Kenya Palmer Emrich teaches the first two iterations of the Primary Care Throughout the Lifespan (PC1 and PC2) courses for the DEN Family Nurse Practitioner Track. She also coordinates and teaches the FNP tack seminar courses. Additionally, Kenya serves as the Family Track Coordinator. She began her health & wellness career and continued as an FNP in Obesity Medicine. Her research interests are in nutrition, health, wellness, and obesity in the African-American mother-daughter dyad; and in the effects of stress and trauma on nutritional intake and behaviors. She is a Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner through the American Nurses Credentialing Center, a Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach through the National Strength and Conditioning Association, and a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach through the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaches.

  • BS, Rehabilitation Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA
  • MS, Exercise Science, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY
  • BSN, MGH Institute of Health Professions, Boston, MA
  • MSN, MGH Institute of Health Professions, Boston, MA

Lifestyle Medicine, Exercise Intervention, Mindfulness, Obesity, Cardiometabolic complications of Obesity, Emotional/Stress-related eating behaviors, Health and the African-American Mother/Daughter Dyad

Kenya has published numerous papers - some titles are highlighted below. You can view a complete listing of Kenya's publications in her CV. 

Shape-Up and Eat Right Families Pilot Program: Feasibility of a Weight Management Shared Medical Appointment Model in African-Americans With Obesity at an Urban Academic Medical Center.

Chapter 23: Obesity: Overview of Medical Treatments and Interventions. In: Nutrition in the Prevention and Treatment of Disease.  

Effects of lorcaserin on fat and lean mass loss in obese and overweight patients without and with type 2 diabetes mellitus: the BLOSSOM and BLOOM-DM studies. 

Weight Loss in a Patient with Type 2 Diabetes:  Challenges of Diabetes Management. 

 

In addition, Kenya regularly presents at conferences and industry events. Please see her CV for a complete list of presentations.

Obesity Treatment—Diet, Exercise, Drugs & Surgery:  Everything the NP needs to know to treat Obesity at American Academy of Nurse Practitioners 2015 National Conference. 

Lifestyle Management of the Obese Patient at American Academy of Nurse Practitioners 2015 National Conference. 

Contact Information

Awards and Honors

DAISY Faculty Award, 2022

First awarded at the Institute in 2016, DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System Foundation. The Foundation established the DAISY Faculty Award® to recognize dedicated nursing faculty who have a profound impact on the future practice of their students through their commitment and inspirational influence. 

Excellence In Nurse Leadership Award, 2021

New England Regional Black Nurses Association

Emerging Leader Alumni Award, 2018

Awarded by the MGH Institute of Health Professions, this award recognizes the accomplishments of an individual who demonstrates outstanding leadership in the professions and the drive to develop innovative, effective, and responsible health care practices.

Forty for 40 Honoree, 2017

In celebration of the 40th Anniversary of the MGH Institute of Health Professions

Excellence in Nursing Practice, 2017

New England Regional Black Nurses Association