Trained in nursing Dr. Coyle began her palliative care career in pain control at MSKCC. She has mentored and educated nurses internationally as well as written books, and numerous, chapters, and articles. She was co-editor of the early editions of the Oxford Textbook of Palliative Nursing. She has lectured extensively on pain and palliative care as well as ethical issues for nurses and was a consultant for the New York State Task Force on Life and the Law, Committee on Assisted Suicide and Euthanasia.