Levia A. Sutton, MSN, CRNA
PhD Student - University of Pennsylvania | School of Nursing
Penn Presidential PhD Fellow
Health Policy Research Scholar (HPRS) - Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF)
Associate Fellow Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics
A Robert Wood Johnson historical first for a CRNA!
Congratulations to Levia A. Sutton, CRNA, MSN, PhD Student (University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing) selected as a Health Policy Research Scholar (HPRS) - Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF)!
PhD research interest: Examining Social Determinants of Health, specifically exploring how widespread community violence and trauma exposure affects the well-being of individuals living in marginalized communities, particularly in the health of Black women.
As per RWJF's Announcement:
We are proud to announce that Levia A. Sutton, MSN, CRNA, PhD Student at Penn Nursing, has been selected to participate in one of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s leadership programs. These programs connect changemakers across the country—from diverse professions and fields—to learn from and work with one another in creating more just and thriving communities.
Specifically, Levia was selected for Health Policy Research Scholars. Designed for doctoral students from historically marginalized backgrounds and populations underrepresented in specific disciplines, Health Policy Research Scholars helps students from all fields apply their work to policies that advance equity and health while building a diverse network of leaders who reflect our changing national demographics.
As a member of the program’s newest cohort, Levia focuses on the structural determinants of health, investigating the impact of exposure to community violence on the well-being of individuals in marginalized communities, with a particular interest in the health of Black women.
To learn more about Health Policy Research Scholars and RWJF’s other leadership programs, and to meet other participants, visit www.healthpolicyresearch-scholars.org.
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's Health Policy Research Scholar is for Doctoral students from a variety of disciplines—who are committed to using policy change to advance population health and health equity (per RWJ website).
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Keynote speaker, Dr. Edwin Aroke, PhD, CRNA, FADLN, FAANA, FAAN (PhD Program Director & Tenured Associate Professor University of Alabama at Birmingham) for the Diversity CRNA 2024 Information Session & Airway Simulation Lab Workshop at Duke University Sept. 20th - 22nd
Dr. Aroke, a NIH Racial Pain Disparities Researcher, University of Alabama at Birmingham) keynote speaker on the future of CRNAs of color to PhD pathway trajectory and importance of health and racial disparities research.
Marginalized critical care nurses from across the country in attendance interested in Nurse Anesthesia trajectory will enjoy this presentation with hopes in considering a PhD degree in the future.
And, just like that, Levia a. Sutton, CRNA, MSN, PhD student on the cover of the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing PhD Program pamphlets!
Levia was selected as a 2023 University of Pennsylvania Presidential PhD Fellow!
PhD research interest: Examining SDOH, specifically exploring how widespread community violence and trauma exposure affects the well-being of individuals living in marginalized communities, particularly in the health of Black women.
Thank you on speaking truth & volunteering time serving our communities with humility embracing our gift in delivering anesthesia
Keynote Speaker, Diversity CRNA 2024 Information Session & Airway Simulation Lab Workshop hosted at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science.
Dr. Christian Tekwe, PhD, CRNA, President of the Association of Cameroonian Nurse Anesthetists of America
A shared Keynote story of Cameroonian CRNAs across the country and impact with aim for health equity.
In 2012, when he was a Drexel University nurse anesthesia student, he served on the graduate student panel at the Diversity CRNA Information Session & Airway Simulation Lab Workshop Event at Duke University.
Today, Dr. Tekwe serving globally in achieving health equity.
A crna•ish story on being surrounded by CRNAs who mirror you in hue & ambition.
In 2019, as critical care nurse, all three attended a Diversity CRNA Information Session & Airway Simulation Lab Workshop Event at Augusta University.
In 2024, Dr. Everett Moss, DNP, CRNA mentoring a matriculated graduate student and the other actively applying to graduate nurse anesthesia programs. Different timelines, same nurse anesthesia trajectory, eventual change in the face and culture of nurse anesthesia
Proud of my daughter…
I just dropped Paige off on campus for her senior year as BioChem Pre-Med Student.
This past summer, she completed a Statistic class (A) and 2 MCAT prep courses.
Last summer, she interned at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine Research Department on Alzheimer's Disease with a Principal Investigator.
She belongs to two mentoring organizations for Future NeuroSurgeons at Duke University / FLXSUS.
Since 3rd grade, she announced her desire to be a Neuro Surgeon and excelled in math & sciences.
