M. Danet Lapiz  Bluhm, PhD, RN, MSCI, FAAN

I am a registered nurse of Asia-Pacific heritage with graduate degrees in neuroscience and clinical investigation. Having been raised in the Philippines and educated in different parts of the world, I have observed how stress and trauma transcend social boundaries and affect health. This experience has influenced my program of science, which focuses on the health of vulnerable populations, especially related to stress. I have had a track record research on preclinical models for neuropsychiatric disorders, investigating the neurobiological and behavioral mechanisms associated with the effects of stress. At the School of Nursing, I have engaged in translational clinical research on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as well as education-based and community service-based diversity research to improve patient-centered outcomes. Funding from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) provided opportunities to build capacity and engage Veterans and Filipino-Americans on PCOR, advocacy, and as full partners of research. My main goal is to improve patient outcomes, especially among vulnerable populations. 

• Professional Background

  Education

  • 2015 - Master of Science - Clinical Investigation - University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
  • 2001 - Doctor of Philosophy - Biomedical Sciences (Neuroscience) - University of Nottingham
  • 1994 - Bachelor of Science - Anatomical Sciences (with Honors II) - University of Queensland
  • 1993 - Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Nursing (Cum Laude) - Cebu State College
  • 1992 - Bachelor of Science - Science - University of Queensland
  • Psychopharmacology - H. Lundbeck A/S
  • Internship - Pharmacology - Karolinska Institutet, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology
  • Postdoctoral Fellowship - Neuroscience (Pharmacology) - Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center
  • Internship - Neuroscience - Oxford University

  Highlights

  Licensures and Certifications

  • Registered Nurse (Texas)

  Honors and Awards

  2021, Board Member of the Philippine American Chamber of Commerce Central Texas Region - Best Region Award for 2020. 

  2020, Best APAMSA Hepatitis B/C Conference Poster and Abstract, Mentor for Amy Shoga and Marie Vu, Asian Pacific American Medical Students Association Conference 

  2019, Special Award, 2019 Best 25 Nurses of South Central Texas

  Appointments

  • 2017 - present - Director of International Programs - University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
  • 2016 - present - Associate Professor - UT Health San Antonio, School of Nursing
  • 2012 - present - Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences - The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
  • 2018 - 2020 - Interim Co-Director and Interim Co-Director of the Biobehavioral Laboratory - University of Texas Health San Antonio

• Instruction & Training

  • 2021, NURS 6140 Special Population Pharmacology: Applied Psychopharmacology (PMHNP), UT Health San Antonio, School of Nursing
  • 2021, NURS 4217 Population Health Focus – Clinical Applications, UT Health San Antonio, School of Nursing
  • 2020, NURS 6621 FNP Dx and Mgt of Young Families Clinical Application, UT Health San Antonio, School of Nursing
  • 2019 - present, NURS 7303 Science of Knowledge Translation and Implementation I, UT Health San Antonio, School of Nursing
  • 2018 - 2019, NURS 5339 Leadership- Qual, Safety, Policy, UT Health San Antonio, School of Nursing
  • 2016 - present, NURS 3374 Research & Evidence Based Practice, UT Health San Antonio, School of Nursing
  • 2013 - 2018, NURS 5307 Using Research for the Practice of Nursing, UT Health San Antonio, School of Nursing

• Research & Grants

  Grants

  Currently Funded:  

