Award-Winning Nurse Educator Shares Lessons from Virtual Oncology Training in Nepal

About Judy

Judy Delismon’s commitment to oncology nursing spans from Washington state to Janakpur, Nepal, bridging distance, systems, and the needs of patients in both places.

As a Seattle native and an oncology nurse for nearly 30 years, Judy began her career at the University of Washington Medical Center in the 1990s. She spends much of her time working with hematology and oncology patients in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Over the years, she has cared for patients at notable institutions such as Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center and Swedish.

Her first step into global oncology happened during graduate school, where she had the opportunity to create an oncology nursing handbook that provided continued education for the nurses at the Uganda Cancer Institute in collaboration with Fred Hutch. With years of experience, Judy’s motivation to educate nurses is deeply rooted in her personal journey. She reflected,

“Most of my career has been dedicated to working with cancer patients, and I also have family members who have been affected by cancer. I have always felt a strong connection to oncology patients and their families. They are incredibly special and unique. There is just something about this work and the people I have worked with over the years that holds a special place in my heart.”

Judy Delismon, MN, RN, OCN, 2025 SCHD25 Volunteer of the Year

Judy’s impactful work is set to be recognized at Binaytara’s Summit on Cancer Health Disparities in Seattle, Washington, on April 26, 2025. She will receive the 2025 Binaytara Volunteer of the Year Award, which honors individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to Binaytara’s mission through their volunteerism. In 2024, Judy’s abstract was published in the International Journal for Cancer Care and Delivery. Her abstract showcased the potential of global oncology nursing education to close the gap in cancer care and improve patient outcomes.

Over the past few years, Judy has served as the lead nurse educator with Binaytara. She corresponds with nurses at the 25-bed Binaytara Cancer Center in Nepal, focusing on understanding their needs and providing oncology-related education on topics such as breast cancer, cervical cancer, and sepsis. She has also facilitated virtual presentations with the help of other oncology nurses who volunteer their expertise.

Judy’s work with nurses in Nepal has been immensely fulfilling, given the eagerness and desire for learning displayed by these nurses. Despite cultural, language, and time differences, she finds inspiration in their enthusiasm and commitment to applying what they have learned to improve the care they provide to patients in Nepal. Fifteen years ago, Judy visited Nepal to take part in a trek in the Khumbu region, also known as the Everest region, in northeastern Nepal. This trek piqued her interest in Nepal.

Even after many years, Judy’s heart remains deeply connected to the country. Reflecting on her involvement with Binaytara, Judy shared, “The work I do feeds my soul, and I am hoping to return to Nepal in 2026 to do live education at the cancer hospital in the Madhesh province."

Judy’s story is a testament to the profound impact that nursing education has on transforming cancer care, both nationally and internationally.

About SCHD25

The Summit on Cancer Health Disparities 2025 (SCHD25) is a continuing medical education event that focuses on addressing cancer health disparities. Set to take place on April 25 - 27th in Seattle, Washington, the conference serves to bridge research and practice, offering practical strategies to improve cancer care delivery and outcomes. SCHD25 will unite oncology professionals, researchers, policymakers, and other stakeholders looking to address factors contributing to cancer health disparities with evidence-based interventions.

This year’s conference offers 16.50 Nursing Contact Hours, approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing (Provider #CEP17035). Interested in joining the conversation that will shape the future of how healthcare providers treat and manage cancer patients? Register for SCHD here to connect, learn, and engage with leading experts in oncology.

About Binaytara

Binaytara is a leader in global oncology dedicated to eliminating cancer disparities worldwide. As the largest organizer of hematology/oncology conferences in the United States, Binaytara educates thousands of doctors, oncologists, and hematologists, ensuring they stay updated on the latest advancements in cancer care.

Binaytara's impact extends across the globe. In India, they have partnered with the government to establish a transformative palliative care program in Madhya Pradesh. In Nepal, they operate the only cancer hospital in Madhesh Province in collaboration with local health organizations, offering cervical cancer screenings and comprehensive training for physicians and nurses. Additionally, Binaytara has spearheaded the creation of Nepal’s first bone marrow transplant center in the capital city of Kathmandu.