McDonnell named to Modern Healthcare's list of 50 Most Influential Clinical Executives
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Theresa "Terry" McDonnell, DNP, RN, ACNP-BC, has been named one of Modern Healthcare’s 50 Most Influential Clinical Executives for 2025.
As senior vice president and chief nurse executive at Duke University Health System and vice dean for clinical affairs at the Duke University School of Nursing, McDonnell leads with quiet strength, clear purpose, and a deep investment in frontline innovation.
A practicing oncology nurse, McDonnell stays grounded in patient care—because she believes the best leadership starts at the bedside. Her impact is felt not just in strategy rooms, but in the everyday moments that define compassionate, future-ready health care.
From integrating AI and virtual care into nursing workflows to empowering nurses to co-design solutions, McDonnell is shaping a more resilient, inclusive, and tech-enabled future for health care.