volunteer spotlight - global health trailblazer: danielle witkowski, NP, crna

Volunteer Spotlight: Danielle Witkowski, CRNA, APN – Pushing the Limits of Medicine and Human Potential

Some people run from challenges. Danielle Witkowski runs through them—literally. As a nurse practitioner, certified registered nurse anesthetist, and global health volunteer, she has dedicated her career to delivering life-saving care in some of the world’s most underserved regions. But beyond her clinical expertise, Danielle is an unstoppable force, pushing the boundaries of both medicine and human endurance. From the refugee camps of Jordan to remote villages in Nepal, she has provided critical anesthesia, pediatric, and emergency care where it’s needed most.

Danielle's passion for service extends far beyond the operating room. She has taken her determination to the extreme, competing in some of the most grueling endurance challenges on Earth. She conquered the World Marathon Challenge—running seven marathons on seven continents in seven days—and braved the legendary Marathon des Sables, a 157-mile ultramarathon across the Sahara Desert. These feats are not just personal milestones; they embody her relentless spirit and commitment to pushing limits in all aspects of life, including her humanitarian work.

Most recently, Danielle played a pivotal role in Emergency Project’s first-ever mission in Nepal alongside our partners at IMANA. She helped bring surgical care to a region with some of the worst health outcomes in the world, introducing Butterfly ultrasounds for diagnostic support and video laryngoscopy to improve patient outcomes in a setting where such technology was previously unavailable. Her expertise and leadership continue to shape EP’s impact worldwide.

Danielle exemplifies what it means to be a leader in global health—fearless, compassionate, and driven by purpose. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance, service, and using one’s skills to make a tangible difference in the world. We are honored to have Danielle as part of the Emergency Project team, and we can’t wait to see where her passion takes her next.