LOVINGTON, NM, December 01, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Laura Gryder has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Ms. Gryder has established herself as a leading expert in oncology navigation in rural health care, dedicating 24 years to advancing patient care and access in underserved communities. For the past eight years, she has served as oncology navigator at Nor-Lea Hospital District Cancer Center in Lovington, New Mexico. In this capacity, Ms. Gryder has been instrumental in running a comprehensive breast navigation program, guiding patients from abnormal mammogram or ultrasound results through to diagnosis. Her efforts have significantly reduced turnaround times for critical diagnoses, even amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. She addresses social stressors that may prevent patients from attending appointments and provides essential support to providers regarding insurance and appointment logistics.

Additionally, Ms. Gryder created and implemented a lung navigation program at Nor-Lea Hospital District Cancer Center, assisting providers with ordering lung screenings and ensuring prompt reporting of results. By connecting patients to appropriate care for suspicious findings and utilizing her local connections, she has facilitated smoother patient experiences and ensured that vital lung screenings are available locally, reducing the need for extensive travel.

Before her current role, Ms. Gryder served as the primary oncology navigator at Nor-Lea Hospital District from 2017 to 2018, where she further developed her expertise in patient advocacy and clinical coordination. From 2016 to 2017, she served as patient experience coordinator at the same institution, focusing on improving patient satisfaction and streamlining health care delivery processes.

From 2013 to 2016, Ms. Gryder worked as a community service advocate at Nor-Lea Hospital District, where she managed outreach initiatives and provided direct support to vulnerable populations. Her earlier experience includes serving as clinic manager at Pecos Valley of New Mexico in Hobbs from 2012 to 2013, where she oversaw daily operations and coordinated care teams.

Between 2010 and 2012, Ms. Gryder served as business office coordinator at High Plains Radiation Oncology, LLC in Hobbs, managing administrative functions and supporting oncology services. Her foundational experience began as a financial counselor at Joe Arrington Cancer Center in Lubbock from 2007 to 2010 and at University Medical Center in Lubbock from 2001 to 2007. In these roles, she addressed patients' financial needs and witnessed firsthand the impact of advocacy work on patient outcomes.

Throughout her career, Ms. Gryder has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to improving the quality and accessibility of health care in rural settings. She is most proud of her leadership in developing innovative navigation programs that have garnered national and international recognition. Notably, she manages a local soup kitchen for people experiencing homelessness and led a year-long Rural Cardiovascular Health Initiative in collaboration with the American College of Cardiology. Her work has been highlighted through presentations at the American College of Cardiology convention and a United Nations assembly in New York. Multiple nominations have recognized her compassion and innovation within the health care community.

Ms. Gryder's academic achievements have played a pivotal role in her professional success. She earned a Bachelor of Applied Science in human and social sciences from Eastern New Mexico University in Portales in 2025. This educational foundation equipped her with a deep understanding of social determinants of health and effective advocacy strategies.

Her professional credentials include certification as a breast navigator from Susan G. Komen in 2024, oncology patient navigator certification from the AONN+ Academy of Oncology Nurse & Patient Navigators® in 2019, and certification as a community health worker from the New Mexico Department of Health in 2015. These certifications have enhanced her ability to deliver specialized care and support to oncology patients while strengthening her leadership within multidisciplinary teams.

Ms. Gryder attributes her success to her willingness to serve others, personal experiences that shaped her understanding of advocacy, and her faith, which she believes has enabled her to embrace new opportunities. Her early work as a financial counselor inspired her transition into oncology navigation, revealing the profound impact advocacy can have during critical moments in patients' lives.

Her commitment extends beyond clinical practice into civic engagement and thought leadership. Among her notable projects is "Cancer Resource Center offers patients normalcy," which underscores her dedication to providing holistic support for individuals facing cancer diagnoses.

Born in Lamesa, Ms. Gryder finds fulfillment outside of work through riding her Peloton, attending local activities, and actively engaging with her church community. She is deeply family-oriented, cherishing time spent with loved ones and actively participating in her children's school activities, such as football games and choir and dance performances. Her involvement with the church includes volunteering for children's programs, baking cookies for new members and participating in community outreach events.

Looking ahead, Ms. Gryder plans to expand her team of navigators and broaden the focus of navigation services beyond oncology to encompass additional health care modalities. She also aims to elevate recognition of navigation as an essential profession within health care settings.
Ms. Gryder's career reflects a steadfast dedication to service, innovation and advocacy, qualities that continue to shape rural health care delivery for the betterment of patients and communities alike.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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