Patient Advocate Foundation Welcomes New Board President

Hampton, VA (September 21, 2020) – Pioneering nurse oncologist Pearl Moore, RN, MN, FAAN, has been elected to serve as the new president of the board of the Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF).

Ms. Moore is a recognized leader in the national and international cancer care communities, having served as one of the nation’s first oncology clinical nurse specialists. Later she blended clinical practice with research as the first coordinator of the Brain Tumor Study Group, which was part of a groundbreaking national consortium to conduct clinical trials. Her dedication to patients has driven her career. Ms. Moore is probably best known for her highly respected tenure as the first executive director and CEO of the Oncology Nursing Society, which spanned twenty-four years starting in 1983. In 2016, the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) initiated the Pearl Moore ‘Making a Difference’ in her honor, which recognizes individuals and teams who go the extra mile to impact the lives of patients and their families.

“Pearl’s experience, passion and dedication to patients makes her the perfect choice to serve as the president of PAF where our mission is to provide high quality and meaningful programs that assist vulnerable and low-income populations, ” said PAF’s CEO Alan Balch, PhD.

Ms. Moore has been part of PAF in numerous ways for almost twenty years, first joining the Scientific Committee before serving multiple terms on the board of directors since 2002. During her most recent tenure, she chaired the Governance Committee and served on the Compensation and Benefits Committee.

“I am both honored and energized to serve as the President of PAF at such a time of incredible need for vulnerable patients and families,” Moore said. “PAF’s focus on financial support and social needs navigation are especially critical solutions to the interrelated problems of health inequities and economic disruption related to the pandemic.”

During her tenure at ONS, Moore established and funded scholarships, research grants, memorial lectures, public education grants and career development awards. She was instrumental in the launch of the Foundation’s Center for Leadership, Information and Research. Moore also has served on the boards and councils of numerous nursing and medical associations including the American Academy of Nursing, the International Union Against Cancer, the Nursing Economics Foundation Board, the Jewish Health Care Foundation Board and the Medicare Evidence Development and Coverage Advisory Committee of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Her many honors and awards include being named a Fellow in the American Academy of Nursing and receiving the Association of Community Cancer Centers Achievement Award, which recognizes outstanding contributions to cancer care. Moore received the ONS Distinguished Service Award for her outstanding contributions to ONS and the US Oncology Medal of Honor. The International Society of Nurses in Cancer Care presented her with its Distinguished Merit Award in recognition of steadfast and prolific contributions to the art and science of cancer care worldwide.

Moore holds both a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master of Science in Nursing degree from the University of Pittsburgh.

PAF is a national 501(c) 3 nonprofit charity that provides direct services to patient with chronic, life-threatening and debilitating diseases to help access care and treatment recommended by their doctor. Our case managers assist with a myriad of challenges from health insurance access and lack of, eligibility and enrollment into safety net programs, disability and financial challenges that are impacting their ability to pay for care and basic living needs.