Two years ago, from a scrum maneuver in a rugby match at college, Paige was injured from a head collision and was in the Neuro ICU, Neuro Rehab and outpatient brain injury center.
Months of extensive speech/OT/PT and now walking with a normal gait full and restored speech.
She still desires to become a Neuro Surgeon armed with a PhD degree in brain injuries sustained in intercollegiate sports. Next up, scheduling MCAT this fall for a January 2025 Exam date.
Momma walked, prayed and cried daily.
Thankful for this moment and hugging her tight leaving her on campus as she enters her senior year at college.
So thankful…
In PhD CRNA News....
University of Alabama at Birmingham, PhD Program Director, Dr. Edwin Aroke, PhD, CRNA, FADLN, FAANA, FAAN standing with incoming 2024 PhD cohort!
Brilliant minds ready to embark on the journey of discovery, innovation, and scientific leadership.
Meet future nurse scientists: introducing the
UAB School of Nursing PhD Class of 2024
Diversity CRNA 2024 Information Session & Airway Simulation Lab Workshop hosted at Rosalind Franklin University with opportunity to listen to four Nurse Anesthesia Program Directors on respective graduate programs.
Dr. Veronica Amos, PhD, CRNA, FAANA (Program Director, University of Maryland) presenting on admission process, DNP projects, diverse cohorts & faculty to marginalized ICU RNs applying to graduate nurse anesthesia programs across the country.
Fun fact: Out of a 65K CRNA Workforce, only 4% are Black CRNAs, 4% Hispanic CRNAs, 3% Asian CRNAs & 0.7% Indigenous CRNAs.
Planting seeds of opportunity and just watching it grow!
This is Eric Dinally, a critical care nurse immersed at the anesthesia machine station at the Diversity CRNA 2011 Information Session & Airway Simulation Lab Workshop hosted at the University of Pittsburgh.
Fast forward 2015: Eric Dinally, CRNA, MSN, Graduate from the University of Pennsylvania Nurse Anesthesia Program!
Eric is the growth potential and vision from the Immersion Model of Diversifying Nurse Anesthesia Programs!
I remember like it was yesterday….
In 2020, Captain Dr. James Winters, DNP, CRNA (United States Air Force) whom I have profound respect and personally witnessed his journey since he was a graduate nurse anesthesia student.
Whenever he is deployed, my phone will undoubtedly ping in the early mornings.
And, I respond with a small quiet prayer.
Then, one day, out of the blue...James sent me this photo delivered by mail to my home.
This photo, now in a frame, hangs on the wall of my office as a daily reminder to simply listen to those who need it the most and pray in times of turmoil.
My phone is always on for our military service officers abroad. Thank you for your service.
And, to this day...I still pray for you and those military officers abroad.
Posted by Jakkarin Jake Sareerak, DNP, CRNA, CHSE
I completed CRNA training as a single guy in my 30s with no kids, pets, or other responsibilities, and it was challenging. Imagine navigating this journey while juggling kids, pets, and other obligations.
Join us on September 17th at 5:00 PM to explore UC Davis' DNP-Nurse Anesthesia program. Our special guest, Jamilla Churchill, MSN, MPH, CRNA, and UCLA Nurse Anesthetist, will share insights on managing family and financial commitments during CRNA school.
Click on the link to register. https://lnkd.in/g5HfjKrw
In two weeks…
Meet the CRNA Moderator for the Diversity CRNA 2024 Information Session & Airway Simulation Lab Workshop hosted at Duke University!
Dr. Tedrick Vernon, DNP, CRNA, Alumni & Instructor of Duke University CRNA Program, Co-Chair, Diversity CRNA HBCU Tour, Board Member, Diversity in Nurse Anesthesia Mentorship Program & Alumni of NCA&T State University School of Nursing!
Also, Dr. Vernon is a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
An excerpt from a Langston Hughes poem (I, too) dedicated to the five full-time Black men in Nurse Anesthesia Faculty roles in the 135 graduate nurse anesthesia programs across this country. Five.
Diversity CRNA 2023 Information & Simulation Lab Workshop at Midwestern University.
Dr. Vincent Ford, DNAP, CRNA (Assistant Professor, Midwestern University) and former Neurosurgery Clinical CRNA Lead Duke University Medical Center.
Dr. Ford wrote the Neuro Anesthesia chapter in the Nurse Anesthesia (Nagelhout) 7th edition textbook used widely in graduate programs.
