For the past 20 years, Jessica MacIntyre has significantly impacted cancer care at Sylvester and in the community, and she will now use her Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) presidency to help prepare early-career nurses and nurse practitioners to care for the next generation of oncology patients.
In April 2024, she became the next president of the ONS, Sylvester´s first-ever nurse to serve in this position, and will continue to transform cancer care. “I am honored and look forward to contributing to this great organization that has supported me through the early stages of my career and beyond,” said MacIntyre, D.N.P., ARNP, NP-C, AOCNP, and executive director for Sylvester’s clinical operations.
The ONS represents 100,000 nurses, and its 35,000 members include nurses, nursing students, nurse practitioners, scientists and educators. They work together to advance their learning and careers, understand and contribute to oncology science and best practices, and advocate for improvements in oncology care.
MacIntyre became interested in cancer care when she was in high school. Her grandmother was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. She loved her grandmother’s intimate connection with her nurses and how they treated her compassionately toward the end of her life.
“The relationship oncology nurses develop with patients and their families is unique,” said MacIntyre. “We work with patients from prevention to cancer survivorship, becoming their advocates and helping them access care and resources. We use our knowledge in the latest research, technology and treatment options to ensure optimal care.”
MacIntyre graduated from nursing school in 2000 and fulfilled her dream of working at Sylvester two years later. She quickly became the first nurse navigator for Sylvester’s pancreatic/gastrointestinal group, guiding patients through their complex care.
For the last seven years, she has worked in a dual role as a practicing clinician and administrator. She oversees several clinical programs, including oncology social work, cancer support services, cancer survivorship, cancer prevention, and phase I research clinic.
“At Sylvester, we don’t just treat the disease; we treat the person,” she said. “I love that I have an opportunity to help cancer patients every day.”