Title: Clinical Fitness Specialist
Company: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Location: New York, NY United States

With 50 years of experience in health care as a nurse, Donna Wilson is a true veteran of the industry. She was a pulmonary clinical nurse specialist for several years, until she eventually moved to her current position as a clinical fitness specialist for Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Here, she acts as a nurse and personal trainer for both cancer patients and health care professionals. She also produced an exercise DVD for the Wilson technique workout for breast cancer survivors.

Ms. Wilson’s professional goal is to change the hospital culture. She wants to start a health initiative to help nurses with exercise classes and educate them on the risks of obesity and smoking to their own health. In order to help with this effort, she is a member of the Association of Fitness and Aerobics.

Outside of her work as a nurse, Ms. Wilson is a very proud member and captain of the Empire Dragon Boat Team, which is New York City’s first and only breast cancer survivor racing team.  Together, the cancer survivors work as a team to train and cheer each other on, as well as work together to get their bodies in shape to help extend their lifespan. During their season, Empire participates in six dragon boat festivals in the northeastern United States.

Ms. Wilson loves participating in Empire because it is dedicated to empowering women to survive and thrive beyond cancer. Through her work with MSKCC, she hopes to practice what she preaches and serve as a role model, while also helping others to better their lives. She is constantly being inspired by her husband, who is a physician and well-respected in his field.

Contact Donna J. Wilson: