Full-time academic faculty member of Carlow University since 2011.  Current Graduate Nursing Department Chair, FNP, WHNP, PMHNP, NCEL and DNP Programs. Prior administrative and leadership experience in healthcare organizations, serving as Director of Women’s Health Services, Assistant Vice President and Vice President of Nursing. Professional practice as a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner, serving as a gynecology consultant to the primary care practice at the Butler VA Healthcare System. Initiated a grant funded academic- community partnership with Pittsburgh Mercy Family Health for a Nurse Practitioner Faculty staffed Women’s Health Clinic in the Southside of Pittsburgh. Student Facilitator for annual NP Study Abroad Program for Maternal & Child Health in Uganda. HRSA Grant award ANE NPR to establish the first FNP residency in the state of PA (2019 – 2022). Pennsylvania State funded FNP Residency award received for pilot program (2023 – 2024).  HRSA Grant award for ANEW FNP Traineeship (2023 – 2027).

Education

• DNP – Systems Leadership, Carlow University, Pittsburgh, PA
• MSN – Health Promotion and Development Nurse Practitioner & Women’s Health Specialty, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
• MSN – Healthcare Administration, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
• BSN, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA

Professional Memberships

• Eastern Nursing Research Society
• American Nurses Association
• Sigma Theta Tau, National Honor Society of Nursing, Eta & Epsilon Chapters
• American Association of Colleges of Nursing
• National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculty
• American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
• National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Reproductive Health
• International Society for Women’s Sexual Health

Research

Interests: Women’s Healthcare; Narrative Medicine; Global Health Disparities

• How to Give Devastating News: Simulating the Experience with Family Nurse Practitioner Students Using the SPIKES Criteria. Deborah Mitchum, DNP, ANP-BC, WHNP; Susan Mihaljevic, DNP, CRNP-PC, CCRN; Donamarie N-Wilfong, DNP, RN; and Laura Daniel, PhD, 2018.
• Student Self-Evaluation & Self –Efficacy Using Video Debriefing, and Physical Assessment Evaluative Rubrics with Standardized Patient Simulation for High Stakes Testing: A Comparative Mixed Method Design within a Family Nurse Practitioner Program. Susan Mihaljevic, DNP, CRNP-PC, CCRN; Deborah Mitchum, DNP, ANP-BC, WHNP; Donamarie NWilfong, DNP, RN; and Laura Daniel, PhD, 2017.
• Women’s Health Beliefs about Pap-smears: Is Self-Sampling an Acceptable Alternative for the Under-screened – A Look at Puerto Rico, Deborah Mitchum DNP-c, 2014.
• The Effect of Protective Restraining Devices on the Self-Esteem, Psychological Distress and Independent Function of Medically and Psychiatrically Ill Institutionalized Elderly, Deborah L. Mitchum, VA Medical center, Pittsburgh, 1991.
• Factors Influencing Length of Stay in a Tertiary Care Facility as Examined on Exit Interview, Deborah Mitchum. Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh, 1987.

Publications

• Mitchum, D., Wilson, Charlotte, Rudoy, M., Hassay, T., & McCaslin, M. (2023). “Maternal & Child Health”. Funded by Grace Ann Geibel Institute, Pittsburgh, PA USA & St. Angela’s College in Sligo, Ireland with coordination from Vulnerable Children & Youth Action (VCAYA), USA and Advocates for Vulnerable Children’s Rights (AVCR), Uganda, Africa.
• Mitchum, D. (2023). Reproductive Health Chapters 1-7. In Hollier, A. (5th ed. in press) Clinical Guidelines in Primary Care. Advanced Practice Education Associates.
• Mitchum, D., Canose, M. & Wilson, Charlotte. (2022). “Vision for Uganda: Antenatal Care Obstacles”. VACAYA International Invited Provider Symposium. Uganda, Africa.
• Mitchum, D. (2020). Clinical Guidelines in Primary Care., Chapters 4, 8, 12 and 15. Advanced Practice Education Associates.
• Webb (Mitchum), D., Tour, C. Hurt, R., and van Kammen, D. “Recognizing Excellence: Giving Your AWE,” Journal of Nursing Administration. September, (22)9, pp 54-45 (1992).
• Tour, C. and Webb (Mitchum), D. “Walk for Life,” VA Practitioner. July, 43-44 (1991).

Awards & Recognition

• Carlow University President’s Excellence Fund for Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity for “2020 Vision for Uganda: Improving access to health care for vulnerable children,” (2020)
• Pittsburgh Magazine’s Excellence in Nursing Honoree (2018)
• Carlow Mission Moment Faculty Leadership Award, Carlow Board of Trustees (January 2018)
• Best Poster Presentation for Innovative Practice – Narrative Health Care, Greater Pittsburgh Nursing Research Conference (2013)
• Cameo of Caring Award, University of Pittsburgh (2011)
• Federal Woman of the Year, Pittsburgh Federal Executive Board (2008)
• Veterans Administration Heart and Hands Award for Outstanding Clinician (1992)
• Person of Distinction, Pittsburgh Federal Executive Board (1991)
• Federal Women’s Program Excalibur Award (1990)