Gail D'Eramo Melkus

Gail D’Eramo Melkus, EdD, ANP, FAAN, is Professor Emerita and the former vice dean for research and the Florence and William Downs Professor in Nursing Research at NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing. Melkus’ sustained interest in eliminating health disparities among vulnerable populations earned her a reputation as a leader in the development and testing of culturally competent models of diabetes care. Her program of intervention research that focuses on physiological and behavioral outcomes of self-management interventions has served as an education and training ground for numerous multidisciplinary scientists.

Melkus currently serves as co-PI and co-investigator or research mentor on numerous funded projects specific to biobehavioral interventions for prevention and management of chronic conditions and related co-morbidities, in mid-life and older adults, including national and international work. Melkus serves as sponsor of K-awards focused on health disparities among vulnerable populations (women with T2D and depression; elderly Blacks at-risk for depression, glycemic control and infection in oncology stem cell recipients, CHD in older adult workers, HIV in adolescents). She is PI for the NINR P20 Center for Precision Health in Diverse Populations.

Before joining the faculty at NYU Meyers, Melkus was the Independence Foundation Professor of Nursing at the Yale University School of Nursing, where, in collaboration with the Diabetes Research Center of Albert Einstein College of Medicine in NY, she developed and implemented the Diabetes Care Specialty for advanced practice nurses.

In recognition of her mentorship, Melkus received the 1st Annual NYU CTSI Mentor Award in May 2011, and in 2015 was inducted into the STTI Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame.

Melkus earned her EdD from Columbia University, MS from Yale University, MS from Connecticut State University, and ASN/BS in Nursing from the University of Bridgeport.

MS - Yale University (2003)

EdD - Columbia University (1987)

MS - Connecticut State University (1978)

ASN/BS, Nursing - University of Bridgeport (1976)

Primary care

Non-communicable disease

Women's health

Immigrants

Adult health

American Academy of Nursing

American Diabetes Association

Council for the Advancement of Nursing Science

CT Nursing Association

Eastern Nursing Research Society

Society for Behavioral Medicine

Eastern Nursing Research Award (2020)

International Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame, Sigma Theta Tau (2015)

STTI Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame Inductee (2015)

Fellow, New York Academy of Medicine (2014)

Affiliated Faculty Appointment, University of Georgia (2014)

Distinguished Alumni Award, University of Bridgeport (2014)

Faculty Scholar Appointment, Universita' Tor Vergata (2014)

Advisory Committee Member, Medicare Evidence Development & Coverage (2013)

1st annual Distinguished Mentor Award, NYU Clinical Translational Science Institute (2011)

Distinguished Scholar Award, New York University College of Nursing (2010)

Distinguished Nurse Researcher Award, New York State Nurse Foundation (2009)

Endowed Chair, New York University (2008)

Endowed Chair of the Independence Foundation, Yale University (2004)

Excellence in Nursing Research Award, Diamond Jubilee Virginia Henderson (2003)

Fellow, American Academy of Nursing (2003)

STOP Diabetes! An Educational Model for Native American Adolescents in the Prevention of Diabetes

Marlow, E., D’eramo Melkus, G., & Bosma, A. M. (1998). The Diabetes Educator, 24(4), 441-450. 10.1177/014572179802400403

American Association of Diabetes Educators: Special considerations for the aging in the education and care of persons with diabetes mellitus

Melkus, G. (1997, January 1). In Diabetes Educator (1–).

Obesity and weight loss.

D’Eramo-Melkus, G. (1997). Lippincott’s Primary Care Practice, 1(3), 243-251.

