At The Ohio State University, Caitlyn Hull found more than an education – she found a community that empowered her to lead and innovate, which in turn advanced women’s health care and improved patients’ lives.
During her time as an Ohio State nursing student, Caitlyn witnessed the impact of the Stefanie Spielman Comprehensive Breast Center. After graduating in 2012 with a master’s degree, she recognized her opportunity to continue helping others, as well as expand her skills, leading her to join the Spielman Center’s team.
“As an alumna and professional, I have recognized that the platform we have at Ohio State to create something that makes a true impact in women’s health care was different than traditional resources,” she stated. “Without the university’s infrastructure and network, along with the people and support I’ve had along the way, the opportunities would have not been the same.”
Guiding Patients, Together
As a nurse practitioner, Caitlyn works as part of an interdisciplinary team that sees new patients and helps them make decisions and create a timeline for their treatment. She works across disciplines and brings together different departments, which comforts patients in knowing that they are receiving the best care.
“What makes this job special is my team,” Caitlyn said. “The longer I’ve been in my career, the more I’ve realized that none of this can be done without the support of my fellow nurse practitioners. We live life together behind the scenes. We go through the ups and downs in both our personal lives and our work and are always incredibly supportive of each other.”
As difficult as the job can be providing devastating diagnoses, knowing the continuity of support she has provided and the impact that has on patients makes for more rewarding and humbling experiences.
“You get to see people who have received a diagnosis, went through treatment, are now 10 years out and still remember you from the beginning,” she shared. “Making an impact on each patient’s journey makes me feel important but what also helps is knowing the support I have from the team that works alongside me.”
From Student to Leader
As lead nurse practitioner in the Division of Surgical Oncology at the James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, Caitlyn helps lead a team that focuses on breast cancer patient care and treatment.
Caitlyn’s leadership style is a result of observing and learning from influential leaders she encountered throughout her career. Recognizing her quiet leadership from the start, Caitlyn’s leaders encouraged her as she transitioned from a nursing student to a confident nurse practitioner, learning and contributing ideas along the way.
“I see the people who have encouraged me throughout my journey as integral parts of who I am, and they remain important to me in various ways,” she reflects. “They helped me find the confidence to speak up, to value my voice and to believe in my ability to make a difference.”
As a role model for colleagues and students, Caitlyn emphasizes the importance of being approachable and clearly communicating intentions, grounded in her belief that we should all be mindful of the impact our words and actions have on others.
Championing Women’s Health
Caitlyn’s commitment to health care led her to volunteer at the Columbus Free Clinic several years ago. Alongside student partner Shannon Webber, they were able to leverage their expertise to champion the GYN clinic, Ohio’s first known student-led women’s health free clinic.
What started out as doing well visits for women, such as breast and cervical cancer screenings, has evolved into the sixth year of educating medical students on critical aspects of women’s health, including screenings, primary care and wellness.
By partnering with the Spielman Center’s imaging department, they bring the mobile mammography unit to the clinic each month and leverage their experience to ensure patients are getting the care they need.
“Becoming a women’s health nurse practitioner has allowed me to fulfill a long-held, almost subconscious ambition,” she expressed. “The crossroads of oncology and women’s health, and the opportunity to influence women’s health resources, is the exact area I’ve been drawn to since high school, recognizing it’s potential for significant impact and growth.”
Caitlyn now currently works with Cancer Support Services (survivorship), primarily supporting the fertility preservation and reproductive health program. This role provided her the opportunity to expand on her professional experience in women’s health to further support patients’ complex needs during oncology care.
Ohio State Shared Values in Action
Throughout her career, Caitlyn has consistently embodied Ohio State’s Shared Values, leaving a lasting impact on patients, students and colleagues.
Her leadership has driven process improvements, operational changes and enhanced the overall effectiveness of both the Spielman Center and the Columbus Free Clinic, earning her a 2024 Distinguished Staff Award.