Terry McDonnell | Global Health Leader

Dr. Theresa McDonnell is an award-winning executive with a bold commitment to ignite positive change in healthcare

Leading Differently

Theresa McDonnell is a nationally recognized healthcare executive, oncology nurse practitioner, global keynote speaker, and innovation strategist.

Theresa serves as Chief Nursing Executive at Duke University Health System and Vice Dean for Clinical Affairs & Innovation at Duke University School of Nursing, where she leads 12,000+ nurses and shapes the future of care through data-driven leadership, technology integration, and frontline empowerment.

Named one of Modern Healthcare’s 50 Most Influential Clinical Executives for 2025

Theresa’s voice has been featured in HealthTech Magazine and Becker’s Healthcare, as well as across leading healthcare podcasts and stages, including Harvard Medical School, ASCO, and The Atlantic Live.

Theresa is an advocate for care that’s as human as it is high-performing and believes the best leadership is forged in real life, not just the boardroom.

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“Leadership doesn’t always come from the top. Sometimes, it’s born at the bedside, in bakeries, or around kitchen sinks. We don’t need perfect resumes - we need presence, grit, and a reason to lead.”

Notes on Leading Differently

From personal reflections to system-wide strategies, Theresa shares candid, insightful perspectives on leading through change, building trust, and reimagining healthcare from the ground up.

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Book Theresa to Speak

Theresa is a dynamic and deeply human speaker who shares powerful insights on frontline-led innovation, clinical operations, and building leadership from lived experience. She has spoke at stages including Harvard Medical School, ASCO, and The Atlantic Live. From global conferences to intimate panels, she brings candor, clarity, and compassion to every stage.

In the Media

Theresa’s insights have been featured in HealthTech Magazine, Becker’s Healthcare, Microsoft for Healthcare, and ICT&health International. Whether discussing AI-powered staffing, healthcare innovation, leadership development, clinical operations, or policy reform, she is a trusted voice on the industry’s most pressing challenges.

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