Brooklyn, NY, May 15th, 2026
On May 15th, Wyckoff Medical Center celebrates a major milestone for one of its most dedicated leaders. Susana “Susie” Duran, DNP, marks her 25th consecutive year of service—a tenure defined by a deep-rooted commitment to the Bushwick and Ridgewood communities she calls home.
From Manta to Main Street
A native Brooklynite with international roots, Susie’s story began in New York, but her early years were spent in Manta, Ecuador. After living with her grandparents for eight years, she returned to the city at age 10, settling permanently in the Bushwick/Ridgewood area.
Her healthcare career launched in 1993 following her graduation from a vocational high school as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). While her first professional role took her to Montefiore Hospital in the Bronx, Susie felt a pull toward her own neighborhood. While attending a massive job fair at Madison Square Garden, she found herself bypassing larger institutions to seek out the booth for Wyckoff, her “neighborhood hospital.”
A Career of Evolution
Susie first joined Wyckoff as an LPN for the Inpatient Oncology unit. Though a brief move out of state in 1999 paused her time at the hospital, she returned in 2001 as the Employee Health Coordinator. From there, her trajectory became a masterclass in professional growth:
- 2008: After earning her RN, she transitioned to the Emergency Department, embracing what she describes as a “chaotic but refreshing change of pace.”
- The ICU Years: Moving to the Intensive Care Unit, Susie became the facility’s “preceptor of choice.” It was here that she discovered a passion for mentorship, leading her to earn a Master’s in Nursing Education in 2015, followed by a position as Nursing Educator in the Emergency Department in 2016.
- 2018: Promoted to Director of Nursing Education, she spearheaded high-impact initiatives, including the Nursing Residency program and the development of a state-of-the-art Nursing Simulation Lab.
Leading Through the Storm
Susie reached the pinnacle of her academic journey in 2020, earning her Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP) while simultaneously navigating the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic. She credits her team for their resilience during those unprecedented years, describing her department as “an accurate representation of who we are in this hospital: hardworking innovators.”
A Mutual Connection
For Susie, the relationship with Wyckoff is more than just a job; it is a lifelong partnership. She is a frequent advocate for the institution that fostered her growth from a young graduate to a doctoral leader.
“Wyckoff lifted me,” Duran says. “Wyckoff has inspired me to become a leader in the nursing profession and foster learning to the new generation of nurses. I am forever grateful to Wyckoff for what I have achieved and will continue making an impact in my community.”