You are a registered nurse and an attorney. Which came first?

I was a nurse first, and once a nurse, always a nurse. I worked in an oncology setting for my entire nursing career. After leaving the bedside, I worked at the biotherapeutics company Amgen and was involved in regular negotiations with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding its new drugs. It occurred to me that the FDA was under resourced in some areas but well represented by attorneys, so I thought I could level the playing field by going to law school. I went to law school part time while I was working full time and was admitted to the State Bar of California at the age of 61. Later, I used my expertise to teach in the Health Science program at California State University, Channel Islands, teaching nursing, ethics, and health law.

Are you related to the astrophysicist Katie Mack?

Yes, actually, Katie Mack is my daughter. In fact, my only claim to fame is that I am her mother. If you are not familiar with Katie’s work, I suggest you take a look at her website, astrokatie.com. Even better, get her book The End of Everything (Astrophysically Speaking). It is delightful and very informative.

I see that you have a PhD. In what field?

My PhD, which I earned in 1998, is in nursing. My dissertation topic was the experience of cancer patients who participate in the first clinical trials of new treatments.

How many degrees do you actually have?

An embarrassing number. I didn’t know what I wanted to be when I grew up, and so I have degrees in both psychology and nursing, as well as a Juris Doctor, or legal degree.

What are your favorite topics for presentations?

I am fascinated by the intersection of healthcare and law. I speak frequently on legal issues for nurses, ethical and legal issues of advances in medical technology, and, for faith communities, workshops on end-of-life planning and ethical wills.

What groups do you like to present to?

I love to present to nurses and legal organizations. I also enjoy talking with organizations serving older adults. In addition, I like doing workshops for faith communities.

I see you speak to church groups. What is your faith tradition?

I am a progressive Christian, but I am comfortable with most of the major faith traditions. At one time, in my immediate family, Christianity, Judaism, and Islam were all represented. I am on the speakers bureau for Faith in Public Life, an organization dedicated to advancing the moral imperative for a just, inclusive and equitable country so everyone can live into their full humanity.

Will you speak at my event?

I would be happy to consider speaking at your event. Please see my Contact page and let me know about your group and your working budget.