NYC Gazette

Dr. Christy Jared, a clinical associate professor at the Katz School, has been committed to nursing, research, and education for nearly four decades. Her career began as a labor and delivery nurse and evolved into her current role in the accelerated B.S. in Nursing program. Recently, Dr. Jared presented findings from her doctoral research at the 41st International Human Science Research Conference held at Molloy University.

Her study explored how childhood trauma impacts women's health, particularly focusing on the link between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and obesity in adult women. "While the link between obesity and ACEs was first identified over 25 years ago, there has been limited research focusing solely on understanding how viewing ACEs and obesity as a phenomenon manifests in adult women," Dr. Jared explained.

Using Reflective Lifeworld Research, she examined how co-occurring obesity and ACEs manifest among adult women, aiming to uncover deeper meanings behind this phenomenon. Her research identified essential meanings such as boundary-less childhood existence and distorted self-perception. The study also highlighted constituent meanings like chaotic childhoods leading to food misuse and chronic health conditions.

Dr. Jared's work underscores the need for comprehensive solutions that address both trauma and obesity through integrated care approaches. Recommendations include somatic treatments for trauma, weight loss programs considering psychological factors, reducing healthcare stigma related to obesity through education and policy changes, and expanding training for providers on ACEs.

Initially planning in-person interviews with women from the tri-state area, Dr. Jared shifted to virtual recruitment due to COVID-19 restrictions. "Despite the challenges, this approach yielded rich and comprehensive data," she said.

Dr. Jared's journey into nursing was sparked by a personal experience when an attentive nurse supported her during childbirth at age 23 in Fort Worth, Texas. This encounter inspired her shift from an accounting clerk role to pursuing nursing education at the University of Texas at Austin.

Throughout her career spanning direct patient care to policy analysis with Care for the Homeless in New York City, Dr. Jared has emphasized mentorship and leadership in healthcare settings: "A great nursing leader is someone who mentors you, inspires you and pushes you outside of your comfort zone."

During her Ph.D., she remained connected with patients while contributing significantly during the COVID-19 crisis by supporting immunization efforts across Bronx-Manhattan regions as well as working part-time at NYU Langone Perlmutter Cancer Center since 2021 within neuro-oncology/gynecological oncology teams alongside medical professionals.

In addition to clinical duties & research contributions; shaping future generations via teaching roles continues being integral aspect life’s mission — offering courses covering topics ranging professional nursing fundamentals mental health assessment maternal-newborn psychiatric areas under guidance National Student Nurses Association chapter faculty advisor capacity now thriving amidst transformative growth opportunities unfolding daily basis according own words: “We are doing such great work...there is so much room growth thrilled be part transformation.”