Emily Calabro, Ph.D.
Emily Calabro, Ph.D., is a distinguished Nurse Scientist and healthcare researcher with a passion for translating clinical expertise into measurable organizational impact. With 18 years of experience in healthcare, Emily began her career as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and has since advanced to leadership roles that bridge frontline care and executive strategy. As the System Clinical Nurse Scientist at MultiCare Health, she leads research and innovation initiatives across nursing, pharmacy, and advanced practice, mentoring hundreds of quality improvement projects and research studies each year. She is also the creator of the Healthcare ROI Calculator, a tool that quantifies the financial value of nursing interventions, helping healthcare leaders make data-driven decisions.
Dr. Calabro’s work focuses on quantifying the value of nursing, integrating artificial intelligence into clinical practice, and empowering healthcare teams to move beyond traditional “check-the-box” approaches to quality and Magnet recognition. Her research addresses pressing challenges such as burnout, compassion fatigue, and workforce optimization, while her innovative strategies have identified nearly $250,000 in monthly savings for her organization. She has authored multiple guidebooks and developed practical tools to help nurse leaders operationalize evidence-based improvements, making her a recognized voice in nursing science, quality improvement, and healthcare innovation.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Emily is a dedicated advocate for building sustainable, long-lasting systems—whether in hospitals or in her personal life, restoring her 120-year-old home and woodworking in her shop. She serves as Vice President of the Northwest Association for Biomedical Research and continues to mentor thousands of healthcare professionals nationwide. Through her research, publications, and leadership, Emily champions a vision of nursing where clinical excellence is recognized not only as a moral imperative but also as a strategic and financial asset to healthcare organizations.
• CHWE 2021 Oral Presenter
• CCISM (Critical Incident Stress Management)
• CLNC
• Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (CHPN)
• Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN)
• Oregon Health & Science University - Ph.D.
• AACN
• GSA
• WIN
• CHPNA
• Rose Haven
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to curiosity, persistence, and a willingness to learn from failure. With a background in business and entrepreneurship, I approach healthcare challenges by asking deeper questions, uncovering root causes, and empowering others to collaboratively solve complex problems.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is to seek growth through a network of supportive colleagues and collaborative teams, rather than relying on a single mentor. Especially in environments where I was often the sole nurse scientist, I learned to value peer mentorship and interdisciplinary learning as essential to long-term success.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to stay curious, remain adaptable, and trust your ability to innovate, even in challenging or politically complex environments. I’ve found that creativity, resilience, and finding your voice are essential for making an impact in science and healthcare leadership.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in healthcare today is the pressure on scientific research and funding, especially within politically complex environments. At the same time, I see tremendous opportunity in innovation, flexible work models, and translational research, particularly as healthcare systems look for sustainable solutions to improve workforce retention and patient care.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me in both my work and personal life are integrity, curiosity, collaboration, and service. I believe healthcare must evolve through evidence-based practice, open dialogue, and a commitment to supporting both patients and providers.
Outside of work, I enjoy restoring a 120-year-old home in Spokane, writing educational content, and developing guidebooks that make science more accessible. I have a passion for teaching and hope to expand my writing into a book and future speaking engagements.
Locations
MultiCare Health
Spokane, WA 99204