Terry M. McDonnell, DNP, ACNP-BC

Chief Nurse Executive and Vice President of Clinical Operations

Fred Hutch

Clinical Associate

University of Washington School of Medicine

Located at

South Lake Union Clinic

“Receiving a diagnosis of cancer is like getting on the worst roller coaster ride of your life. At Fred Hutch, we’ll be there for you through every twist and turn, providing support and easing the process of treatment as much as possible. ”

— Terry

Tell us about an interaction with a patient that had a significant impact on you.

Several years ago, I met a first responder who had been diagnosed with a small tumor in his colon. He’d had it surgically removed and was seeking follow-up care at the academic center where I was working. But it turned out that his cancer wasn’t cured — scans revealed that it had spread to his lungs. That discovery was the beginning of a long relationship; I saw him through multiple rounds of chemotherapy, more surgery, remission and recurrence. He ended up undergoing a then-groundbreaking procedure that saved his life. Through more than 10 years of various treatments and therapies, he never gave up. I admired his persistence and appreciated his sense of humor. Working with him and celebrating his triumphs is one of my favorite memories.

Chemotherapy Treatment that uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing. It may be given alone or with other treatments. Treatment that uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing. Chemotherapy may be given by mouth, injection, infusion or on the skin, depending on the type and stage of the cancer being treated. It may be given alone or with other treatments, such as surgery, radiation therapy or biologic therapy. Recurrence Cancer that has come back, usually after a period during which it could not be detected. It may come back to the same place as the original (primary) tumor or someplace else. Also called recurrent cancer. Remission A decrease in, or disappearance of, signs and symptoms of cancer. A decrease in, or disappearance of, signs and symptoms of cancer. In partial remission, some (but not all) signs and symptoms of cancer have disappeared. In complete remission, all signs and symptoms of cancer have disappeared, although cancer still may be in the body.

Why do you specialize in gastrointestinal oncology?

Gastrointestinal oncology has been my passion ever since my early days as a nurse practitioner. There’s something very special about being present in the moment with patients and families as they deal with a complex set of health and life circumstances. Receiving a diagnosis of cancer is like getting on the worst roller coaster ride of your life. At Fred Hutch, we’ll be there for you through every twist and turn, providing support and easing the process of treatment as much as possible.

Gastrointestinal Refers to the stomach and intestines. Also called GI. Nurse practitioner A registered nurse who has additional education and training in how to diagnose and treat disease. In cancer care, a nurse practitioner may manage the primary care of patients and their families. A registered nurse who has additional education and training in how to diagnose and treat disease. Nurse practitioners are licensed at the state level and certified by national nursing organizations. In cancer care, a nurse practitioner may manage the primary care of patients and their families, based on a practice agreement with a physician.

Provider background

Gastrointestinal cancers

I joined Fred Hutch in 2017 as the chief nurse executive and vice president of clinical operations. In these roles, I oversee our clinical professional staff and ensure we are delivering patient-centric care. I am also an acute-care-certified, doctoral-level nurse practitioner who specializes in treating patients with gastrointestinal cancers. My expertise includes managing cancer-related fatigue and providing supportive care. I have been the recipient of several awards throughout my career, including the Schwartz Center Compassionate Caregiver Award, which recognizes health care professionals for their dedication to patients and families.

Prior to moving to the Seattle area, I was the director of cancer center clinical services at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH). My background includes serving on the board of directors for the Boston Oncology Nursing Society. I have also been a clinical preceptor for several educational institutions, including Harvard Medical School and the MGH Institute of Health Professions.

Caregiver A person who gives care to people who need help, such as children, older people or patients who have chronic illnesses or disabilities. A person who gives care to people who need help taking care of themselves, such as children, older people or patients who have chronic illnesses or disabilities. Caregivers may be health professionals, family members, friends, social workers or members of the clergy. They may give care at home, in a hospital or in another health care setting. Gastrointestinal Refers to the stomach and intestines. Also called GI. Nurse practitioner A registered nurse who has additional education and training in how to diagnose and treat disease. In cancer care, a nurse practitioner may manage the primary care of patients and their families. A registered nurse who has additional education and training in how to diagnose and treat disease. Nurse practitioners are licensed at the state level and certified by national nursing organizations. In cancer care, a nurse practitioner may manage the primary care of patients and their families, based on a practice agreement with a physician.

Diseases treated

Colon Cancer icon

Gastrointestinal Cancer icon

Pancreatic Cancer icon

Rectal Cancer icon

Stomach Cancer icon

Education, experience and certifications

Undergraduate Degree

Boston College

Medical Degree

Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions

Board Certification

Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, 2005, American Nurses Credentialing Center

Other

DNP, MSN, Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions

Languages

English

Awards

National Pancreas Foundation Compassionate Caregiver Award

Dr. McDonnell received this award in 2016 for the extraordinary kindness and expertise she offers patients and families.

Research

Clinical trials

We make promising new treatments available to you through studies called clinical trials led by Fred Hutch doctors. Many of these trials at Fred Hutch have led to FDA-approved treatments and have improved standards of care globally. Together, you and your doctor can decide if a study is right for you.

View Clinical Trials

Press

Our providers are often asked to give their medical expertise for press and news publications. Read articles by or about this Fred Hutch provider.

Father/daughter cancer patients deliver gourmet meals to say thanks

SCCA's Terry McDonnell, ARNP, MSN, DNP, was included in an article about patient Ryan Dwyer who, despite his cancer returning, donated meals to the health care workers who have taken care of him through his cancer journey.

View Story

Father/daughter cancer patients deliver gourmet meals to say thanks

Your care team

At Fred Hutch, you receive care from a team of providers with extensive experience in your disease. Your team includes doctors, a patient care coordinator, a registered nurse, an advanced practice provider and others, based on your needs. You also have access to experts like nutritionists, social workers, acupuncturists, psychiatrists and more who specialize in supporting people with cancer or blood disorders.

Insurance

Fred Hutch accepts most national private health insurance plans as well as Medicare. We also accept Medicaid for people from Washington, Alaska, Montana and Idaho. We are working to ensure that everyone, no matter what their financial situation, has access to the care they need.

Learn More

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