty Award, sponsored by the President and Provost for “exemplifying the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through teaching excellence, leadership, social justice activism, and community building.” In 2021, she received the Rutgers University Beloved Community Award with colleagues from around the university for their work related to the COVID-19 pandemic. She was inducted as a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing in 2021 and is currently a member of their LGBTQ+ and Psychiatric Mental Health & Substance Use Expert Panels. Caroline is an affiliate member of the Center for Sexual and Gender Minority Health Research at Columbia University and the Center for Drug Use and HIV Research (CDUHR) at NYU.

Caroline holds a BA in Anthropology from UC Berkeley, a BS in Nursing from NYU, an MSN as a Family Nurse Practitioner from Yale University School of Nursing, and a Ph.D. in Nursing Research and Theory from NYU. She completed a post-doctoral fellowship at the Clinical and Translational Science Institute at NYU Langone Health. 

Post-Doctoral Fellow - Center for Translational and Clinical Science Institute, NYU School of Medicine (2017)
PhD, Nursing Research and Theory Development - NYU College of Nursing (2014)
MSN, Family Nurse Practitioner - Yale University (Magna Cum Laude, 2001)
BS, Professional Nursing - NYU (Magna Cum Laude, 1997)
BA, Anthropology - University of California, Berkeley (Magna Cum Laude, 1991)

Underserved populations
Vulnerable & marginalized populations
Substance use
LGBTQ
Primary care
Community/population health

American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
Eastern Nursing Research Society
GLMA: Health Professionals Advancing LGBTQ + Equality
National League of Nursing
National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculty
Sigma Theta Tau International
World Professionals Advancing Transgender Health

Paulette Goddard Award, New York University (2018)
Outstanding Dissertation Award, NYU College of Nursing (2014)
Agnes and Rosemary Ludden Award for Innovative Nursing Practice, NYU College of Nursing (2010)
Book of the Year (Gerontological category), American Journal of Nursing (2010)
Vernice Fergueson Faculty Scholar Award, NYU College of Nursing (2007)
Milton and Anne Sidney Prize, Yale University School of Nursing (2001)
Helene Fuld Distinguished Scholar, Helene Fuld Trust (1997)
Baccalaureate Student Achievement Award, NYU Division of Nursing (1997)
Founder’s Day Award, New York University (1997)
Ursula Springer Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Writing, Ursula Springer, Inc (1997)
Spirit of Nursing Award, National Student Nurse Association (1997)
Helene Fuld Nursing Fellow, Helene Fuld Trust (1996)

Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Sexual Minority Women (18-59 Years Old): Findings from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2001-2012)

Caceres, B. A., Brody, A. A., Halkitis, P. N., Dorsen, C., Yu, G., & Chyun, D. A. (2018). Women’s Health Issues, 28(4), 333-341. 10.1016/j.whi.2018.03.004
Abstract
Abstract
Objective: Sexual minority women (lesbian and bisexual) experience significant stigma, which may increase their cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of modifiable risk factors for CVD (including mental distress, health behaviors, blood pressure, glycosylated hemoglobin, and total cholesterol) and CVD in sexual minority women compared with their heterosexual peers. Materials and Methods: A secondary analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2001-2012) was conducted. Multiple imputation with chained equations was performed. Logistic regression models adjusted for relevant covariates were run. Self-report (medical history and medication use) and biomarkers for hypertension, diabetes, and high total cholesterol were examined. Results: The final analytic sample consisted of 7,503 that included 346 sexual minority women (4.6%). Sexual minority women were more likely to be younger, single, have a lower income, and lack health insurance. After covariate adjustment, sexual minority women exhibited excess CVD risk related to higher rates of frequent mental distress (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 2.05; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.45–2.88), current tobacco use (AOR, 2.11; 95% CI, 1.53–2.91), and binge drinking (AOR, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.17–2.34). Sexual minority women were more likely to be obese (AOR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.23–2.33) and have glycosylated hemoglobin consistent with prediabetes (AOR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.04–2.34). No differences were observed for other outcomes. Conclusions: Sexual minority women demonstrated increased modifiable risk factors for CVD, but no difference in CVD diagnoses. Several emerging areas of research are highlighted, in particular, the need for CVD prevention efforts that target modifiable CVD risk in sexual minority women.

