Ethna is dual-qualified as both a health economist and specialist cancer nurse with expertise in clinical trials, cancer screening and healthcare decision-making. Following over a decade in oncology nursing, Ethna received a PhD in cancer health economics, specialising in cost-effectiveness analysis and microsimulation modelling in 2018.
Ethna’s current research spans cancer screening, digital health, and palliative care economics, with key projects funded by Bowel Cancer UK, Macmillan, Marie Curie and HRB All Ireland/NCI, which apply data analytics, programming, and economic modelling to drive healthcare efficiency and equity.
As Chair of the RCN Cancer Forum, Ethna led policy and research initiatives, advocating for skin tone-appropriate prostheses and secondary breast care audits and contributed to global discussions on cancer care in humanitarian crises. Dr McFerran currently serves on the Board of Community Development and Health Network (CDHN) a regional infrastructure organisation tackling social determinants of health to enhance wellbeing and reduce inequalities.
Beyond research, Ethna balances professional commitments with hiking, yoga, and the quiet magic found in the pursuit of good vegetable dumplings.