London Health Sciences Centre
Dr. Wilma Koopman is a nurse practitioner (NP) at London Health Sciences Centre and has focused her career on being a better nurse throughout her 50 years in neuroscience nursing practice. This journey has been fueled by time in the field and by a passion for life-long learning, leading to her earning a PhD in 2022. Her learning is bolstered by listening to the stories of patients with rare neuromuscular diseases and their family members, from whom she has gained innovative lessons embedded in the knowledge that often only lived experiences offer. Understanding how to transform chronic illness care to truly patient-centred care shapes her ongoing clinical practice and research program. In her free time, Wilma is surrounded by her husband, children, and grandchildren who have been known to join her in many multisport adventures.
The President's Award for Leadership in Clinical Nursing Practice is awarded to the RN or NP who consistently demonstrates expertise and evidence-informed practice in one or more areas of clinical practice in a staff nurse position. This member enhances the role of nursing by demonstrating leadership in her/his workplace and influencing change for the betterment of patients, families and/or communities. The winners of this award (we have two this year) each receive a $2,000 scholarship, or the equivalent in funding, towards attending a Canadian Nurses Association or International Council of Nurses conference. Funding for this award is generously sponsored by RNAO's group home and auto insurance provider, HUB International Ontario Limited.