Prevalence of Obesity, Prediabetes, and Diabetes in Sexual Minority Men: Results From the 2014 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System

Newlin Lew, K., Dorsen, C., & Long, T. (2018). Diabetes Educator, 44(1), 83-93. 10.1177/0145721717749943
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to assess the prevalence and related odds ratios for obesity, prediabetes, and diabetes in sexual minority men (SMM) in relation to straight men. Methods: A secondary analysis of 2014 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data from 19 states (n = 53 542) was conducted. Weighted means and standard errors were computed to estimate prevalence rates of obesity, prediabetes, and diabetes across male sexual orientation groups, respectively. Unadjusted and adjusted (demographics, depression, and health care access factors) weighted logistic regression models were developed. Results: Obesity prevalence was lower in gay men relative to straight men with logistic regression modeling indicating gay men were significantly less likely to be obese, relative to their straight counterparts, in the unadjusted and adjusted models. In terms of prediabetes, rates were low across all sexual orientation groups with no significant differences observed. Yet bisexual men, relative to straight men, had higher rates of diabetes with significantly increased odds for the disease in both the unadjusted and adjusted models. Conclusion: Findings indicate gay men have reduced risk for obesity while bisexual men may have increased diabetes burden. Across all male sexual orientation groups, prediabetes prevalence was low, suggesting the need for more aggressive prediabetes screening. Additional research is necessary to confirm the findings.

Prevalence of Obesity, Prediabetes, and Diabetes in Sexual Minority Women of Diverse Races/Ethnicities: Findings From the 2014-2015 BRFSS Surveys

Newlin Lew, K., Dorsen, C., Melkus, G. D., & Maclean, M. (2018). Diabetes Educator, 44(4), 348-360. 10.1177/0145721718776599
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to assess the weighted prevalence and odds ratios of obesity, prediabetes, and diabetes by (1) female sexual orientation (lesbian, bisexual, and straight) with racial/ethnic (Hispanic, non-Hispanic black, and non-Hispanic white) groups combined and (2) across and within racial/ethnic groups by sexual orientation. Methods: A secondary analysis of pooled 2014-2015 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data from 28 states (N = 136 878) was conducted. Rao-Scott chi-square test statistics were computed and logistic regression models were developed to assess weighted prevalence and odds ratios of obesity, prediabetes, and diabetes with adjustments for demographics (age, income, and education), depression, and health care access factors. Results: With racial/ethnic groups combined, lesbian and bisexual women, relative to straight women, had a significantly increased likelihood for obesity when controlling for demographics. Bisexual women were found to have significantly reduced odds for diabetes, compared with straight women, with adjustments for demographics, depression, and health care access factors. Compared with their non-Hispanic white counterparts, Hispanic lesbian women had significantly increased odds for obesity and diabetes, while non-Hispanic black bisexual women had a significantly greater likelihood for obesity, holding demographics, depression, and health care access factors constant. Non-Hispanic white lesbian women had an increased likelihood for obesity relative to their straight, ethnic/racial counterparts. Prediabetes subsample analysis revealed the prevalence was low across all female sexual orientation groups. Conclusion: Sexual minority women, particularly those of color, may be at increased risk for obesity and diabetes. Research is needed to confirm the findings.

Qualitative Research in Nursing and Health Professions Regulation

Squires, A., & Dorsen, C. (2018). Journal of Nursing Regulation, 9(3), 15-26. 10.1016/S2155-8256(18)30150-9
Abstract
Abstract
Qualitative research is critical for studies about regulatory issues in nursing and across all health professions. When in-depth stakeholder perspectives are needed, qualitative approaches are often the best methodological choice to ensure their viewpoints and experiences are captured when evaluating the consequences of policy implementation or when informing regulation design. Unlike traditional qualitative health care studies that involve patients or providers in single settings, regulatory studies often have complex challenges related to the available sample sizes, sampling strategies, and data collection approaches. Reporting qualitative findings in ways that are informative, useful, and dialogue provoking about regulatory issues must go beyond inserting long quotes with a single sentence explanation. Artfully capturing the participants’ stories within the regulatory matter under study is vital for understanding potential and actual consequences of regulations. This article provides an overview of common methodological challenges researchers encounter when conducting qualitative research on professional regulation issues and offers solutions to enhance the quality, rigor, and trustworthiness of the findings. The recommendations may prove useful to researchers examining regulatory issues in nursing and other health professions.

Sexual orientation differences in modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease and cardiovascular disease diagnoses in men

Caceres, B. A., Brody, A. A., Halkitis, P. N., Dorsen, C., Yu, G., & Chyun, D. A. (2018). LGBT Health, 5(5), 284-294. 10.1089/lgbt.2017.0220
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose: Despite higher rates of modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in gay and bisexual men, few studies have examined sexual orientation differences in CVD among men. The purpose of this study was to examine sexual orientation differences in modifiable risk factors for CVD and CVD diagnoses in men. Methods: A secondary analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2001-2012) was conducted. Multiple imputation was performed for missing values. Differences across four distinct groups were analyzed: gay-identified men, bisexual-identified men, heterosexual-identified men who have sex with men (MSM), and heterosexual-identified men who denied same-sex behavior (categorized as exclusively heterosexual). Multiple logistic regression models were run with exclusively heterosexual men as the reference group. Results: The analytic sample consisted of 7731 men. No differences between heterosexual-identified MSM and exclusively heterosexual men were observed. Few differences in health behaviors were noted, except that, compared to exclusively heterosexual men, gay-identified men reported lower binge drinking (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 0.58, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.37-0.85). Bisexual-identified men had higher rates of mental distress (AOR 2.39, 95% CI = 1.46-3.90), obesity (AOR 1.69, 95% CI = 1.02-2.72), elevated blood pressure (AOR 2.30, 95% CI = 1.43-3.70), and glycosylated hemoglobin (AOR 3.01, 95% CI = 1.38-6.59) relative to exclusively heterosexual men. Conclusions: Gay-identified and heterosexual-identified MSM demonstrated similar CVD risk to exclusively heterosexual men, whereas bisexual-identified men had elevations in several risk factors. Future directions for sexual minority health research in this area and the need for CVD and mental health screenings, particularly in bisexual-identified men, are highlighted.

