Dr. Anabelle Locsin, RN, Ed.D., C.D.S.
Dr. Anabelle Locsin, RN, Ed.D., C.D.S., is a distinguished nursing educator and healthcare leader with over 54 years of experience spanning clinical practice, academic leadership, and healthcare education across multiple countries. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Arts in Nursing, and Doctorate of Education in Nursing from Silliman University in the Philippines, all supported through scholarships. Early in her career, she served as an Assistant Professor in the College of Nursing at Silliman University, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to mentoring and developing future generations of nurses.
In the mid-1980s, Dr. Locsin relocated to New York, where she made a pioneering impact in long-term care. At the Hebrew Home for the Aged in Riverdale, she was instrumental in planning and opening the first dementia unit in New York City in 1986–87, a three-story specialized care facility that received widespread recognition. She later expanded her clinical leadership to acute care as a Clinical Leader at New Rochelle Hospital Medical Center, overseeing medical-surgical units, coordinating patient care, and implementing staff and community education programs, while continuing her work in skilled nursing.
After relocating to Florida in the early 1990s, Dr. Locsin was recruited to develop a geriatric program and serve as Director of Education at Doctors Hospital of Tampa. She continued to advance nursing education and clinical quality at Bayfront Medical Center, BayCare, and Menorah Manor, where she ultimately served as Chief Nursing Officer for nearly 12 years before retiring in 2017. Following her retirement, she quickly returned to professional leadership as Director of Education at RB Health Partners, overseeing education, training, and regulatory compliance across assisted living, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation facilities in multiple states. In this role, she develops orientation programs, skills and competency fairs, mock surveys, and staff development initiatives to ensure compliance with Joint Commission, OSHA, and state and federal standards.
Dr. Locsin has also made significant contributions to international nursing education. Through the BALIK program, she has facilitated the transfer of healthcare expertise and resources from the United States to the Philippines, and she has served as a visiting professor in Thailand, helping establish the Center for Leadership and Excellence in Nursing at Silliman University. Her work in education, gerontology, and professional development has earned her numerous recognitions, including Florida Nurse of the Year, RN of the Year from FHCA, and the Outstanding Silliman University Alumni Award in 2025.
Throughout her career, Dr. Locsin has been dedicated to bridging clinical practice, education, and regulatory excellence, with a focus on improving care for elderly and geriatric populations. She holds credentials as a Registered Nurse and Certified Dementia Specialist, and her extensive experience in long-term care, hospital leadership, and international nursing education reflects a lifelong commitment to clinical excellence, mentorship, and the advancement of the nursing profession worldwide.
• Silliman University, Philippines — Doctorate of Education in Nursing (Ed.D.)
• Silliman University, Philippines — Master of Arts in Nursing (MSN)
• Silliman University, Philippines — Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
• Widener University — Bachelor of Science (BS), Biology/Pre-Medicine (prior to nursing studies)
• Registered Nurse (RN)
• Certified Dementia Specialist (C.D.S.)
• Outstanding Silliman University Alumni Award (2025)
• Florida Nurse of the Year — Nursing Spectrum
• RN of the Year — Florida Health Care Association (FHCA)
• Recognition for professional contributions in international nursing education
• Vice President, Silliman University College of Nursing Alumni Association International (2017–present)
• Honorary Member, PSI Beta Chapter, Sigma Theta Tau International (2016)
• Committee Member, FHCA Professional Development Committee
• Committee Member, FHCA Survey and Regulatory Committee
• Reviewer, American Journal of Nursing (gerontology and geriatric nursing articles)
• Volunteer, State of Florida Emergency Response Disaster Team (2020–present)
• BALIK Program: Facilitates transfer of healthcare resources and education from the U.S. to the Philippines
• Visiting Professor in Thailand and the Philippines to support international nursing education
• Development of nursing education centers and leadership programs internationally
Speaker at regional, state, national, and international nursing conferences
Publications and presentations related to gerontology, dementia care, long-term care leadership, and nursing education
Areas of Specialization/Expertise
- Certified Dementia Specialist
- Long-term care rules and regulations
- Educational program development and implementation for nursing staff
- Policy and procedure development
- Clinical decision-making and critical thinking training
- Leadership program development and implementation
- Quality assurance and performance improvement
What do you enjoy most about practicing medicine?
I truly enjoy maintaining that direct clinical connection with patients and staff. Working in nursing homes and long-term care settings allows me to make a meaningful difference in patient care while also staying engaged in education. I love being able to bridge both worlds—implementing healthcare practices while considering the needs of patients, their families, and the broader community. Interacting with staff, residents, families, and community members has been incredibly rewarding, and being involved in community education has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of my career.