Ms. O’Dell is a neuroscience clinical nurse specialist at the Comprehensive Epilepsy Center at Montefiore Medical Center in New York. She received her nursing diploma from St. Elizabeth’s Hospital School of Nursing in Utica, New York in 1974 and her bachelor of science in nursing from the State University of New York at Utica/Rome in 1982. In 1984, Ms. O’Dell received her master of science in nursing, specializing in medical/surgical neuroscience, from Yale University School of Nursing. Ms. O’Dell is a certified medical/surgical clinical specialist, as well as a certified neuroscience registered nurse.

Ms. O’Dell is a past president and past member of affiliates of the Epilepsy Foundation in the greater New York area and has been a member of the Professional Advisory Board of the Epilepsy Foundation (national). She is currently a member of the Professional Advisory Board of the Epilepsy Institute of New York City. Ms. O’Dell has served as past president of the Greater New York Chapter of the Association of Neuroscience Nurses, and played an active role in the incorporation of the Association of Child Neurology Nurses, has served as a Director on that Board and is currently the President.

Ms. O’Dell’s research roles have included nurse coordinator, co-investigator, and principal investigator for multiple epilepsy research projects. Her primary areas of interest are coping and adaptation to illness, especially in regard to the family’s response to epilepsy. Other interests include the relationship among patient advocacy, health education, and quality of life, as well as the effects of epilepsy medical treatments on the daily activities of patients and their families. Ms. O’Dell has written and lectured extensively regarding these issues.

Clinical Sites

Albert Einstein College of Medicine Yeshiva University

Christine O’Dell RN MSN, Coordinator