Dothan professor wins Novice Writer Award for research

A Troy Dothan professor has received the Novice Writer Award for her research on colonoscopies that was published in the 2023 publication of the Gastroenterology Nursing Journal.

Gypsy Glover, DNP, an assistant professor of nursing at Troy’s Dothan campus, researched increasing screening colonoscopy rates in adults with chronic ulcerative colitis (UC).

Glover has 11 years of experience in gastroenterology.

“I have seen the devastating effects colon cancer has on my patients and I wanted to do something to hopefully prevent this,” Glover said. “The project was implemented in three months, but the research took about one and a half years.

“I hope that my publication is received in an informative manner and helps to make an impact on colon cancer rates.”

Glover says adults diagnosed with chronic UC are at a higher risk for developing colon cancer than the average population. Additionally, the probability of death in patients with chronic UC who develop colon cancer is an estimated 50%.

The title of the publication is “Implementing a Combined Phone and Mail Recall to Increase Screening Colonoscopy Rates in Adults with Chronic Ulcerative Colitis.”

“I implemented a phone and mail reminder recall coupled with educational material to increase screening colonoscopy rates in this high-risk group,” Glover said. “I hope that readers who review my article can implement a similar project in their practice to hopefully prevent colon cancer in high and average-risk populations.

“My hope for the award is that other novice writers are encouraged to submit their manuscripts for publication.”

Glover wants students to know the importance of research.

“Research is so important, especially in the healthcare field,” Glover said. “It impacts patient outcomes, reduces healthcare costs, and can potentially decrease mortality rates.

“As a student or as an individual, you can make an impact and leave the world a little bit of a better place than when you found it. Do not be scared to take a step and reach out if you need help along the way. I would be glad to help as well as plenty of other professors at Troy University.”

Glover said the publication can be found by searching for the title on the National Library of Medicine website, or www.PubMed.com.