Advancing Maternal Health Equity Through Research and Innovation: Dr. Fatima Alzyoud
At the Loewenberg College of Nursing, faculty are shaping the future of healthcare through research, innovation, and a commitment to compassionate care. Among those leading transformative work in maternal health is Dr. Fatima Alzyoud, whose scholarship and advocacy are helping redefine what respectful, equitable healthcare looks like for women and families around the world.
Since joining LCON in 2023, Dr. Alzyoud has brought a powerful blend of clinical expertise, academic leadership, and research innovation to the College. With a PhD in Nursing from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, her work centers on advancing respectful maternal care (RMC) and addressing inequities that impact vulnerable and underserved populations.
Dr. Alzyoud’s research focuses on the mistreatment of patients within healthcare settings, particularly the disrespect and abuse experienced by women during childbirth. Her scholarship explores patient abuse by healthcare professionals as an emerging form of violence—one that can have lasting psychological, emotional, and physical consequences for patients and families.
To deepen understanding of these complex issues, Dr. Alzyoud developed the Patient Abuse in Healthcare Theory, a conceptual framework designed to examine the causes, impact, and systemic factors surrounding patient mistreatment. Her work continues to challenge healthcare systems to move beyond clinical outcomes alone and prioritize dignity, compassion, and humanity in patient care.
A major highlight of Dr. Alzyoud’s work is the development of the Equitable and Respectful Maternal Care Training (ERMCT) program—an innovative online certification course designed for nurses, midwives, and OB/GYN providers. The program equips healthcare professionals with evidence-based strategies to provide respectful, patient-centered maternity care while addressing implicit bias, discrimination, and inequitable healthcare practices.
In addition to the ERMCT initiative, Dr. Alzyoud has also developed a comprehensive assessment tool that evaluates factors associated with nurse and midwife disrespect and abuse during childbirth. Her work bridges the gap between research and practice, ensuring that evidence-based solutions translate directly into improved patient experiences and healthcare outcomes.
Dr. Jill Dapremont recently recognized Dr. Alzyoud for her outstanding contributions to scholarship and research at LCON. Since arriving at the College, Dr. Alzyoud has established an impressive record of scholarly productivity, producing seven manuscripts to date, including publications in highly respected journals such as Nursing Research. In 2025, she further advanced her research portfolio with a manuscript in press in the Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, & Neonatal Nursing (JOGNN) and another manuscript currently under review.
Her impact extends well beyond publications. Dr. Alzyoud has consistently presented her research at national nursing conferences, contributing seven professional presentations since joining the College and strengthening LCON’s presence within the national nursing research community.
Her success in research funding has been equally remarkable. Dr. Alzyoud has secured consecutive funding through the University of Memphis Communities of Research Scholars (CoRS) program in 2024, 2025, and 2026, serving as Principal Investigator on two grants and Co-Investigator on another. She has also expanded her external funding portfolio, successfully securing funding for the 2025–2026 cycle through an external grant initiative.
In 2024, her work received international recognition through the RAWABIT “Connections” – Fulbright Jordan award for her project, Fem-Tech Brainstorming Session: Advancing Women’s Health Through Innovative Technology. This recognition further highlighted her growing influence in global conversations surrounding maternal health innovation and healthcare equity.
Beyond research, Dr. Alzyoud remains deeply committed to teaching and mentorship. Drawing from her extensive OB/GYN clinical experience, she teaches courses in evidence-based practice, family health nursing, maternity and women’s health, nursing research, and professional communication. She is especially passionate about mentoring PhD students pursuing scholarship related to healthcare quality, ethics, and maternal health outcomes.
Her service to the nursing profession also includes serving as a reviewer for Nursing Research and evaluating abstracts for the 39th Annual Conference of the Southern Nursing Research Society in 2025.
Through her groundbreaking research, innovative educational programs, and unwavering advocacy for equitable healthcare, Dr. Fatima Alzyoud continues to make a profound impact at LCON and within the broader nursing community. Her work serves as a powerful reminder that compassionate, respectful care is not simply an ideal in healthcare, it is essential.