This September...
Dr. Ford will present a Neuro Anesthesia lecture to marginalized ICU RNs interested in applying to nurse anesthesia programs across the country at the Diversity CRNA 2024 Information Session & Airway Simulation Lab Workshop hosted at Duke University.
Notably, there are only 2 Black CRNAs as Chapter Authors in widely used textbook nationally, Nurse Anesthesia by Nagelhout, Elisha & Heiner.
Dr. Wallena Gould EdD, CRNA, FADLN, FAANA, FAAN Chapter 3
Dr. Vincent Ford, DNAP, CRNA: Chapter 19 Clinical Monitoring III: Neurological System
Nurse, See you at the Diversity CRNA 2024 Duke University Event (September 20th - 22nd).
New publication alert…
Our manuscript published by founder Diversity in Nurse Anesthesia Mentorship Program & VCU PhD Researcher in the Nursing Outlook Journal: Dr. Wallena Gould, EdD, CRNA, FADLN, FAANA, FAAN, & Dr. Jiale Gary Hu, PhD, RN, FAAN (VCU, Director of Research & Global Outreach)
Underrepresented nurses' perceptions of a mentorship program supporting their applications for advanced practice nursing programs: A descriptive cross-sectional survey study.
An original contributory work in building a diverse national nurse anesthesia workforce from 2007 - 2019.
This study aimed to evaluate a national mentorship program supporting underrepresented nurses’ applications for nurse anesthesia education programs with 1,133 participants.
Finally, our voices are being heard, recorded and published!!
Diversity CRNA 2024 Information Session & Airway Simulation Lab Workshop hosted at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science
Dr. Carlos Xavier Moreno, DrPH, CRNA, NSPM-C, Advanced Pain Management Fellow, Diversity CRNA Board Member, Independent Practice with a patented vascular device for epidurals.
Dr. Moreno, grew up in Puerto Rico, former military officer and 1 of 5 Hispanic CRNAs as an Advanced Pain Management Fellow in US. Also, he is the founder of Xponential Growth Mentorship Coaching for CRNAs and Healthcare professionals.
I will. I can. I am.
Love seeing the Divine Nine impacting nurse anesthesia pathway for so many across country.
Diversity CRNA 2024 Information Session & Airway Simulation Lab Workshop Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science in Chicago. Participants had the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in airway management while networking with industry leaders. The event continues to play a pivotal role in fostering diversity in nurse anesthesia, creating pathways for aspiring CRNAs nationwide.
In Chicago, the audacity to make intentional evidenced-based change in diversifying the nurse anesthesia profession.
Diversity CRNA 2024 Information Session & Airway Simulation Lab Workshop hosted at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science.
Dr. Maiko Yamashita, DNP, CRNA Program Director, Rush University Nurse Anesthesia Program & LaTonya Mims, CRNA, MSN.
Thank you, Dr. Oriana Beaudet, DNP, RN, FAAN (Vice President of Nursing Innovation, American Nurses Association) for bring present with CRNAs, nurse anesthesia students, nurses and nursing students in Chicago!
The American Nurses Association is a platinum sponsor for the Diversity CRNA 2024 Information Session & Airway Simulation Lab Workshop hosted at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science
Amazing time with CRNAs & RNs for this entire immersive award winning evidenced-based initiative weekend event!
The American Nurses Association represent almost 5 million nurses in the country!
Marginalized critical care nurses attended this weekend event before applying to graduate nurse anesthesia programs with CRNA mentors and actively engaged in the Immersion Model for Diversifying Nurse Anesthesia Programs
Fun fact: Out of a 60K CRNA Workforce, only 4% are Black CRNAs, 4% Hispanic CRNAs, 3% Asian CRNAs & 0.7% Indigenous CRNAs.
Thank you for your public support….I see you!
Thank you to two outstanding advocates from two AANA leaders who took the time to attend and be present in the moment at the Diversity CRNA 2024 Info Session & Airway Simulation Lab Workshop hosted at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science in Chicago!
We see you…Jennifer Banek, MSN, CRNA (AANA Treasurer) and Daniel King, DNP, CRNA, CSE, CPPS (AANA Region 3 Director)
It mattered that you support national diversity grassroots evidenced-based award winning initiatives! By being there, you reinforced the importance of advancing diversity in nurse anesthesia and set an example of leadership in action!
Action speaks louder than words!
From a post by the Heart of Safety Coalition...
