Innovative Medicines Canada Award

I have been practicing for the past 11 years since graduating from with my Nursing degree from the University of Alberta.  I chose nursing because of a desire to work with people in the medical field and I felt having a tangible “hard skill” was the best way to be effective in helping others.  I’ve been very fortunate in my career to practice and gain work experience in a number of specialized areas inside and outside the hospital, including the Edmonton TB Clinic and the University of Alberta Hospital.  I also enjoy travel and the personal challenge of adapting to different situations and cultures.  These interests have resulted in my applying nursing and project management skills overseas in humanitarian aid contexts in Iraq, South Sudan, West Africa and Haiti.

I have a passion for working with vulnerable people, especially refugees from crisis or conflict affected populations.  I also have keen interests in tropical medicine which I have honed by earning a diploma in this area.  These opportunities, education investments and life experiences have given me the desire to further refine my skills to be better equipped to lead projects and provide optimal comprehensive patient care.  In keeping with this continuous improvement professional goal, I have completed my first of two years in a Master of Public Health and Nurse Practitioner certification program.