Gayenell S. Magwood, PhD, RN
Assistant Professor

Medical University of South Carolina
College of Nursing
99 Jonathan Lucas
MSC 160
Charleston, SC 29425-1600

Telephone: (843) 792-0685
Fax: (843) 792-1741
magwoodg@musc.edu

Dr. Gayenell S. Magwood is an Assistant Professor in the College of Nursing. Dr. Magwood received her Ph.D. in Nursing from the Medical University of South Carolina, a Master of Science in Nursing from George Mason University in Fairfax, VA, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the Medical University of South Carolina; and a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications and Psychology from Winthrop University.   Dr. Magwood also holds a certificate in Faith Community Nursing from St. Louis University; completed specialized training in Cognitive Interviewing at the Joint Program of Survey Methodology, University of Michigan and University of Maryland; and post-graduate work at the Graduate Summer Institute of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.  She is a Resource Center for Minority Aging Research (RCMAR) Scholar and a member of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.   

From 2002-2006, Dr. Magwood was Project Director and Co-Investigator for REACH 2010: Charleston and Georgetown Diabetes Coalition a research and demonstration grant focused on reducing disparities and improving care for African Americans with diabetes. She continues to collaborate with REACH 2010 partners, staff, and faculty with their research and evaluation efforts. Prior to joining REACH 2010, Dr. Magwood was a kidney and pancreas clinical transplant coordinator at the Medical University Hospital Authority’s Transplant Center; a liver transplant coordinator at the INOVA Fairfax Transplant Center in Northern Virginia; and a surgical/trauma critical care nurse at the Washington Hospital Center in Washington, DC. Dr. Magwood has held certifications as both, an adult critical care nurse (CCRN) and a clinical transplant coordinator (CCTC).

Dr. Magwood has organized numerous community and faith-based health promotion and prevention programs in South Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia. In 2004, she was honored by the YWCA of Greater Charleston, Inc. as on of 16 Women of Influence recognized for outstanding achievements, contributions, and leadership in both the community and business arena. Dr. Magwood’s work in the Washington, DC area earned her the Washington Hospital Center’s Community Outreach Service Award, a coveted award given to those individuals that make significant contributions to improving the quality of life for District of Columbia residents.

Dr. Magwood’s research interests include health disparities, patient-reported outcomes, and health literacy. Her dissertation research focused on evaluating health related quality of life (HRQOL) instruments for use with aging African Americans diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. She is also concerned with the under representation of culturally diverse individuals in nursing and has worked with the SC AHEC student development and diversity program to establish a pre-nursing Academy. Dr. Magwood, a wife and mother, cherishes the time spent with family and friends.