In this Caring Greatly podcast episode Wallena Gould, EdD, CRNA, FADLN, FAANA, FAAN shares how and why she created the Diversity in Nurse Anesthesia Mentorship Program designed to support nurses from under-represented groups as they learn about and pursue advanced anesthesia education and careers.
She describes how the program aims to create smoother pathways to advanced credentialing for students and mid-career nurses who may not have exposure or experience with these types of career opportunities. Dr. Gould explains the importance of mentorship and the value of having diverse representation in all aspects of nursing care.
Tune in and learn more.
https://bit.ly/3WPf1Hx
Links related to Dr. Gould’s podcast episode:
The Diversity in Nurse Anesthesia Mentorship Program website
Nursing Outlook article, Underrepresented nurses’ perceptions of a mentorship program supporting their applications for advanced practice nursing programs: A descriptive cross-sectional survey study (subscription required)
Nursing Outlook article, Addressing structural and systemic barriers in nurse anesthesia programs: Recommendation to eliminate the GRE and adopt holistic admissions (subscription required)
Teaching and Learning in Nursing article, Historical underpinning to diversifying nurse anesthesia programs: A model of success (subscription required)
The Future of Nursing 2020-2030: Global Applications to Advance Health Equity
Chapter 3: Diversifying the Nursing Workforce by Drs. Sheldon D. Fields & Mitchell J. Wharton
Excited the Immersion Model for Diversifying Nurse Anesthesia Programs featured as an exemplary model!!
Dr. Sheldon Fields, PhD, RN, CRNP, FNP-BC, FAANP, FNAP, FAAN (Associate Dean for Equity & Inclusion, Penn State College of Nursing & President, NBNA) the "Immersion Model is the perfect example of what we need to be doing in nursing to truly diversify the profession".
CRNAs paying it forward in Chicago…
Diversity CRNA 2024 Information Session & Airway Simulation Lab Workshop hosted at Rosalind Franklin University
Dr. Chuncey Ward, DNP, CRNA with two Advanced Pain Management Fellows: Dr. James Winters, DNP, CRNA, NSPM-C & Dr. Carlos Xavier Moreno, DrPH, CRNA, NSPM-C.
This is the Immersion Model for Diversifying Nurse Anesthesia Programs, a national award winning and evidenced-based initiative.
Dr. John Mallery, DNP, CRNA, I remember when you graduated from the nurse anesthesia program!! So, so proud of you!!! Much love & respect!
“If you want something you never had, you have to do something you’ve never done…” Step so far out of your comfort zone that you forget how to get back… It’s the start of year 18 in Healthcare for me…
A proud Alumni of Grambling State University School of Nursing & Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Member!
Q&A with CRNA OF THE WEEK: Darryl Tolbert, DNP, CRNA by OSANA
How long have you been a CRNA?
I have been a CRNA for 3.5 years. I graduated from Texas Christian University in December 2020.
Your advice to others?
Do It! Whatever it is you want in life, go get it. Stop making excuses and make history. People will not believe in you; they will doubt you. You have to believe in yourself. There are no short cuts to the top…it's all hustle, no luck.
Thank you!
Give credit, where credit is due!
All CRNAs earned 16 AANA Class A Credits at the Diversity CRNA 2024 Information Session & Airway Simulation Lab Workshop University of Pittsburgh for the June 7th - 9th Event!
“You can't be, what you can't see" ~ Marian Wright Edelman
Three more filled to capacity Diversity CRNA Events to go at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science, Duke University and Fairfield in 2024!
Interested in volunteering, email us at diversitycrna4u@gmail.com.
And, it’s a wrap…
Whew! Just completed the 64th Diversity CRNA 2024 Information Session & Airway Simulation Lab Workshop Event at the host site Rosalind Franklin University in Chicago!
By Dec 2024, over 920 nurses of color were accepted, matriculated & graduated from nurse anesthesia programs since 2003.
The Immersion Model for Diversifying Nurse Anesthesia Programs changing the face & culture of the profession.
Selected as an American Nurses Association 2024 Innovation Team Award Recipient & AAN Edge Runner!
“The function of freedom is to free someone else” ~ Toni Morrison
Wait, hold on…to seal the incredible legacy of diversifying the nurse anesthesia programs across the country, just two more scheduled Diversity CRNA 2024 Events at Duke University and Fairfield University!
Let’s be honest…”someone’s has gotta have the vision” Nipsey Hussel