Gail D'Eramo Melkus

Faculty

Gail D'Eramo Melkus headshot

Gail D'Eramo Melkus

ANP EdD FAAN

Professor Emerita

1 212 998 5356

433 FIRST AVENUE
NEW YORK, NY 10010
United States

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)

The relationship of spirituality and health outcomes in black women with type 2 diabetes

Newlin, K., D’Eramo Melkus, G., Chyun, D., & Jefferson, V. (2003). Ethnicity and Disease, 13(1), 61-68.
Abstract
Abstract
The purpose of this pilot study was to explore the relationships between spiritual well-being, emotional distress, HbA1c values, and blood pressure levels in a convenience sample of 22 Black women with type 2 diabetes. Results revealed significant inverse correlations between diastolic blood pressure (BP) and both total spiritual well-being (r=-.51, P=.02) and religious well-being (RWB) (r=-.55, P=.01). Women with higher RWB scores tended to have lower diastolic BP, as compared to their counterparts with lower RWB scores (z=2.78, P=.005). Emotional distress was positively related to systolic BP (r=.48, P=.03). These findings suggest that holistic care, addressing the spiritual and emotional dimensions, may foster improved BP levels among Black women with type 2 diabetes, thereby potentially reducing their high risk for secondary complications.

African-American spirituality: A concept analysis

Newlin, K., Knafl, K., & D’Eramo Melkus, G. (2002). Advances in Nursing Science, 25(2), 57-70. 10.1097/00012272-200212000-00005
Abstract
Abstract
Culturally competent care for African Americans requires sensitivity to spirituality as a component of the cultural context. To foster understanding, measurement, and delivery of the spiritual component of culturally competent care, this article presents an evolutionary concept analysis of African-American spirituality. The analysis is based on a sample of multidisciplinary research studies reflecting spirituality of African Americans. Findings indicate that African-American spirituality involves quintessential, internal, external, consoling, and transformative attributive dimensions. Findings are considered in relation to previous conceptual analyses of spirituality and suggest that defining attributes of African-American spirituality are both global and culturally prominent. Implications for practice and research are discussed.

Primary care cancer and diabetes complications screening of black women with type 2 diabetes

Melkus, G. D., Maillet, N., Novak, J., Womack, J., & Hatch-Clein, A. (2002). Journal of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, 14(1), 43-48. 10.1111/j.1745-7599.2002.tb00070.x
Abstract
Abstract
PURPOSE: To determine the frequency with which Black women with type 2 diabetes receive routine primary health care screening for cancer and diabetes complications. DATA SOURCES: Pilot study data from a convenience sample of 21 Black women (mean age 46.8 years) with type 2 diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: Cancer screening consisted of Pap smear, mammography, and colon cancer screening consistent with current American Cancer Society recommendations. Ninety percent reported having had a Pap smear, 86% mammogram and 33% colon cancer screening. Diabetes complications screening was based on the American Diabetes Association care recommendations. Fifty-five percent received screening eye exams, 40% were screened for renal proteinuria, and 50% received foot examinations and diabetes foot care instruction. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: This sample of mid-life, Black, educated, working women with type 2 diabetes utilize healthcare services and have high rates of primary care cancer screening. Rates of diabetes complications screening are less than optimal. Because Black American women suffer disproportionately high rates of diabetes and related complications, it is imperative that they receive quality diabetes care in an effort to improve health outcomes and decrease premature mortality.

Health-Promotion Practices of Young Black Women at Risk for Diabetes

Jefferson, V. W., Melkus, G. D., & Spollett, G. R. (2000). The Diabetes Educator, 26(2), 295-302. 10.1177/014572170002600210
Abstract
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to assess the health-promoting practices of young black women at risk for type 2 diabetes. METHODS The sample consisted of 30 black women from an urban area who had a history of gestational diabetes and/or a first-degree relative with diabetes. Participants completed the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II Survey and an interview. Both were used to categorize health-promoting practices, exercise, diet, knowledge of diabetes prevention, and general health. RESULTS Demographic information and interview revealed a propensity towards obesity, despite education and income levels. The results for the Lifestyle II Survey showed a higher average total score for healthy nutrition than physical activity, which were inconsistent with the qualitative data obtained by interview. Fifty percent stated that they exercised as a general health-promoting behavior. Self-reported daily caloric, fiber, and fat intake was high to moderate; 60% reported initiating diet modifications secondary to a desire to lose weight or for medical problems; and 26% reported receiving information on diabetes prevention from a healthcare provider. CONCLUSIONS A systematic approach of planning and actively incorporating health-promoting activities into one's lifestyle as a young adult may protect or delay the onset of diabetes and prevent complications.

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).