Dr. Jordan Leal | Quality Improvement | Best Researcher Award 

Nurse Practitioner, at University of Kansas Cancer Center, United States.

🌟 Jordan Leal, DNP, AGNP-C, BMTCN, is a dedicated board-certified Nurse Practitioner specializing in Hematologic Malignancies and Cellular Therapeutics. Since 2014, he has been an integral part of the Blood and Marrow Transplantation Program at The University of Kansas Health System (TUKHS). With extensive experience in performing complex clinical procedures such as bone marrow aspirates, biopsies, lumbar punctures, and intrathecal chemotherapy administration, Jordan is a trusted healthcare professional. Beyond his clinical expertise, he actively engages in professional development, contributing to various committees and attending key conferences, including ASTCT Tandem Meetings. His leadership as BMT APP Coordinator at the University of Kansas Cancer Center highlights his commitment to advancing patient care and medical education.

Professional Profile

ORCID

Education 🎓

Jordan Leal holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from the University of Kansas School of Nursing, earned in December 2023. His DNP project focused on “Implementing a Standardized Workflow for Early Detection of Steroid-Induced Hyperglycemia: A Quality Improvement Project.” He also obtained a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in Adult-Gerontology in May 2014 and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in May 2009, both from the University of Kansas. Jordan’s academic journey reflects his strong foundation in nursing education and his commitment to improving healthcare practices through research and innovation.

Experience 💼

Jordan Leal has been serving as the BMT APP Coordinator at the University of Kansas Cancer Center since 2023, overseeing the Blood and Marrow Transplant Program. Prior to this role, he worked as a Nurse Practitioner in the same program from 2014 to the present, providing expert care in transplantation and cellular therapy. His journey began as a Registered Nurse in the Medical/Transplant Intensive Care Unit at the University of Kansas Health System from 2009 to 2014. His extensive experience across various nursing roles has solidified his expertise in critical care, transplant medicine, and patient-centered clinical practice.

Research Interest 🔬

Jordan’s research focuses on improving outcomes for patients undergoing hematologic malignancy treatments and bone marrow transplantation. His work includes investigating steroid-induced hyperglycemia management in transplant recipients, innovative cellular therapies, and optimizing workflows for early detection of complications. He actively collaborates on clinical studies to enhance treatment protocols, ensuring better patient care and safety. His research contributions are evident in his publications, where he explores immune effector cell-associated encephalopathy and diabetes management in post-transplant settings.

Awards 🏆

Jordan Leal has received multiple accolades for his contributions to nursing and research. In 2024, he secured 3rd place in the APP Best Abstracts competition. He was nominated for the prestigious APP of the Year Award in 2023, recognizing his excellence in clinical practice. He also received the School of Nursing Spring 2023 Scholarship Award for outstanding performance in nursing education. In 2022, he was awarded the KUMC Auxiliary Grant to support patients with steroid-induced hyperglycemia. His early achievements include the Dean’s Award in 2009 for outstanding service to the School of Nursing.

Top Noted Publications 📚

• Development of a Modified Immune Effector Cell-Associated Encephalopathy Score for the Developmentally Delayed Patient

  • Authors: Stark, K., Leal, J., Rodriguez, L., Mahmoudjafari, Z., & Singh, A. K.​

  • Publication Year: 2025​

  • Journal: Transplantation and Cellular Therapy​PubMed+5Lippincott Journals+5PubMed+5

  • Volume and Issue: 31(2), S453​

  • Summary: This study addresses the challenge of assessing neurotoxicity in developmentally delayed patients undergoing immune effector cell therapies. Recognizing the absence of suitable assessment tools, the authors developed a modified Immune Effector Cell-Associated Encephalopathy (ICE) score tailored for this patient population. The tool employs a 10-point scale evaluating the patient’s ability to identify time and location through image selection, follow commands, write their name, and assesses behaviors such as underactivity, restlessness, and inconsolability. It was successfully implemented in a nonverbal adult with developmental delays receiving CAR-T treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia, demonstrating its potential utility. The authors suggest further validation with a larger patient population to establish its efficacy. ​ASTCT Journal

• Implementing a Standardized Workflow for Early Detection of Steroid-Induced Hyperglycemia in Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant Recipients: A Quality Improvement Project

  • Authors: Leal, J., Wesson, W., Rodriguez, L., Gray, J., Bosak, K., McGuirk, J., & Grdinovac, K.​

  • Publication Year: 2024​

  • Journal: Transplantation Reports​Lippincott Journals

  • Article Number: 100162​

  • Summary: Steroid-induced hyperglycemia (SIH) is associated with increased non-relapse mortality in stem cell transplant recipients. This quality improvement initiative aimed to decrease the median time to identification and treatment of SIH in patients on glucocorticoids for graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Patients were instructed to monitor their blood sugar 1-2 hours after their largest meal for 14 days. Compared to a retrospective control group, the intervention group had a significantly shorter median time to identification of SIH (1.5 days vs. 7 days) and initiation of insulin treatment (2 days vs. 10 days). The study concluded that daily postprandial blood sugar monitoring facilitates earlier detection and treatment of SIH in this patient population. ​ASTCT Journal+1Directory of Open Access Journals – DOAJ+1

• 152-LB: Implementing a Pilot Clinic for Steroid-Induced Hyperglycemia in Graft vs. Host Disease

  • Authors: Pham, D., Grdinovac, K., Leal, J., Rodriguez, L., Salva, A., Wesson, W., & McGuirk, J.​

  • Publication Year: 2023​

  • Journal: Diabetes​

  • Volume: 72(Supplement_1)​

  • Summary: This study discusses the establishment of a pilot clinic dedicated to managing steroid-induced hyperglycemia (SIH) in patients with graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Over 12 months, patients were referred to a diabetes-specialized physician assistant and seen at intervals based on acuity and glycemic control. The intervention led to a significant reduction in median highest glucose levels within the first 3 months (230 mg/dL) compared to 3-6 months (161 mg/dL). The study highlights the complexity of managing SIH and underscores the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to improve glycemic outcomes in this patient population.

Conclusion

Jordan Leal demonstrates strong qualifications for a Best Researcher Award, with significant clinical research, publications, and leadership in hematologic malignancies and cellular therapeutics. While increasing independent research funding and first-author publications could enhance the application, Jordan’s contributions to stem cell transplantation and oncology nursing are commendable and make a compelling case for recognition.