Gail D'Eramo Melkus

Faculty

Gail D'Eramo Melkus headshot

Gail D'Eramo Melkus

EdD ANP 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. Prof. 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. 

MS, Yale University
EdD, Columbia University
MS, Connecticut State University
ASN/BS in Nursing, University of Bridgeport

Adult Health
Immigrants
Non-communicable disease
Primary care
Women's 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)
Faculty Scholar Appointment, Universita' Tor Vergata (2014)
Distinguished Alumni Award, University of Bridgeport (2014)
Affiliated Faculty Appointment, University of Georgia (2014)
Fellow, New York Academy of Medicine (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)

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). (Vols. 22, Issue 1, pp. 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., Melkus, G. D., & Fain, J. A. (1995). (Vols. 9, Issues 6, pp. 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. D., & Fain, J. (1994). (Vols. 20, Issues 2, pp. 106-108).
Abstract
Abstract
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Nurse practitioner practice patterns based on standards of medical care for patients with diabetes

Melkus, G. D., Fain, J. A., & D'Eramo Melkus, G. (1994). (Vols. 17, Issues 8, pp. 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., & Melkus, G. D. (1994). (Vols. 5, Issue 1, pp. 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

Melkus, G. D., & D'Eramo-Melkus, G. (1993). (Vols. 3, Issue 1, pp. 228-229).
Abstract
Abstract
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Non-Insulin-Dependent Diabetes and Obesity in the Black and Hispanic Population : Culturally Sensitive Management

Melkus, G. D., Raymond, N. R., & D'eramo-Melkus, G. (1993). (Vols. 19, Issues 4, pp. 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.

Type II non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

Melkus, G. D., & Melkus, G. D. (1993). (Vols. 28, Issue 1, pp. 25-33).
Abstract
Abstract
Type II non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) occurs predominantly in adults, especially in those individuals over age 30. This disease was formerly called maturity-onset or adult-onset diabetes. A subclass of NIDDM was devised, however, for those families in which children, adolescents, or young adults develop what is referred to as maturity-onset diabetes of the young. This article reviews issues related to treatment modalities for those with type II NIDDM, including dietary management, physical activity, and pharmacologic therapy.

Assessment of nutrition care provided to patients with diabetes in primary-care clinics

Melkus, G. D., Wylie-Rosett, J., Cypress, M., Walker, E., Engel, S., D'Eramo-Melkus, G., & DiLorenzo, T. (1992). (Vols. 92, Issues 7, pp. 854-856).
Abstract
Abstract
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Metabolic impact of education in NIDDM

Melkus, G. D., D'Eramo-Melkus, G. A., Wylie-Rosett, J., & Hagan, J. A. (1992). (Vols. 15, Issues 7, pp. 864-869). 10.2337/diacare.15.7.864
Abstract
Abstract
OBJECTIVE - To evaluate the impact of a model program of diabetes education and weight reduction on diabetes control and weight loss in obese individuals with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS - Eighty-two obese diabetic subjects were randomized to three levels of educational intensity: 1) a single individual session, 2) a 12-wk behavior-oriented diabetes education and weight control group intervention, or 3) group intervention plus six individual follow-up sessions. Repeated measures of weight, fasting blood glucose, and HbA1c were collected. Measures of diabetes knowledge, skills, and attitudes were also obtained. RESULTS - By 6 mo, all three intervention groups had a significant weight loss (P < 0.01). The mean weight loss of ∼ 10 lb was independent of treatment group and was maintained over the duration of the study. However, significant improvement in metabolic control was associated with participation in the diabetes education-weight reduction intervention. CONCLUSIONS - The findings of this study indicate that a cognitive behavioral group intervention of diabetes knowledge and weight reduction training can produce weight loss and improvements in diabetes control. The addition of individual counseling as a follow-up maintenance strategy does not appear to have any advantage.