SPOTLIGHT ON Dr. “O”
This month the spotlight shines on Maria Rowena Tan Cabatingan, MD, APRN, FNP-C, known as Dr. Owen or Dr. O. She has earned a BS Psychology, BS Nursing, M.D. OB-GYN and is the Assistant Professor in Ob-Gyn for BSN and MSN, Pharmacology, Physical Assessment, Nursing Fundamentals, Healthcare Communication, Legal and Ethical Aspects of Nursing, and the Human Life Cycle.
Dr. O is from the Philippines and immigrated to the US, Minot, ND, “unexpectedly, by fate, which is an interesting story for another day, in 2013,” with her daughter and two sons, who are adults now. They all went to Minot State University. About her children she shares: “My daughter is based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She has a degree in International Business and Marketing. So does my older son, who is here with me in Long Beach. He works in the travel industry. My youngest son is a nurse and still lives in Minot ND, where he’s getting married soon.”
On her childhood
I grew up in a typical Filipino-Chinese family, where great emphasis was placed on education and character. My mother was an educator, my father, a businessman. From an early age, I was taught that knowledge is a powerful tool for personal and societal growth. My parents instilled in me the importance of hard work, integrity, and perseverance, often highlighting stories of individuals who excelled through both intellect and moral fortitude. School teachers and mentors further reinforced these principles, encouraging not only academic excellence but also the cultivation of empathy, honesty, and resilience. This dual focus on education and character has been the cornerstone of my development, guiding my actions and aspirations throughout life.
On AUHS, her interests, and the future
Her involvement with AUHS began when she enrolled for the MSN degree. To become a family nurse practitioner was one of her goals when she came to the US. AUHS was a good fit in all aspects.
In her spare time, she likes taking walks on the beach with a cute mini schnauzer called Chester. She also likes to cook, read, and listen to audiobooks. Her research interests are in the area of maternal-newborn topics., and her last research was on a cow milk-based, human milk fortifier as a substitute for human-milk-based milk fortifiers.
In the future:
I want to keep inspiring our students to develop a love for learning.
while also fostering the growth of nurses who exemplify strong character. I envision mentoring nurses to not only excel in their clinical skills but also to embody compassion, integrity, and resilience in their professional lives.
As Dr. O inspires our student to be virtuous and skilled, we acknowledge her character and skills with this month’s spotlight. Thank you, Dr. Maria Rowena Tan Cabatingan!