  • 2020 - 2022, Funder: Sigma/Jonas Philanthropies. Title: Veteran Community Online Mindfulness Support (Vet-COMS): Feasibility and Acceptability of a Community-based Support Program for Veterans with Posttraumatic Stress. Role: Principal Investigator 
  • 2021 - 2022, Funder: Center for Medical Humanities and Ethics, $2,446.00. Title: Hepatitis Education and Screening Outreach for the Asian American Community in South Texas. Role: Faculty Mentor (Trong Phat Do) 
  • 2021 - 2022, Funder: Center for Medical Humanities and Ethics, $1,376.00. Title: Addressing the cardiovascular, diabetes and COVID-19 health risks of South Asians in San Antonio. Role: Faculty Mentor (Merlin Joseph) 
  • 2019 - 2021, Funder: Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute, 12850-UTHSC, $249,991.00. Title: Mag-PCOR Muna Tayo: Nationwide Capacity Building for Filipino-Americans to Engage in PCOR and CER. Role: Principal Investigator 
  • 2020 - 2021, Funder: Center for Medical Humanities and Ethics, $2,620.00. Title: Community Engagement to Address Healthcare Issues among Vietnamese Americans in South Texas. Role: Faculty Mentor (Mara Althea Cabungcal) 
  • 2020 - 2021, Funder: Center for Medical Humanities and Ethics, $564.00. Title: Needs Assessment for Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Intervention in South Texas Vietnamese Populations. Role: Faculty Mentor (Amy Shoga and Marie Vu) 
  • 2020 - 2021, Funder: Center for Medical Humanities and Ethics, $540.00. Title: Community Needs Assessment of South Asian Americans in South Texas. Role: Faculty Mentor (Megan Rodriguez).
  • 2020 - 2021, Funder: Center for Medical Humanities and Ethics, $345.00. Title: Don’t Sugarcoat Diabetes 2020-2021: Virtual Outreach for Diabetes Prevention among South TX High School Students. Role: Faculty Mentor (Swetha Menon) 

  Pending Submissions: 

  • 2021 - 2022, Funder: San Antonio Medical Foundation. Title: Be Checked: Hepatitis B/C Screening.Role: Principal Investigator  
  • 2020 - 2022, Funder: Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute, $4,492.650. Title: Fil-Am NURSES: Filipino-American Nurses United to Reaffirm Social and Emotional Support. Role: Principal Investigator 
  • 2020 - 2021, Funder: Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute, $149,203.00. Title: COVID Enhancement to “Mag-PCOR Muna Tayo:” Nationwide Capacity Building for Filipino-Americans to Engage in PCOR and CER. Role: Principal Investigator

  Submitted and Not Funded or Unfunded Research/Projects: 

  • 2018 - 2021,  Funder: National Institutes of Health, $149,924.00. Title: NextGenSAFER™: Mental health clinicians’ remote biometric assessment dashboard. Role: Co-Investigator

• Service

  School

  Student Mentees/Trainees

  • 2015 - 2018 Doctor of Nursing Practice Inquiry Project Committee, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. Served as Chair of the Doctor of Nursing Practice Inquiry Project Committee for Ms. Paula Gray and James Ellis. Her project is aimed at increasing use of nursing preceptorship program in the military. His project was on improving hand hygiene compliance at a Federal healthcare institution. 

  Institutional

  • 2021- Present, UTHSCSA, Volunteered to assist with UT Health School of Nursing, COVACC 20 clinic 
  • 2020 – Present, UTHSCSA Chair, Faculty Senate’s Institutional Committee on Committees 
  • 2020 – Present, UTHSCSA Member, Faculty Senate Executive Committee 
  • 2020 – Present, UTHSCSA Member, International Oversight Committee
  • 2021, UTHSCSA, Judge, Image of Research Contest 2021 
  • 2020 - Present, UTHSCSA Inaugural Alumni Council, Committee Member  
  • 2020-Present UTHSCSA Committee of Appointments Faculty Senate, Chair. 
  • 2019 - Present UTHSCSA , UT Health Hospital Planning, Officer
  • 2019 - Present, UTHSCSA, Faculty Senate, Officer.

   

  Service to the Profession

  • 2020 - 2021, Co-Chair,  25 Best Nurses of South-Central Texas, event hosted by the San Antonio Nursing Consortium. 
  • 2020 - Present, Co-Chair, Abstract Review Sub-Committee Policy Conference 
  • 2020 - Present, Journal Reviewer, Nursing Outlook 
  • 2020 - Present, Member, Planning Committee Policy Conference Planning Committee 
  • 2019 - Present, External Reviewer, Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) 
  • 2019 - Present, External Reviewer, Swiss National Science Foundation,  
  • 2019 - Present, Internal Reviewer, Office of Nursing Research and Scholarship 
  • 2018 - Present, Committee Member, Texas Nurses Association District 8 