Supporting the lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender child or adolescent

Dorsen, C., Harris, M., & Paul, S. (2018). In Behavioral Pediatric Healthcare for Nurse Practitioners (1–, pp. 451-463). Springer Publishing Company. 10.1891/9780826116819.0034
Abstract
Abstract
The vast majority of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender children face similar developmental hurdles as their heterosexual and cisgender (non-transgender) peers, and grow up to be happy, healthy, resilient adults. However, research suggests that LGBTQ+ children also face a number of special challenges that may impact self-esteem, social-emotional development, behavioral risk taking, and mental and physical health. This chapter synthesizes available evidence to help identify and intercept issues related to sexual orientation and gender identity among children and adolescents and offers suggestions for caring for this increasingly visible, vulnerable, and wonderful population. LGBTQ+ youth face dual challenges-the expected developmental and social hurdles of childhood and adolescence combined with the struggles inherent in recognizing and accepting one’s sexual orientation and/or gender identity, including external and internal experiences of stigma and marginalization.

Pelvic pain in transgender men taking testosterone: Assessing the risk of ovarian cancer

Harris, M., Kondel, L., & Dorsen, C. (2017). Nurse Practitioner, 42(7), 1-5. 10.1097/01.NPR.0000520423.83910.e2
Abstract
Abstract
Some guidelines on care for transgender men taking testosterone recommend oophorectomy to prevent ovarian cancer, while others recommend following guidelines for females. A review of the literature finds no strong evidence that transgender men are at increased risk for ovarian cancer. In transgender men taking testosterone without other risk factors, oophorectomy to prevent cancer is unnecessary.

Open arms, conflicted hearts: nurse practitioner's attitudes towards lesbian, gay and bisexual patients

Dorsen, C., & Van Devanter, N. (2016). Journal of Clinical Nursing.

Open arms, conflicted hearts: nurse-practitioner's attitudes towards working with lesbian, gay and bisexual patients

Dorsen, C., & Van Devanter, N. (2016). Journal of Clinical Nursing, 25(23), 3716-3727. 10.1111/jocn.13464
Abstract
Abstract
Aims and Objectives: To explore nurse-practitioner's attitudes towards working with lesbian, gay and bisexual patients. Background: Literature suggests that lesbians, gay men and bisexuals have significant health disparities compared to heterosexuals. Although the reasons are multifactorial, research suggests that attitudes of healthcare providers (HCPs) may be a contributing factor in both accessing and receiving care. There is currently no literature exploring the attitudes of the approximately 300,000 nurse-practitioners in the United States. Thus, nurse-practitioners strengths and challenges in providing care to sexual minorities are unknown. Design: As part of a larger study, Corbin & Strauss’ grounded theory methodology was used to explore the attitudes towards lesbian, gay and bisexual patients among primary care nurse-practitioners in NYC. Methods: Data were collected via individual semi-structured interviews with nurse-practitioners currently in practice in primary or outpatient care in NYC (n = 19). Data were evaluated using the three-step constant comparison method. Results: Nurse-practitioners in this study had varied, often overlapping and sometimes conflicting, attitudes about working with lesbian, gay and bisexual patients. The main theme identified was ‘open arms, conflicted hearts’ with three major subthemes – feeling at home, struggling to maintain professionalism and finding comfort under the umbrella of diversity. Conclusions: Nurse-practitioner participants in this study had varied attitudes about working with lesbian, gay and bisexual patients, ranging from open, confident and comfortable to ambivalent, cautious and unsure about working with lesbian, gay and bisexual patients generally and specifically regarding the health needs of this population. Relevance to clinical practice: This study highlights the inadequate didactic and clinical preparation most nurse-practitioners feel they have to care for lesbian, gay and bisexual patients. There is a need for increased education for registered nurses and nurse-practitioners regarding lesbian, gay and bisexual culture, their unique healthcare needs, as well as the role of stigma and marginalisation in caring for vulnerable populations.

Haber et al. respond

Haber, J., Hartnett, E., Allen, K., Hallas, D., Dorsen, C., Lange-Kessler, J., Lloyd, M., Thomas, E., & Wholihan, D. (2015, May 1). In American journal of public health (Vols. 105, Issues 5, pp. e3-e4). 10.2105/AJPH.2015.302648