Meet Emily
Emily Beard, RN, OCN, CBCN, is an oncology nurse, patient navigator and subject matter expert on breast cancer quality and survivorship. As program coordinator at Northside Hospital in Atlanta, she oversees breast cancer and gynecologic oncology program development, focused on process improvement and patient experience, with a personal commitment to health equity and access to care. Beard earned her bachelor's degree in nursing from Emory University and obtained certifications in oncology nursing, breast cancer care, and workplace diversity and inclusion. She has worked in nurse navigator, patient advocate, and program administrator roles for more than 18 years. She is a gifted communicator and connector with clinical interests in metastatic breast cancer and developing initiatives for young people with cancer, specifically in the areas of hereditary cancer, fertility preservation, sexual health and intimacy. Whether identifying barriers and supporting under-resourced cancer patients, or developing programs to address health disparities in racial minority groups, Beard believes that advocacy is the path forward in health care. There is no quality improvement without collaboration and listening to and learning from our patients' stories: know better, do better!
Beard enjoys the challenge and opportunity of oncology navigation, educating and empowering conversations about symptom management and quality of life, coaching caregivers and supporting continuing education for providers. She serves as chair of the board of directors for Team Maggie's Dream, an Atlanta-based nonprofit dedicated to funding fertility preservation for AYA cancer survivors. She enjoys public speaking, bringing awareness to the community and serving as an emcee and champion for cancer advocacy events and fundraisers.
Beard's inspiration to become a navigator is rooted in her mother's breast cancer journey. Beard lives in her hometown of Atlanta with her husband, John, and their two children.