  Professional Affiliations

  • 2019 - Present, San Antonio Nursing Consortium, Member 
  • 2018 - Present, Texas Organization of Nurse Executives, Member 
  • 2018 - Present, Philippine-American Chamber of Commerce of Texas, Member 
  • 2016 - Present, Philippine Nurses of American Foundation, Board Member 
  • 2011 - Present, Philippine Nurses Association of America, Board Member 
  • 2009 - Present, Southern Nursing Research Society, Member 
  • 2009 - Present, Sigma Theta Tau, Delta-at-Large Chapter, WebMaster 

  Community Service

  • 2004 - Present, Volunteer, Habitat for Humanity Project 
  • 2009 - Present, Member, St. Matthew Catholic School -School Council 
  • 2021, Organized COVACC clinic St. Matthew Catholic Church community, 
  • 2021, Organized COVACC clinic Vietnamese Lien Hoa Buddhist Temple community,  
  • 2021, Assisted COVACC clinic St. Mary’s Catholic Church, San Antonio 
  • 2021, Co-led health screening and flu vaccination clinic RAICES (Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services) 
  • 2021 Facilitator, Memorandum of Understanding RAICES (Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services)  
  • 2020, Faculty 2020 Asian Festival Health Screening and Census Promotion
  • 2018 - 2020, Organizing Committee Member Institute of Texan Cultures (ITC) Filipino Exhibit 
  • 2019 - 2020, Mentor, Lien Hoa Vietnamese Temple Health screening and needs assessment 

   

  Global

  Dr. Bluhm is an Associate Professor and Director of International Programs, UT Health San Antonio School of Nursing. Originally from the Philippines, she has traveled extensively throughout the world for education, work, and tourism. She completed her Bachelor of Science (BS) and BS Honours in Australia, BS in Nursing from the Philippines, a pre-doctoral stint in Sweden, and PhD in England, where she also worked as a nurse. She has also worked in Thailand and Denmark before joining UT Health San Antonio. She has participated in medical missions to the Philippines. As the Director of International Programs, she has facilitated collaborations with universities in Mexico, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Thailand, South Korea, Finland, and Turkey. She has supervised students on education abroad trips to Bogota, Colombia. As the founding faculty adviser of the International Nursing Students Association (INSA), Dr. Bluhm has mentored nursing students on community service-learning (CSL) activities for minority communities, including but not limited to Filipino, Vietnamese, and other Asian-American communities. She has also mentored medical students in their CSL projects targeted towards diabetes, cancer, and Hepatitis C screening. She recognizes the value of global health education and the importance of cultural understanding.

• Publications

  Peer-reviewed Articles (*indicates data-based) 

  • Lapiz-Bluhm, M.D. & Cabungcal, M.A. Cancer screening promotion among Filipino Americans: A systematic review to inform research and clinical practice. Journal of Nursing Practice Applications and Reviews of Research 2021 (Submitted). 
  • Deters, D., Lapiz-Bluhm, M.D. Feasibility study of respiratory function home  monitoring for patients with myasthenia gravis.  Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners 2021 (Pending revision) 
  • Krause-Parello, C. A., Flynn, L., Moreno, S. J., Dillon, J., Hibler, D. A., Lapiz-Bluhm, M. D., Mullins, C. D., Peterson, A. L., Presciutti, R. E., & Weglicki, L. S. (2021). Operation PCOR: A Community Engagement Project Preparing Veterans as Full Partners in PTSD-Related Research. Journal of Veterans Studies, 7(1), pp. 14–22. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21061/jvs. v7i1.202 
  • Nguyen, T, Wang J, Lapiz-Bluhm, M.D. Intervention studies addressing diabetes and hypertension among Filipino-Americans: A systematic review. Journal of Nursing Practice Applications and Reviews of Research 2020 Jul;10(2):23 
  • Vargas, P., Lavarro, V., Lapiz-Bluhm, M.D. Health Concerns, Facilitators, and Barriers of Health Among Filipino-Americans in New Jersey. Journal of Nursing Practice Applications and Reviews of Research 2020 Jul;10(2):5 
  • Lapiz-Bluhm, M.D, Nguyen, T.K. Systematic review of Filipino-American (FA) health issues: Informing research and clinical focus. 2020;10(1):14-39. 
  • Young-McCaughan, S., Lapiz-Bluhm, M.D. Testing the role of aerobic exercise in the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in U.S. active duty military personnel. STRONG STAR Consortium (Submitted) Behavioral Therapy 2020 
  • Deters, D., Lapiz-Bluhm, M.D. Factors associated with myasthenia gravis and pulmonary function testing: A systematic review. (Submitted) Journal of Nursing Practice Applications and Reviews of Research 2020 

  Non-Peer-reviewed Articles (i. e. editorials, news articles, etc.) 

