Career paths often begin with a single clinical experience that reveals both purpose and possibility. For Holly Bonnette, MS-NU ’14, a clinical rotation in gastroenterology led to a career in colorectal care at Massachusetts General Hospital, where she helps guide patients through colorectal cancer treatment, recovery, and survivorship. Her story reflects the lasting influence of mentorship, interprofessional learning, and patient-centered care in shaping both professional growth and leadership in a highly specialized field.

What led you to focus your work on colorectal cancer?

My interest in gastroenterology developed early, influenced in part by personal experiences with gastrointestinal issues growing up. During my nurse practitioner training at the MGH Institute of Health Professions, my first clinical rotation with an experienced gastroenterologist confirmed that this was the field I wanted to pursue. My final clinical placement was in the Department of Colorectal Surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital, where I have now practiced for the past 11 years.

While colorectal surgery is not always viewed as the most glamorous specialty, it is incredibly rewarding to care for this patient population and to see the meaningful impact our work has on patients’ quality of life.

Much of my work related to colorectal cancer focuses on survivorship care, particularly helping patients manage common long-term effects after treatment, including bowel and bladder function difficulties. Supporting patients through these challenges is an important part of improving their overall recovery and quality of life after cancer treatment.

What is something you learned at the IHP that continues to shape how you approach your work today?

One of the most important lessons I learned was the importance of truly patient-centered care. Our training emphasized listening carefully to patients’ experiences and understanding how illness affects their daily lives, not just their clinical symptoms. That perspective continues to guide my work today, particularly when caring for patients dealing with sensitive or life-altering conditions such as colorectal cancer. It reminds me that meaningful care involves addressing both the medical and quality-of-life aspects of treatment and recovery.

What skills or experiences helped prepare you for a leadership role in this field?

My clinical training at the IHP played a significant role in shaping my career path. I was fortunate to train with exceptional mentors, and I have maintained relationships with many of my preceptors—some of whom now refer patients to me, which feels like a meaningful full-circle moment in my career. Much of what I know about effective leadership comes from observing the outstanding role models around me, including my faculty, preceptors, and colleagues. Their guidance helped shape not only my clinical skills but also my approach to patient care and teamwork. I also believe that my own personal experiences with gastrointestinal health challenges have given me a deeper level of empathy for patients, allowing me to connect with them in a meaningful way.

With increasing awareness about colorectal cancer in younger adults, what should health professionals across disciplines know about early signs, risk factors, or screening conversations?

With the rising incidence of colorectal cancer in adults under 50, clinicians across specialties should maintain a high index of suspicion when younger patients present with symptoms such as rectal bleeding, unexplained iron-deficiency anemia, persistent changes in bowel habits, or abdominal pain. These symptoms are often mistakenly attributed to benign conditions like hemorrhoids or irritable bowel syndrome, which can delay diagnosis. Providers should also recognize risk factors, including family history, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and certain hereditary syndromes. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force now recommends routine colorectal cancer screening beginning at age 45, making early-screening conversations increasingly important in primary and specialty care.

How does your role contribute to the interdisciplinary care of patients with colorectal cancer?

I work closely with surgeons, gastroenterologists, oncologists, radiologists, and specialized nursing staff. Nurse practitioners often serve as a central point of continuity, helping coordinate care and manage symptoms. This collaborative, team-based approach helps ensure patients receive coordinated, patient-centered care throughout their recovery.

What advice would you give to health professionals interested in this field?

I would encourage seeking out strong mentorship and hands-on clinical experiences in colorectal care or gastroenterology early in your training. Conditions such as colorectal cancer often require thoughtful, multidisciplinary management, so learning how different specialties collaborate is incredibly valuable. It is also important to develop comfort discussing sensitive topics such as bowel function, continence, and quality of life, as these issues are central to caring for this patient population. Most importantly, approach the field with curiosity and empathy—patients often remember how supported and heard they felt just as much as the care they received.