PHILIPPINES — A Filipino American nurse researcher has been inducted into the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing’s International Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame, one of the highest honors in global nursing science.
Leorey Saligan, PhD, RN, FNP-BC, FAAN, was among only 26 researchers worldwide inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2026, joining a distinguished cohort of over 300 scholars whose work has shaped nursing science, practice, and policy for generations. The recognition, now in its 17th year, honors individuals who have demonstrated sustained, high‑impact contributions to the advancement of nursing knowledge, with a rigorous selection process emphasizing long‑term influence and international recognition.
A Career Bridging Science and Bedside Care
Currently serving as Vice Dean of Research and Professor at the Rutgers School of Nursing, Dr. Saligan has built a career that bridges clinical practice and advanced scientific inquiry. His research is anchored in biobehavioral and omics integration—an emerging field that examines how biological, behavioral, and environmental factors interact to influence health outcomes.
This focus has positioned him at the forefront of symptom science, particularly in understanding complex conditions such as fatigue, pain, and cognitive dysfunction. Through more than 150 peer‑reviewed publications, he has contributed to a growing body of evidence that informs clinical decision‑making and patient‑centered care.
Dr. Saligan is also a member of the Cancer Prevention and Control Program at Rutgers Cancer Institute, the state’s only NCI‑designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. He is listed as a top‑three author in cancer‑related fatigue (CRF) research, with one of his papers among the top ten most‑cited in the field. His research includes clinical trials exploring the use of a subanesthetic dose of ketamine to rapidly reduce chronic fatigue and Neurotropin to reverse symptoms related to fibromyalgia.
A Filipino Journey with Global Impact
Dr. Saligan’s journey began in the Philippines, where he earned his undergraduate degrees in nursing from Liceo de Cagayan University and in medical technology from Silliman University. These dual foundations in clinical care and laboratory science would later converge in his research career, enabling him to approach health challenges from both practical and scientific perspectives.
He earned his master’s and doctoral degrees from Hampton University in the United States, marking the beginning of a research trajectory that would eventually lead to global recognition. Before his current role at Rutgers, he spent nearly two decades as a senior tenured investigator at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), where he introduced clinically relevant approaches to phenotype chronic symptoms related to cancer and chronic illness.
Leadership and Mentorship
Beyond his individual scholarship, Dr. Saligan’s impact is amplified through his leadership roles. As the inaugural Vice Dean of Research at Rutgers School of Nursing, he is responsible for shaping the institution’s research agenda—mentoring faculty, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and expanding research capacity.
His commitment to mentorship is equally important. By guiding emerging nurse scientists, he is building a pipeline of researchers who will continue to advance the field—an investment in future generations that reflects a broader understanding of leadership as collective progress.
A Milestone of Representation
As a Filipino American nurse researcher, Dr. Saligan’s induction into the Hall of Fame carries symbolic weight. It challenges long‑standing perceptions that position Filipino nurses primarily within clinical roles and highlights their growing presence in research leadership. In doing so, he opens pathways for future generations of Filipino nurses to pursue careers in science, academia, and innovation.
For the nursing profession, the induction is a reminder of the power of research to transform care. For Filipino nurses worldwide, it is a source of pride and inspiration—a testament to what is possible when expertise, perseverance, and purpose align.
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