  • Lapiz-Bluhm, M.D. Recruitment Strategies from California FAPCOR Nayon: Notes from the Field, 5(1), 1 2020 Available from: https://filamhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/FA-PCOR-December-2020-Issue-.pdf  
  • Lapiz-Bluhm, M.D. Pasko Amidst a Pandemic: Meaningful Celebration of Love, Unity, and Hope. PCOR Balita, 5(1), 1 2020 Available from: https://filamhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/FA-PCOR-December-2020-Issue-.pdf  
  • Lapiz-Bluhm, M.D. Community Leaders’ Voice: Accomplishments and Challenges of the FA-PCOR Nayon Networks. PCOR Balita, 5(1), 1 2020 Available from: https://filamhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/FA-PCOR-December-2020-Issue-.pdf  
  • Lapiz-Bluhm, M.D. Honor our Filipino Heritage: Get Counted! Register! Vote! PCOR Balita, 4(1), 1 2020 Available from: https://filamhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/September-2020-Newsletter-Edited.png 
  • Lapiz-Bluhm, M.D. What’s Nest for the FA-PCOR: Continued Engagement Efforts for Stakeholder Partners. PCOR Balita, 4(1), 1 2020 Available from: https://filamhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/September-2020-NewletterPg2-Edited.png  
  • Lapiz-Bluhm, M.D. “Kaya Natin ang COVID!”– We can do this together against COVID-19! PCOR Balita, 3(1),1 2020 Available from: . https://filamhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Pinoy-PCOR-Balita-3.pdf 
  • Lapiz-Bluhm, M.D. Humor to prevent COVID transmission: Can nmenomics help? PCOR Balita, 3(1),1 2020 Available from: . https://filamhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Pinoy-PCOR-Balita-3.pdf 
  • Lapiz-Bluhm, M.D. COVID-19 issues highlighted by FAPCOR leaders in 5 U.S. states 3(1),2. 2020 Available from: https://filamhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Pinoy-PCOR-Balita-3.pdf 
  • Lapiz-Bluhm, M.D. Kapuso!: Fil-Am’s solidarity in the face of health challenges. Pinoy PCOR Balita, 2(1), 1. 2020 Available from: https://filamhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Pinoy-Balita-2_03_20.pdf 
  • Lapiz-Bluhm, M.D. COVID-19: What you should do! Pinoy PCOR Balita, 2(1),1. 2020 Available from: https://filamhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Pinoy-Balita-2_03_20.pdf 

  Abstracts 

  • Partosa, D., Cabungcal, M., Lam, K., Lapiz-Bluhm, M.D. Community Health Assessment and Flu Vaccination among Vietnamese Americans during the COVID-19 Pandemic. 2021 Community Service Learning Symposium, UT Health San Antonio. 
  • Rodgriguez, M., Punchamannil, J., Lapiz-Bluhm, M.D. Health Needs Assessment of South Asians In San Antonio. 2021 Community Service Learning Symposium, UT Health San Antonio. 
  • Shoga, A., Vu, M., Luu, J., Uhm, S., Lam, K., Yang, P.,  Do,T.P. Draeger, D. Needs Assessment for Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Intervention in the South and Gulf Coast Texas Vietnamese Populations. 2021 Community Service Learning Symposium, UT Health San Antonio. 
  • Menon, S….Lapiz-Bluhm, M.D. Don’t Sugarcoat Diabetes (DSD) 2020-2021: Virtual Outreach for Diabetes Prevention among South Texas High School Students. 2021 Community Service Learning Symposium, UT Health San Antonio. 
  • Shoga, A., Vu, M., Luu, J., Uhm, S., Lam, K., Yang, P.,  Do,T.P. Draeger, D. Needs Assessment for Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Intervention in the South and Gulf Coast Texas Vietnamese Populations. 2020 Asian Pacific  Medical Students Association National Conference. 
  • Lapiz-Bluhm, M.D, Binoy, A., Deschner, B., Goodsun, D. Yoga program for Veterans: Towards advocacy for nonpharmacologic pain and stress management. The 13th Biennial Conference of the Global Network of WHO Collaborating Centres for Nursing and Midwifery. Advocacy and Policy: Strengthening the Voices and Capa Chiang Mai, Thailand: 2020. 
  • Hansen,B., Kim,S., Cavazos, C., Smeding, S., Lapiz-Bluhm, M.D. Don’t Sugarcoat Diabetes: improvement in diabetes knowledge among Texas high school students. Community Service Learning Conference, UT Health San Antonio. San Antonio, TX; 2020. 
  • Lapiz-Bluhm, M.D. Needs Assessment of Vietnamese Americans in South Texas: Engaging a Silent Minority Population. Community Service Learning Conference, UT Health San Antonio. San Antonio, TX: 2020. 

