About
For over 35 years, Dr. Julie Martin's nursing career has centered around the care of oncology patients. She received Her undergraduate degree from the University of South Carolina, a Master of Science degree from Clemson University and is BoardCertified as a Family Nurse Practitioner. Dr. Martin received her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from Chatham University. In her role as Director of Cancer Research for Prisma Health, approximately 70% of her time is allocated to clinical oncology research and administration and 30% to clinical mentorship. In this role, she provides overall leadership and direction for the research team of the Prisma Health Cancer Institute which includes oversight of Prisma Health’s National Cancer Institute Research Program, the Phase I Research Unit, and the Biorepository Services Department. Dr. Martin's leadership goals for oncology research include serving new and established health care professionals by promoting, facilitating, and supporting their research projects. She authored numerous publications on a range of oncology topics-from biomarkers in lung cancer, targeted therapies for rare and advanced cancers, to oncology health care responses in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Martin lead research and inform curriculum growth and development in oncology nursing. Her service to Clemson and other degree-granting institutions includes clinical preceptor, research mentor, and student supervisor for more than 18 graduate and undergraduate level students in health care and academic settings. She also supports fellow faculty by guest lecturing in various courses. Her mentorship and teaching responsibilities show her passion for developing the next generation of health care professionals and health researchers.
How their research is transforming health care
The incorporation of biomarkers in oncology clinical trials has been an important advancement in research, and its effect on improving patient outcomes has been observed. Identification of pathogenic variants is essential to prescribing personalized therapy for patients with cancer. Dr. Martin's research shows that biomarkers also present challenges for nurses and patients. Patient barriers include lack of access to an institution versed in ordering molecular tests, insurance coverage and reimbursement, or simply confusion about testing results. As molecular technology continually evolves and new biomarker-based companies emerge almost daily, companies report molecular assays in a variety of formats. Because of continuous advancements, nursing research reports that provider knowledge gaps remain prevalent (https://doi.org/10.2217/pme-2021-0096). Although the use of genomic testing has increased and become somewhat routine in conversation, it remains an ever-changing landscape. Nurse scientists identified a critical need to incorporate genetics and genomics curricula into schools of nursing (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.profnurs.2018.09.002). In Dr. Martin's research program, she has been a part of creating educational tools and resources, like the ONS Next-Generation Sequencing Sample Report (https://www.ons.org/clinical-practiceresources/next-generation-sequencing-sample-report) and the Biomarker Testing for Genomic Variants: What to Know From the Laboratory Performing the Test (https://www.ons.org/clinicalpractice-resources/biomarker-testing-genomic-variants-what-know-laboratory-performing-test), to help nurses understand clinical biomarkers and how to integrate that knowledge into practice. Ongoing nurse education and updates will bridge the gap between practice and rapidly changing evidence on biomarkers and new targeted therapies. To provide the best care for our patients, understanding terminology and remaining current on the advancements, assays, and treatment options surrounding biomarker and molecular testing.
Health research keywords
Cancer biomarkers, genetic biomarkers, genomics, patient-centered outcomes, nursing education, cancer research, oncology clinical trials
