When Dr. Martina Raquel Gallagher talks about nursing, she speaks of it as both a science and an art. Nursing connects evidence-based care with empathy, innovation, and human understanding. For her, nursing education is not simply about mastering clinical skills, but about cultivating curiosity, compassion, and leadership in every student.
Since stepping into her new role as chair of the Department of Undergraduate Studies at UTMB’s School of Nursing, Gallagher has drawn on more than 30 years of experience as an educator, psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner, and researcher. Her career reflects a deep commitment to teaching, mentorship, and advancing the profession through scholarship and innovation.
A Career Grounded in Care, Science, and Service
Before joining UTMB, Gallagher held numerous leadership roles at Cizik School of Nursing at UTHealth Houston, including director of global health, coordinator of the honors program, and interim assistant director of education and research at the UTHealth Houston Behavioral Sciences Campus. Her teaching spanned areas from adult health and psychiatric nursing to community health and nursing research.
Her path into nursing began in San Antonio, where she earned a diploma in nursing from Baptist Health System School of Health Professions. She was later selected for the Early Master’s Program at UT Health San Antonio, earning both a BSN and MSN with minors in nursing education and informatics. A National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) funded PhD and a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Washington deepened her expertise in clinical nursing research and women’s health.
Reflecting on her journey, Gallagher emphasizes the importance of connection in all aspects of nursing.
“Whether we’re at the bedside, in the classroom, or leading research, everything begins with human connection,” she said. “Nursing is a calling rooted in empathy and education is where that calling becomes a lifelong purpose.”
Innovative Educator and Researcher
Known for her creativity and engagement in the classroom, Gallagher is perhaps best recognized for Tangology, an innovative program that uses Argentine tango to teach leadership and followership to interprofessional students. The program, supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, exemplifies her belief that learning should be active, reflective, and transformative. Her approach to teaching earned her the Southern Nursing Excellence Award for Teaching.
Her research has evolved alongside the changing landscape of health care. She began by studying child health-promoting practices among Latino mothers and later led Comadres de Salud (“Kindred Sisters in Health”), a community-based intervention focused on healthy lifestyles and sleep hygiene. Today, her work explores how artificial intelligence can enhance nursing education and how clinicians can support patients during psychiatric medication deprescribing.
“AI can is an emerging technology that some are drawn to it and others have concerns about it," Gallagher said. "AI is here to stay and if used appropriately and with safeguards, it can help the health care team understand patterns, personalize care, and deliver safe care.”
A Vision for the Future of Nursing Education
Gallagher’s leadership philosophy centers on collaboration, curiosity, and student empowerment. As chair of undergraduate studies, she aims to foster a learning environment that equips students not only with knowledge, but with resilience, cultural awareness, and confidence to lead in complex care settings.
“Because of the excellence in the nursing faculty, UTMB has a proud legacy of educating exceptional nurses,” she said. “My vision is to build on the foundation laid by my predecessor, Dr. Patricia Richards, and support the faculty in creating and developing new teaching strategies and integrating technology to ensure our students continue to be exceptional. If feel fortunate to have the opportunity to server as Chair of such a wonderful teaching environment."
Beyond her academic and clinical achievements, Gallagher is known for her authenticity and warmth. Colleagues describe her as approachable and inspiring; patients often commend her empathy and attentiveness. Outside of work, she enjoys visiting art exhibits, watercolor painting, reading mystery novels, learning new languages, and walking her dog, Chloe.
With her blend of experience, creativity, and compassion, Gallagher is poised to guide UTMB’s undergraduate nursing programs into a new chapter of innovation and excellence, where science and empathy move in step, much like the tango she teaches.