This profile is part of a series to highlight the researchers who will be honored at a ceremony for UNMC’s 2019 Scientist Laureate, Research Leadership, Distinguished Scientist and New Investigator Award recipients.
- Name:Amy Hoffman, Ph.D.
- Title: Professor, College of Nursing
- Joined UNMC: 2018
- Hometown: Jenison, Michigan
Research focus:
- Post-surgery lung cancer rehabilitation
- Exercise
- Cancer-related fatigue
- Symptom self-management
The goal of my research is: To change the face of post-surgical lung cancer rehabilitation via virtual reality-based exercise to improve symptom and functional status and quality of life.
My research will make a difference because: My research provides previously nonexistent post-surgical exercise rehabilitation for lung cancer patients of all ages and addresses a high-risk, high-cost and high-volume population often excluded from studies because of complex medical issues and barriers to care. To many patients, rehabilitation means traveling to centers, finding transportation, fighting traffic and bad weather conditions, having to adhere to an appointment schedule and “working out” on exercise machines that are arduous and boring. My intervention removes these barriers by being home-based using virtual reality gaming technology to make exercise fun, challenging and available at any time of the day.
The best advice I’ve ever been given is:
Be persistent, don’t give up when people say it is impossible. Surround yourself with great mentors and positive people. Listen and learn from your patients every day.
Three things you may not know about me are:
- I lived in Portugal.
- I love baseball and football.
- I love Coke Zero.
Congratulations Dr. Hoffman! We are so fortunate to have you as part of the CON team!