Daniella Topol is Doctor of Nursing Practice–Family Nurse Practitioner candidate with a focus in holistic care and improving equity through evidence-based practice and emerging technologies. Former theater director and producer with leadership experience, bringing a deep commitment to empathy, communication, and innovation in clinical care.
Education & Credentials
Columbia University School of Nursing – New York, NY (Expected Spring 2027)
· Doctor of Nursing Practice – Family Nurse Practitioner
· Dean’s Advisory Group, AI Committee Advisory Council
Columbia University School of Nursing – New York, NY (June 2023 – August 2024)
· Accelerated Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Carnegie Mellon University – Pittsburgh, PA (1992-1997)
· BFA in Directing; MA in Arts Management
RN License: New York State #961443
Certifications: BLS, ACLS, PALS, ELNEC, CITI Program, NYS Mandated Reporter, Infection Control
Clinical & Research Experience
Research Nurse Specialist – Weill Cornell Medicine, NYC (July 2025 – Present)
· Coordinate clinical trial assessments, informed consent, and protocol-driven evaluations across Breast and Thoracic Oncology
· Deliver direct patient care, including symptom assessment, urgent triage, treatment teaching, and CTCAE-based toxicity monitoring
· Support regulatory documentation, data accuracy, and interdisciplinary communication between physicians, research coordinators, and infusion teams
Graduate Student Research Worker – Columbia University, NYC (July 2024 – June 2025)
· Conduct qualitative interviews and thematic coding
Contribute to policy/advocacy work focused on fertility preservation coverage
Support manuscript writing and data visualization
Registered Nurse – King David Nursing & Rehabilitation, Brooklyn (Nov 2024 – May 2025)
Managed care for 17–28 patients per shift, including oncology and complex cases
Responded to acute changes in condition with timely assessments and interventions
Coordinated with interdisciplinary teams to support goals of care and discharge planning
NP Clinical Rotations
LaSante Health Center, Brooklyn, NY (January 2025 – July 2025)
Conduct initial assessments and develop diagnosis and treatment plans with preceptor Dr. Emmanuel Valery; document patient encounters using ICD-10 coding and billing.
Memorial Sloan Kettering, New York City (June 2025 – August 2025)
Work under Clinical Nurse Specialist Mary Elizabeth Davis on quality improvement initiatives
Participate in supportive care rotations and interdisciplinary projects
Shadow Supportive Care NPs inpatient and in outpatient clinics
Children’s Hospital of New York, New York City (January 2025 – Present)
Assist Dr. Melissa Beauchemin with assessments and care of BMT pediatric patients
Baker Health, Brooklyn, NY (August 2025 - Present)
Conduct initial assessments and develop diagnosis and treatment plans with preceptor Dr. Diana Palanker; document patient encounters using ICD-10 coding and billing
Other Professional Experience (Theater & Arts Leadership)
· Co-Creator Staging Loss – City of Hope, APOS, Gold Summit, ONS Conference (2024 – Present)
· Artistic Director - Rattlestick Theater, New York City (2016-2023)
· Founder/Director – LIVES Films, New York City (2012-2023)
· Freelance Theater Director and Arts Manager, New York City and across U.S. (1997-2016)
Honors, Publications and Press
Sigma Theta Tau – Alpha Zeta Chapter Award (Leadership, Scholarship, Community Service)
Lim, F., Topol, D., & others. (2024). Nursing and playwriting student’s collaborative: Elevating reflective practice. Creative Nursing, 30(1), https://doi.org/10.1177/10784535241256663
Paulson, M. (2023, October 25). What’s next for this New York theater leader? Nursing school. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/25/theater/daniella-topol-nursing.html
Regis College. (2022, November 3). Nursing is her second act. Regis College. https://www.regiscollege.edu/about-regis/news/nursing-her-second-act
Professional Affiliations
AANP, ANA, Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing