CHA Hollywood Presbyterian

Lourdes Maria R. Casao
Director of Education Department

Lourdes Maria R. Casao, PhD, RN, FNP, NPD-BC has 35 years of experience in health care. Her introduction to the medical field was as a clinical lab assistant during which time she learned to appreciate the importance of laboratory services and its significance in the safety and well-being of patients. Afterward, she started her nursing career as a caregiver in the critical care unit of a trauma center in Southern California. Ten years later, she transferred to education services where she has progressive responsibility for designing and implementing clinical and hospital-wide education and training programs.


Dr. Casao received her baccalaureate degree in nursing from the University of the Philippines in Manila, her master’s degree as a family nurse practitioner from Azusa Pacific University, and her doctorate degree from the University of San Diego. Her doctoral dissertation was focused on the outcomes of a pre-licensure nurse externship program relative to quality care, nurse retention, and orientation timelines.

Dr. Casao has contributed to books and published several articles in peer-reviewed research journals. Through her leadership, her team established award winning programs recognized by local, state, and national accrediting bodies and by international organizations. She has spoken at both national and international research symposia on important topics such as career and organizational development. Her role as Director of Education at CHA Hollywood Presbyterian, allows her to cultivate collaborative relationships with academic institutions for affiliations that enhance student training, improve employee retention, and sponsor career growth by creating formal courses and mentoring opportunities for leadership and organizational development.

It brings great joy to Dr. Casao to see her former students and peers succeed in their personal, academic, and professional careers. As a family nurse practitioner, it also delights her to see both her patients and patient families reach independence in health and health care decision making. She feels the best way to empower our community is by equipping them with knowledge and practices based on evidence from the latest research.