Danielle Schillen
Board Certifications: Adult Gerontology Advanced Practice Nurse
Languages: English and Spanish
Oncology is constantly evolving with new treatments that transform patient outcomes. Regional Cancer Care Associates (RCCA) stands at the forefront of this field of innovation. Patients who visit our clinics have access to cutting-edge clinical trials, potentially getting positive results when other options are limited. Danielle Schillen is one of our nurse practitioners involved in clinical trials. Meet Danielle below and learn more about how you can benefit.
Clinical Interests and expertise
Danielle Schillen specializes in treating advanced and complex malignancies across all cancer types, including breast cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, and hematological malignancies, such as leukemia and melanoma. She focuses on patients who are enrolled in early-phase (Phase I) clinical trials for advanced therapies, such as:
- Immune checkpoint inhibitors
- CAR-T cell therapy
- Tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy
- CRISPR-based therapies
- Cancer vaccines
For patients in these trials, Danielle provides comprehensive oncology care. Her services include evaluating patients, monitoring treatment, and managing acute and chronic side effects from treatment. Danielle collaborates closely with all members of the patient’s multidisciplinary team to coordinate care and ensure the best possible outcome.
Professional Background and Academic Achievements
Danielle Schillen graduated on the Dean’s List at Johns Hopkins University. She was also a member of the Golden Key International Honour Society, a prestigious society for top-performing undergraduate and graduate students.
In addition to her undergraduate and postgraduate training, Danielle Schillen has extensive advanced training in oncology clinical trials through John Theurer Cancer Center (JTCC). She is involved as a sub-investigator on Phase I oncology trials for dose escalation, basket, umbrella, targeted therapy studies, and other novel therapies.
Danielle is a current member of the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nurses. Sigma Theta Tau acknowledges nurses who demonstrate excellence in their field, including leadership, creative work, and high professional standards.
Education & Training
- Undergraduate: Bachelor of Arts, Tufts University, 1998; Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, 2003
- Postgraduate: Master of Public Health, Tulane University, 2001; Master of Science in Nursing, Fairleigh Dickinson University, 2018
- Board certifications: Adult Gerontology Advanced Practice Nurse
About Danielle Schillen
Danielle Schillen chose a career in healthcare because she feels called to support others. Nurses interact with people during some of their most vulnerable moments. They answer questions, alleviate concerns, and are a shoulder to lean on during hard times. “Oncology felt especially meaningful,” Danielle adds, “as it combines complex evolving medical care with the opportunity to build deep and lasting relationships with patients and their families.”
Her approach to patient care is grounded in empathy and transparency. “A cancer diagnosis is overwhelming, so I focus on helping patients navigate the uncertainty,” Danielle explains. She works hard to make sure that patients feel heard and informed at every stage of the journey.
Patients have plenty to teach Danielle as well. “My patients have taught me the importance of resilience, perspective, and compassion,” she says. She is regularly impressed by the strength her patients display in the face of adverse circumstances, and these experiences continue to inspire and reinforce her commitment to individualized care.
Danielle feels honored to be working in clinical trials. In addition to support, she can offer patients access to innovative therapies that may provide positive effects when standard options are limited. Advances in immunotherapy and targeted therapies, for example, are transforming patient outcomes. “It allows me to contribute to cutting-edge research while providing hope to patients and their families,” she says. To her, this is one of the most rewarding aspects of cancer care.
Locations
Hospital Affiliations
Danielle Schillen is a remote service provider who serves patients from Teaneck, NJ.
We are here for you
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 844-346-7222. You can also schedule an appointment by calling the RCCA location nearest you.
Regional Cancer Care Associates is one of fewer than 200 medical practices in the country selected to participate in the Oncology Care Model (OCM); a recent Medicare initiative aimed at improving care coordination and access to and quality of care for Medicare beneficiaries undergoing chemotherapy treatment.