Robert Burger, MD, Director, Women’s Cancer Center at Fox Chase Cancer Center

Fox Chase nurse practitioner, Agnes Masny, featured in the Mural Arts Program of Philadelphia

Doctors and patients at Fox Chase can attest to the invaluable role of nurses in the treatment of any disease.  We rely on nurses not only for their wealth of knowledge in medicine but also their compassionate care and support.  The city of Philadelphia has taken notice of how important this profession is, as well, and its significant changes over the years in the new mural The Evolving Face of Nursing.

In October 2010, the Mural Arts Program of Philadelphia completed a 6,500 square foot mural at the intersection of Broad and Vine Streets to celebrate the nurses at the many prominent healthcare facilities and medical schools in our city.  We were thrilled to learn that one of our own nurses at Fox Chase had been chosen to appear in this important artistic and cultural project.

Agnes Masny, RN, MPH, MSN, CRNP, a nurse practitioner and genetics nursing educator in the Department of Clinical Genetics, is one of 100 nurses captured by nationally renowned artist Meg Saligman. During her 21 year career, Agnes has counseled individuals at risk for cancer and educated patients and their families about what their genetic risk means.  She has also published several articles on this topic.  Her inclusion in The Evolving Face of Nursing is a testament to her impressive career and her hard work.

When asked how she felt about her face being displayed for the world to see:

“It’s an honor and a privilege to be featured on that mural. The artists made me look young, which was very nice,” she jokingly added.

The mural truly captures the heart of the nursing profession through portraits and written word, from the traditional nurse of the past to today’s tech-savvy practitioner.  I hope that the project has brought an increased awareness to these dedicated men and women and the progress of medicine in our Philadelphia community.  If you are in the area, I encourage you to drive past the piece at Broad and Vine twice; the mural displays a different set of pictures in the daytime and at night due to the use of special paint and LED lights.  It is quite the visual experience!

Be Well,

Bob

Read the Daily News feature on this program.