Tina DiFranco has gone from taking care of patients to fighting for patient rights to teaching students at UB's Health Systems Management program. Her life story about transitioning through three diverse careers is amazing.
Tina graduated from UMBC’s School of Nursing and spent 20 years as a nurse. There was a turning point in her nursing career when a patient did not want to be placed on life support and a battle for her rights ensued. It was the catalyst that Tina needed to pursue her dream of going to law school. She enrolled in the Columbus School of Law at the Catholic University of America. She attended school full-time while still working as a nurse in the Emergency Room. Upon graduation she was able to fulfill her dream of becoming an attorney and advocate for patients’ rights.
Several years into her law career, a colleague asked her to cover a Health Systems Management class at UB. Tina decided to give it a try and realized that she really enjoyed teaching. Tina transitioned from the corporate world into the world of education. Tina has been teaching at UB for the past 14 years and is also the Program Director for the undergraduate Health Systems Management program at The Universities at Shady Grove (USG). The program is a combination of weekend and online classes, which accommodates students similar to Tina who may be transitioning into a new career.
When Tina first started out as a nurse she never thought that her career would eventually lead to teaching. Her career evolution and dedication to advancing her education is the reason why Tina DiFranco is the featured faculty member for the Fall 2014 Faculty Focus.