Q&A with Maria Theresa (Tess) Panizales, '17DNP

Alumni
Tess Panizales.

Maria Theresa (Tess) Panizales, '17DNP, joins Associate Director of Donor Relations Benjamin Monat in conversation about her experience in the online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) at the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing and beyond.

Benjamin Monat: Would you like to share anything about your background, where you grew up?
Tess Panizales: I am from the Philippines, where I earned my Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at West Visayas State University. I was hired immediately afterward by the Red Cross, working in Nursing Services as an educator in disaster nursing and in building community health programs in collaboration with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). I then returned to my university as a clinical instructor. I have lived in the United States since 1990, working in a range of private health-care organizations in various capacities: bedside nurse, clinical coordinator, manager, corporate leader, and international consultant. Throughout my career, I have been drawn to quality and safety, research, education, and community development work.

BM: What inspired you to become a nurse?
TP: Honestly, my father and grandmother were the ones who told me to become a nurse. I had always wanted to be a diplomat, bridging cultures and building peace, and I had already been accepted to another university. Out of obedience, I went to nursing school instead—and I have never regretted the journey. As my daughter puts it, "Mom, you have navigated your nursing career toward the path you always wanted: nurse diplomat."

"The DNP program and professors were just amazing and very supportive. Everyone wants you to succeed. There's an online collegial relationship."

—Tess Panizales, '17DNP

BM: What brought you to study at UMass?
TP: The curriculum, online flexibility, and background of interest suit me. I was with my mentor figuring out between PhD and DNP. It was clear that I am suited to be a DNP student. I knew I like research, but that, too, can be accomplished as a DNP. As I started my first semester, I knew that this was my school!

BM: How did UMass Amherst Nursing help you achieve your personal and professional goals?
TP: The DNP program and professors were just amazing and very supportive. Everyone wants you to succeed. There's an online collegial relationship.

BM: Please share about where your career has taken you, and what are a few things you are currently working on?
TP: I became one of Partners HealthCare International's (MGH Brigham) consultants working in the Middle East to help prepare the hospitals for accreditation. Later I was hired as corporate nurse leader working to improve nursing services of the two government hospitals in Malta.

"Spread your wings by being active within your community and the university. These are the best ways to expand and turn learning into action."

—Tess Panizales, '17DNP

BM: What do you enjoy doing for fun?
TP: Hiking, backpacking, nature, swimming. I enjoy writing poems and reading books. I have continued my international work in Mongolia and the Philippines.

BM: What are your plans for the future?
TP: I want to share my knowledge and learning through consulting and volunteer work, as well as engage in research studies. I hope to publish a third book on nursing.

BM: What is one piece of advice you would offer to prospective and/or current UMass Nursing students?
TP: Spread your wings by being active within your community and the university. These are the best ways to expand and turn learning into action.

Learn more about Tess's work with the Nightingale Initiative for Global Health (NIGH).

Spotlight posted in Alumni for Prospective students , Current students , and Alumni