Since being a student in the College's master's program, Dr. Susan Hoppough, (FCE PhD ‘03, CON MSN ‘98), has grown from the many experiences she had at Michigan State University. She has expanded upon her interest in medical healthcare of underserved populations and focused her research on breast health information for Vietnamese women, making contributing strides in the advancement of research.

In May, Dr. Hoppough was named one of Michigan Business Review's Top Women in Health Care. Some of Dr. Hoppough's accomplishments that contributed to her award include her membership on the Michigan Cancer Consortium board of directors and the West Michigan Science and Technology Initiative advisory board. She also has secured many grants related to creating and improving community and culturally based educational programs.

While at the College, Dr. Hoppough was heavily influenced by the leadership and guidance of Dr. Barbara Given, Associate Dean for Research and Director of Doctoral Program. Through Dr. Given's mentoring, Dr. Hoppough discovered her interest in studying underserved populations, particularly in cultures other than western society. She worked with both Drs. Barbara and Bill Given on cancer screening in managed care organizations leading to her interest in Vietnamese populations. With little information available for this Vietnamese group, Dr. Hoppough began her focus on how to communicate recommendations of health for a population that is culturally different than western culture.

Dr. Barbara Ames, Associate Chairperson and Professor with the doctoral program for Family and Child Ecology, also helped develop Dr. Hoppough's interest and expertise related to culture.

Through her mentors and educational experiences, Dr. Hoppough's focus led to her current program of research. Funded by the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, she has a study titled, "The Effects of a Culturally Specific Intervention for Breast Health.” In this study, she is aiming to document the use of culturally specific information to better adapt techniques such as mammograms and screenings for this group. She is using a community participation research strategy for her study and engaging with Vietnamese populations to develop a tool to convey medical needs in a westernized setting.

"Having the opportunity to build new systems and be part of change and innovation is the most rewarding part of my work. My roles are constantly changing and I very much like the newness I run into everyday. Having the ability to develop new materials to reach under served populations and engage in things I may not necessarily have been expecting are what makes my work so rewarding,” Dr. Hoppough said.

With the rewards, however, there are also challenges with Dr. Hoppough's work. The language barriers are one of those challenges. Since she cannot speak the language of her Vietnamese participants, she is dependent upon others. Also, the study is being conducted in eight different states, causing challenges in the long-distance recruitment and transfer of information.

However, while she is continuing to advance the effects of culturally specific interventions for breast health, Dr. Hoppough is also the Director of Research and Innovation at Saint Mary's Health Care in Grand Rapids. She heads the entire research department and works with principal investigators in bringing clinical trials to patients. Additionally, through the West Michigan Science and Technology Initiative, she leads Saint Mary's IdeaCycle© and "mines” the organization for ideas that have the capacity to work with venture capital and move into the market.

Prior to Dr. Hoppough's position at Saint Mary's Health Care, there had been no organized form of research departments. When she took the position in 2006, she led the way for research advancement and innovation.

Dr. Hoppough has noticed one relevant challenge of nursing research is obtaining the necessary funding for opportunities to help translate findings into practice. Also, the nursing shortage is causing more strain on the healthcare profession and she feels it is necessary to facilitate solutions that allow nursing to move forward.

Whether it's helping advance innovation at Saint Mary's Health Care or focusing on her program of breast cancer intervention research with under served populations, Dr. Hoppough is making a difference in the lives of many. She is enhancing the legacy of excellence instilled at Michigan State University.

The College of Nursing is honored to have her as an alumna and representative of the Spartan legacy of excellence.