Caroline G Dorsen
PhD FNP-BC FAAN
Associate Dean, Clinical Faculty Affairs
Clinical Professor
caroline.dorsen@nyu.edu
1 212 992 7340
Associate Dean, Clinical Faculty Affairs
Clinical Professor
433 FIRST AVENUE
NEW YORK, NY 10010
United States
Accepting PhD students
Caroline G Dorsen's additional information
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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. Prof. Dorsen 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, Dorsen 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. Dorsen 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.
Dorsen 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.
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Post-Doctoral Fellow - Center for Translational and Clinical Science Institute, NYU School of MedicinePhD, in Nursing Research and Theory Development, NYU MeyersMSN in Family Nurse Practitioner Nursing, Yale University (Magna Cum Laude)BS in Professional Nursing, NYU (Magna Cum Laude)BA in Anthropology, University of California, Berkeley (Magna Cum Laude)
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Underserved populationsVulnerable & marginalized populationsSubstance useLGBTQPrimary careCommunity/population health
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American Academy of Nurse PractitionersEastern Nursing Research SocietyGLMA: Health Professionals Advancing LGBTQ + EqualityNational League of NursingNational Organization of Nurse Practitioner FacultySigma Theta Tau InternationalWorld Professionals Advancing Transgender Health
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Faculty Honors Awards
Paulette Goddard Award, New York University (2018)Outstanding Dissertation Award, NYU College of Nursing (2014)Book of the Year (Gerontological category), American Journal of Nursing (2010)Agnes and Rosemary Ludden Award for Innovative Nursing Practice, NYU College of Nursing (2010)Vernice Fergueson Faculty Scholar Award, NYU College of Nursing (2007)Milton and Anne Sidney Prize, Yale University School of Nursing (2001)Founder’s Day Award, New York University (1997)Helene Fuld Distinguished Scholar, Helene Fuld Trust (1997)Spirit of Nursing Award, National Student Nurse Association (1997)Ursula Springer Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Writing, Ursula Springer, Inc (1997)Baccalaureate Student Achievement Award, NYU Division of Nursing (1997)Helene Fuld Nursing Fellow, Helene Fuld Trust (1996) -
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Publications
Sexual orientation differences in modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease and cardiovascular disease diagnoses in men
AbstractCaceres, B. A., Brody, A. A., Halkitis, P. N., Dorsen, C. G., Yu, G., & Chyun, D. A. (2018). In LGBT health (Vols. 5, Issues 5, pp. 284-294). 10.1089/lgbt.2017.0220AbstractPurpose: 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
AbstractDorsen, C. G., Harris, M., & Paul, S. (2018). In Behavioral Pediatric Healthcare for Nurse Practitioners : A Growth and Developmental Approach to Intercepting Abnormal Behaviors (pp. 451-463). Springer Publishing Company. 10.1891/9780826116819.0034AbstractThe 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
AbstractHarris, M., Kondel, L., & Dorsen, C. G. (2017). In Nurse Practitioner (Vols. 42, Issues 7, pp. 1-5). 10.1097/01.NPR.0000520423.83910.e2AbstractSome 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 working with lesbian, gay and bisexual patients
AbstractDorsen, C. G., & Van Devanter, N. L. (2016). In Journal of Clinical Nursing (Vols. 25, Issue 23-24, pp. 3716-3727). 10.1111/jocn.13464AbstractAims 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.Open arms, conflicted hearts: nurse practitioner's attitudes towards lesbian, gay and bisexual patients
AbstractDorsen, C. G., & Van Devanter, N. L. (2016). In Journal of Clinical Nursing.Abstract~Haber et al. respond
AbstractHaber, J., Hartnett, E., Allen, K. L., Hallas, D. M., Dorsen, C. G., Lange-Kessler, J., Lloyd, M., Thomas, E., & Wholihan, D. J. (2015). In American journal of public health (Vols. 105, Issues 5, pp. e3-e4). 10.2105/AJPH.2015.302648Abstract~Putting the mouth back in the head : HEENT to HEENOT