Using Focus Groups to Characterize the Health Beliefs and Practices of Black Women with Non-Insulin-Dependent Diabetes

Maillet, N. A., Melkus, G. D., & Spollett, G. (1996). Diabetes Educator, 22(1), 39-46. 10.1177/014572179602200106

Abstract

Abstract

The purpose of this focus group intervention was to characterize the health beliefs, self-care practices, diabetes education needs, weight-loss issues, and facilitators and barriers to diabetes health care in black women with non-insulin-dependent diabetes. Major themes that emerged from the focus group were motivation to prevent complications, unrealistic weight goals set by providers, multiple barriers to diet and exercise, and a dual role of family as supporter and deterrent to diabetes management, especially related to diet. These findings suggest that culturally sensitive and appropriate patient educational programs must be provided for minority groups such as black women who have higher rates of diabetes-related complications.

Diabetes care concentration: a program of study for advanced practice nurses.

Melkus, G. D., & Fain, J. A. (1995). Clinical Nurse Specialist CNS, 9(6), 313-316. 10.1097/00002800-199511000-00010

Abstract

Abstract

THE DIABETES RESEARCH and Training Center at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, in collaboration with Yale University School of Nursing, initiated a project to develop and implement a concentration of study at the Master's level within the field of diabetes. The concentration has resulted in involvement of advanced practice nurses in management and care of individuals with diabetes. In the article, an epidemiological perspective in diabetes care is given, along with information on how the program developed and evolved over the past 5 years. Program graduates have become certified diabetes educators and completed a Master's thesis in the area of diabetes care, resulting in practice-oriented publications.

American Association of Diabetes Educators: Diabetes control and complications trial (DCCT)

Melkus, G., & Fain, J. (1994, January 1). In Diabetes Educator (Vols. 20, Issues 2, pp. 106-108).

Nurse practitioner practice patterns based on standards of medical care for patients with diabetes

Fain, J. A., & D’Eramo Melkus, G. (1994). Diabetes Care, 17(8), 879-881. 10.2337/diacare.17.8.879

Abstract

Abstract

OBJECTIVE - To determine to what extent nurse practitioner (NP) practice patterns of diabetes care are consistent with standards of care suggested by the American Diabetes Association (ADA). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS - A descriptive study was conducted to examine practice patterns. A convenience sample of 78 charts was audited, representing a proportionate number of charts for each of the six masters-prepared, certified NPs employed in an ambulatory primary-care center. RESULTS - Practice patterns related to diabetes care revealed a discrepancy between established standards of care and the degree to which care was documented. All six NPs acknowledged that they became clinically competent to care for patients with diabetes on the job. CONCLUSIONS - Results of this small study suggest that NPs are not consistently following standards of care suggested by the ADA.

Obesity: assessment and intervention for primary care practice.

Melkus, G. D. (1994). Nurse Practitioner Forum, 5(1), 28-33.

Abstract

Abstract

The 1976-1980 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey revealed that an estimated 34 million adults (26%) between the ages of 20 and 75 are obese. The health implications of obesity are well known and contribute to the increased morbidity and early mortality in those who are affected. As a result, obesity has become a public health concern that has been targeted as a national health objective in Healthy People 2000. The overall health objective, related to the problem of overweight in adults, is to reduce the prevalence from 26% to < 20%.

Culturally sensitive weight management

D’Eramo-Melkus, G. (1993). The Weight Control Digest, 3(1), 228-229.

Non-Insulin-Dependent Diabetes and Obesity in the Black and Hispanic Population: Culturally Sensitive Management

Raymond, N. R., & D’eramo-Melkus, G. (1993). The Diabetes Educator, 19(4), 313-317. 10.1177/014572179301900411

Abstract

Abstract

The prevalence of diabetes is considerably higher among ethnic minorities, particularly black and Hispanic Americans, than in the nonminority white population. Obesity, a significant risk factor for non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), also is more common in these ethnic groups. Because the combined effects of obesity and NIDDM can lead to potentially serious complications, overweight patients with NIDDM must be treated aggressively. However, effective treatment of these ethnic groups requires a sensitivity to and recognition of their unique cultural values. Diabetes educators and health care providers need to take into account specific ethnic beliefs, customs, food patterns, and health care practices, with the goal of incorporating these cultural factors into a practical and beneficial treatment regimen.

Faculty