We are thrilled to introduce Dr. Gabriella Tosto-D'Antonio, DNP, our new Chief Nurse Practitioner for the Department of Neurosurgery at Weill Cornell Medicine. Dr. Tosto-D'Antonio brings a wealth of expertise, innovative thinking, and a passion for holistic patient care that aligns with our department's commitment to excellence.
Dr. Tosto-D'Antonio's path to neurosurgery began with a deep fascination for the complexity of the nervous system and the profound impact that neurosurgical interventions can have on a patient's quality of life. As she explains, "I've always been passionate about working as an interdisciplinary team and supporting patients and their families through difficult times."
Her path to earning her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree reflects her commitment to providing the highest level of care. The DNP has become the gold standard for nurse practitioners, and Dr. Tosto-D'Antonio's doctoral work at Columbia University involved an additional 800 clinical hours on top of her regular training and culminated in a comprehensive 300-page clinical doctorate portfolio focusing on neurosurgical cases.
"I wanted to have the best education so that I could provide the best clinical care," she explains. Her doctoral work concentrated on transition of care models, preparing her exceptionally well for the complex surgical settings and family dynamics inherent in neurosurgical practice.
Dr. Tosto-D'Antonio brings a distinctive perspective to neurosurgical care, emphasizing the holistic training that sets nurse practitioners apart. This comprehensive background allows nurse practitioners to serve as essential bridges between the surgical team, patients, and their families. Dr. Tosto-D'Antonio's approach includes comprehensive patient assessment that goes beyond the immediate surgical concern. "I always joke with my neurosurgery patients, ‘Yes, I'm going to ask you about when you had your last mammogram or when you had your last colonoscopy,’" she shares, explaining how this whole-person approach helps with risk stratification and gives her an opportunity to provide further patient education.
Dr. Tosto-D'Antonio was drawn to Weill Cornell Medicine for its reputation for excellence, innovation, and multidisciplinary collaboration. She is particularly excited about exploring the potential of artificial intelligence and technology in healthcare. "Nursing has been at the forefront of improvement in using technology for healthcare-driven initiatives," she notes.
When asked about her goals for her first year at Weill Cornell Medicine, Dr. Tosto-D’Antonio focused on enhancing team development and operational efficiency. These include improving onboarding and mentorship for new advanced practice providers and registered nurses, enhancing communication within the team, and implementing data-driven quality initiatives to elevate both patient and provider experiences.
Dr. Tosto-D'Antonio's care philosophy focuses on including patients and their families every step of the way. "I like to engage patients and their families as active members of our care team —it's a dynamic process. It takes all of us," she emphasizes. This approach ensures that every patient encounter feels personal, well-coordinated, and grounded in the highest evidence-based practices.
Her commitment extends beyond clinical care to ensuring comprehensive support during the longer recovery periods typical of neurosurgical procedures. She explains that in neurosurgery, "Our patients have longer recoveries than many surgeries. Nurse practitioners are at the absolute forefront of managing challenges that come up."
Outside of her professional responsibilities, Dr. Tosto-D'Antonio is currently training for the New York City Marathon. She often starts her day before work running in Central Park. "Running is my safe haven," she shares. "It's a great way for me to practice what I preach in terms of good cardiovascular and cerebrovascular brain health."
Dr. Tosto-D'Antonio's start at Weill Cornell Medicine represents our department's continued commitment to providing exceptional, comprehensive care to our patients. Her unique combination of clinical expertise, leadership experience, and innovative thinking positions her perfectly to advance our mission of excellence in neurosurgical care. We are confident that under her leadership, our advanced practice provider team will continue to set the standard for neurosurgical nursing excellence, always keeping our patients and their families at the center of everything we do.
Welcome to the team, Dr. Tosto-D'Antonio!