AbstractHaber, J., Hartnett, E., Allen, K. L., Hallas, D. M., Dorsen, C. G., Lange-Kessler, J., Lloyd, M., Thomas, E., & Wholihan, D. J. (2015). In American journal of public health (Vols. 105, Issues 3, pp. 437-441). 10.2105/AJPH.2014.302495AbstractImproving oral health is a leading population health goal; however, curricula preparing health professionals have a dearth of oral health content and clinical experiences.We detail an educational and clinical innovation transitioning the traditional head, ears, eyes, nose, and throat (HEENT) examination to the addition of the teeth, gums, mucosa, tongue, and palate examination (HEENOT) for assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of oral-systemic health. Many New York University nursing, dental, and medical faculty and students have been exposed to interprofessional oral health HEENOT classroom, simulation, and clinical experiences. This was associated with increased dental-primary care referrals.This innovation has potential to build interprofessional oral health workforce capacity that addresses a significant public health issue, increases oral health care access, and improves oral-systemic health across the lifespan.Cardiac biomarkers in persons with HIV infection : A review of the literature
AbstractChandler, C., & Dorsen, C. G. (2014). In Journal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care (Vols. 25, Issue 1, pp. 83-91). 10.1016/j.jana.2012.11.007Abstract~Improving heart failure self-care through a community-based skill-building intervention : A study protocol
AbstractDickson, V. V., Melkus, G. D., Dorsen, C. G., Katz, S., & Riegel, B. (2014). In Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing (Vols. 30, Issues 4, pp. S14-S24). 10.1097/JCN.0000000000000161AbstractBackground: Self-care is the cornerstone of heart failure (HF) management. Numerous approaches to improving HF self-care, which involves adherence to the treatment plan, routine symptom monitoring, and the response to symptoms when they occur, have been developed with little impact on HF outcomes. On the basis of HF practice recommendations that patients receive education and counseling that emphasizes self-care and targets skill building of critical target behaviors, we are conducting a clinical trial designed to improve self-care among community-dwelling older adults using an innovative group-based, skill-building approach led by a trained health educator. Objective: This article describes the study design and research methods used to implement and evaluate the intervention. Methods: The study uses a staggered randomized controlled design to assess feasibility of providing an HF self-care intervention in a community group setting to improve HF self-care, knowledge, and health-related quality of life at 1 and 3 months. A community engagement approach is used to partner with the community throughout all phases of the project. Seventy-five older adults with HF are randomly assigned to the intervention consisting of six to eight 60-minute sessions held in community senior centers or to the wait-list control group. Focus groups are used to elicit feedback on the participants' experience in the program. Results: Preliminary study participation data (n = 60; women, 48%; black, 27%; Hispanic, 32%; mean [SD] age, 70 [10] years) and focus group feedback suggest that the delivery approach is feasible and acceptable, and the participants are very satisfied with the program. Conclusions: Implementation of a community-based HF self-care intervention delivered in partnership with established community-based centers is an innovative approach to intervention. If efficacy is demonstrated, this intervention has far-reaching implications for helping the growing population of HF patients in ethnically diverse communities.An Integrative review of nurse attitudes towards lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender patients
AbstractDorsen, C. G. (2012). In Canadian Journal of Nursing Research (Vols. 44, Issues 3, pp. 18-43).AbstractA growing body of literature suggests that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons have significant health disparities as compared to heterosexuals. Although the reasons for this are complex and multifactorial, one area of research has examined the real or perceived negative attitudes of health-care providers. This integrative review critically appraises and synthesizes data from 17 articles regarding nurses' attitudes towards LGBT patients. Every study analyzed showed some evidence of negative attitudes. However, the literature revealed major limitations, including a paucity of well-designed studies; a dearth of qualitative studies; inconsistent use of validated, reliable instruments; and a lack of measures examining attitudes towards lesbian, bisexual, and transgender persons. Increased knowledge in this area could lead to interventions to improve nurses' cultural competency; resource allocation to nursing research, education, and services related to LGBT health; and inclusion of more LGBT content in nursing curricula.