Cathy Taylor, Dr.P.H., M.S.N.
VUSN’s Taylor takes state Health post
Cathy Taylor, Dr.P.H., M.S.N., R.N., assistant professor of Nursing at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, has been named assistant commissioner for the Tennessee Department of Health's Bureau of Health Services Administration.
In this role, Taylor will oversee a system of 13 regional health offices responsible for the oversight of services in 89 rural and six metropolitan county health departments.
“Dr. Taylor has demonstrated her dedication to providing quality care to improve and promote patients' health through her outstanding career as a nurse,” said Susan Cooper, M.S.N., commissioner of the state Department of Health. “She brings a wealth of health care and administrative experience to this position, and we are excited she will be filling this crucial role in Health Services.”
“Cathy is a tremendous nurse and knows how to get things done,” said Colleen Conway-Welch, Ph.D., dean of VUSN. “She is an innovator, a problem solver and a developer of programs that make a difference.”
In addition to her work at VUSN, Taylor previously served as director of the Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance Disease Management Program, and worked in community health nursing and outreach. Taylor was appointed by Gov. Phil Bredesen to chair the Tennessee Center for Diabetes Prevention and Health Improvement Board in November 2006.
“The important work of this Bureau touches the lives of thousands of people across Tennessee each day, and has a significant impact on their quality of life,” said Taylor. “I am honored and look forward to working to improve the health of the citizens of our state.”