Synapse 2024 – Keynote Speakers

We are excited to introduce our keynote speakers for the 8th Annual Synapse Nursing Symposium which will be held on Wednesday, June 12, 2023, in St. Lawrence College–Kingston Campus with the theme “Standing Up for Our Values: Community, Social Justice, Professionalism & Innovation.”

MORNING KEYNOTE SPEAKER:

Karen Fleming

CNS, MN, MSHS, CHSE

Clinical Nurse Specialist, Red Blood Cell Disorders Clinic

Toronto General Hospital

Karen Fleming has been a nurse for over 21 years and started her career at The Hospital for Sick Children on the Haematology/Oncology unit.  She has since pursued nursing leadership roles, completed her MN in 2011 and her Masters of Science in Healthcare Simulation in December 2021 and will be starting her Doctor of Education in September 2024 at UofT.  She believes in the power of education and more specifically, in the power of simulation-based education to engage all 3 domains of learning, while having the biggest impact on behaviour change.

With an ongoing mental commentary of wanting to reduce inequities in health care and improve the quality, access, and delivery of care from nurses, doctors, and all healthcare providers, she has devoted her free time and work time to the advancement of quality care for individuals with Sickle Cell Disease that is anti-racist, equitable, safe, and accessible.

Karen’s most recent achievement is as a member of the Ontario Health Advisory Committee for a Sickle Cell Community of Practice, where providers from all settings can come together to learn from, with and about the best practices in the interprofessional care of patients with SCD.

“My biggest message to all of you is never give up on your dreams, don’t let anyone tell you you can’t, and believe in your own greatness, no matter what anyone else thinks or says.”

AFTERNOON KEYNOTE SPEAKER:

Joanna Binch

RN(EC), MScN, PhD

Professor of Nursing, Algonquin College

Joanna Binch, RN(EC), MScN, PhD is a full-time professor of nursing with Algonquin College and a nurse practitioner, practicing in Ottawa. Joanna has worked in community health for the last 23 years- working first in Northern Ontario communities, then returned to school to complete her Master’s and the Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner Program.  Joanna enjoyed working with Inner City Health and individuals experiencing homelessness, but soon moved to Somerset West Community Health Centre where she spent 14 years offering outreach and low-barrier health care to individuals living in rooming houses.  She has a passion for advocating for housing as a form of health care and addressing primary health care needs considerate of the social determinants of health.

We look forward to your participation and having you with us to welcome Karen and Joanna in our symposium.

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