Dr. Clara M. Gona, PhD, FNP-BC, FAAN, is an Associate Professor at the MGH Institute of Health Professions, School of Nursing, where she teaches in the Advanced Practice program. Dr. Gona is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing. In addition to her clinical and instructional duties, she contributes as a Nurse Faculty Scholar at the MGH Munn Center for Nursing Research and engages in research that addresses critical global health challenges. Notably, her funded program of research aims to enhance cardiovascular health among African immigrant populations.
With over 30 years of diverse experience in the healthcare sector, she is a dedicated clinician, teacher, and mentor. Throughout her career, she has held vital roles in various clinical settings, serving as a nurse practitioner at Spaulding Network and MGH Senior Health. In these positions, she has consistently demonstrated her dedication to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care while mentoring students and nurses.
Her dedication to fostering inclusive healthcare practices underscores her role as a respected leader in nursing education, influencing fellow faculty, students, and the communities she serves. Her commitment to advancing justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in healthcare is evidenced by her receipt of several prestigious awards, including the MGH IHP Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Leadership Award.
- PhD, Nursing, Boston College
- MSN, University of North Carolina at Wilmington
- BSN, Johns Hopkins University
- African immigrant Health
- Global Health
- Justice, equity, diversity & inclusion in nursing education
Dr. Gona has published numerous papers - some titles are highlighted below. You can view a complete listing of Dr. Gona's publications on Google Scholar or in her CV.
The Health Status of Zimbabwean Immigrants in the US: A Needs Assessment. Clinical Nursing Research.
The Experiences of Black Nursing Alumni at a Predominantly White Institution.
In addition, Dr. Gona regularly presents at conferences and industry events. Please see her CV for a complete list of presentations.
African immigrant Health: The attitudes and beliefs leading to increased CVD risk among Zimbabwean immigrants at 29th Annual Cardiovascular Nursing Symposium, Preventive Cardiovascular Nurses Association.
The Experience of Black Students at a Predominantly White Institution at Diversity Symposium American Association of Colleges of Nursing poster presentation.
Until you come to the US, that’s when you get to know there is something wrong with you at MGH Institute of Health Professions Research Day.
Attitudes, beliefs and perceived risks for cardiovascular disease among Zimbabwe-born immigrants at Preliminary Findings Eastern Nursing Research Society Annual Conference.
The challenges and strategies for success for Nurse Practitioner students from diverse backgrounds at National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculty Conference.
