Deborah K. Mayer, PhD, RN, AOCN, FAAN is an advanced practice oncology nurse who has consulted with organizations on issues to improve cancer care and has 40 years of cancer nursing practice, education, research, and management experience. Dr. Mayer earned a PhD from the University of Utah, her MSN from Yale University, her BSN from Excelsior College, her Nurse Practitioner Certificate from the University of Maryland, and her diploma from Pennsylvania Hospital School of Nursing.

Dr. Mayer is past president of the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS), was a member of the National Cancer Institute’s National Cancer Advisory Board (a Presidential appointment) and Board of Scientific Advisors. Dr. Mayer was elected as a fellow of the American Academy of Nursing. Recently, she was the Editor for the ONS’ Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing (CJON) and is active in ONS and the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). Dr. Mayer has published over 100 articles and book chapters and lectures internationally on oncology and oncology nursing issues. She was recently awarded the ONS Lifetime Achievement Award.

Dr. Mayer is a member of the Adult and Geriatric Health Division in the School of Nursing and the UNC Lineberger Director of Cancer Survivorship. Her program of research focuses on the issues facing cancer survivors and improving cancer care. She has a clinical practice working with breast cancer survivors.Dr. Mayer was also the only nurse on the Cancer Moonshot’s Blue Ribbon Panel.