  Invited Podium Presentations (i. e. keynotes presentations)  

  • 2020 Lapiz-Bluhm, M.D. Evidence-based interventions for hypertension and diabetes among Filipino-Americans: What’s next? 2020 Philippine Nurses of America National Convention. Invited speaker 
  • 07/2019 “Mag-PCOR Muna Tayo”: Advocating for Engagement Among Filipino-Americans towards Patient-Centered Outcomes Research, Philippine Nurses Association of American, 41st National Convention, Atlanta, GA (Invited Speaker)  

  Peer Reviewed Podium Presentations  

  • 2020, Yoga Program for Veterans: Towards Advocacy for Nonpharmacologic Pain & Stress Management Advocacy & Policy: Strengthening the Voices & Capacities of Health Professionals. (Abstract accepted/postponed due to COVID until further notice, The 13th Biennial Conference of the Global Network of WHO Collaborating Centres for Nursing and Midwifery, Chiang Mai, Thailand (Co-Presenter)  
  • 2020, Don’t Sugarcoat Diabetes: Improvement in Diabetes Knowledge Among Texas High School Students, Community Service Learning Conference, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX (Co-Presenter)  
  • 2020, Needs Assessment of Vietnamese Americans in South Texas: Engaging a Silent Minority Population, Community Service Learning Conference, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX (Co-Presenter)  
  • 2019, Achieving Whole Health and Fighting Diabetes in the Filipino Community, 13th National Empowerment Conference. National Federation of Filipino American Association panel discussion, Carson, CA (Panel)  
  • 2019, Use of saliva in stress research: Collection methods and participants’ preferences, 7th Global Health Conference, Singapore (Co-Presenter). Details: (podium, accepted, International) 
  • 2019, “Mag-PCOR Muna Tayo”: Leveraging the PNAA community presence to build capacity and engage Filipino-Americans towards patient-centered outcomes research, 40th Philippine Nurses Association of American Annual Convention (Sole Presenter). Details: (poster slide presentation, accepted, National) - Awarded Top Three Best Presentations 

  Peer Reviewed Poster Presentations  

  • 2019, Philippine Nurses Lead Capacity-Building and Engagement among Filipino-Americans in Texas and New Jersey, American Academy of Nursing Conference (Co-Presenter)  
  • 2019, “Mag-PCOR Muna Tayo”: Leveraging the PNAA Community Presence to Build Capacity and Engage Filipino-Americans towards Patient-Centered Outcomes Research, Philippine Nurses Association of American 40th National Convention, Atlanta, GA (Co-Presenter). Details: Won, Top 3 Best Podium Poster Presentation. (National) 
  • 2019, SAFER™: An alert system to facilitate speedy back-up assistance for police officers, SURF Conference (Co-Presenter)  
  • 2019, Health issues among Vietnamese-Americans in the United States: A systematic review, Cultural Inclusion Conference (Co-Presenter)  
  • 2019, Global Dissemination of the TeamSTEPPS Patient Safety Movement: Importance of Cultural Considerations, Cultural Inclusion Conference (Sole Presenter)