Shirley Girouard

Shirley Girouard, PhD, RN, FAAN, is Professor and Associate Dean for Research and Community Partnerships at the SUNY Downstate College of Nursing. She co-directs the Brooklyn Initiative to Develop Geriatrics Education (BRIDGE), focusing on interprofessional geriatric training. Her career spans advanced clinical practice, health policy, and academic leadership across institutions including San Francisco State University and Southern Connecticut State University.

Education:

• PhD in Health and Social Policy, Brandeis University
• MSN in Medical-Surgical Nursing, Yale University
• MA in Medical Sociology, University of Connecticut
• BA in Sociology, Eastern Connecticut State University
• Nursing Diploma, Hartford Hospital School of Nursing

Her research examines nursing workforce development, healthcare evaluation, policy reform, and equity in geriatric care. She emphasizes community-engaged scholarship to address health disparities.

Awards & Honors:

• Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing (FAAN)

Major Grants: Co-directs a 5-year HRSA Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program ($750,000/year) to advance geriatric care training in Brooklyn.

Leadership: Directs BRIDGE, partnering with community providers to transform geriatric healthcare delivery through interdisciplinary education.