November 17, 2023
The nursing community, particularly Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC), Canadian Pressure Injury Advisory Panel (CPIAP), and the International Skin Tear Advisory Panel (ISTAP), is mourning the loss of a distinguished colleague and dear friend, Dr. Laura Teague. Dr. Teague, a prominent figure in the field of wound care, passed away recently, leaving a void that will be deeply felt by those whose lives she touched.
Dr. Laura Teague, a Nurse Practitioner and Clinical/Academic lead for wound care at the Sinai Health System in Toronto, Ontario, had an illustrious career spanning several decades. Her educational background included a Bachelor of Nursing Science, Bachelor of Arts, Master of Nursing, Nurse Practitioner Diploma, and a Doctor of Philosophy. Over the years, Laura dedicated herself to various clinical and leadership roles, making significant contributions to the development of best practice guidelines through the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario.
From 1987 to 2016, Dr. Teague played a pivotal role in the field of wound care, working tirelessly as a registered nurse, clinical nurse specialist, and nurse practitioner. She was instrumental in the establishment of the Ontario Wound Care Interest Group, where she served as the founding president and remained an active member of the executive. Laura's extensive career also involved co-chairing the Health Quality Ontario Standard development for three types of wounds and chairing the research committee for the Canadian Pressure Injury Advisory Panel.
Dr. Teague's impact extended globally as she served as a Regional Director of North America for the International Skin Tear Advisory Panel (ISTAP) and contributed to the Research and Implementation Workstream. Her dedication to advancing wound care and her commitment to research and education set her apart as a leader in her field.
In 2023, NSWOCC Chief Executive Officer, Catherine Harley, and Wound, Ostomy and Continence Institute Academic Chair, Dr. Kimberly LeBlanc, held a private graduation ceremony for Dr. Teague, who recently completed the Nurse Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence (NSWOC) Program. We are incredibly proud of her achievement, and thrilled that she could be a valued Member of the NSWOC Profession.
Colleagues and friends from NSWOCC, CPIAP, and ISTAP express their deepest condolences to Dr. Teague's family during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to The Laura Mary Teague Scholarship Foundation, a testament to her lifelong dedication to helping others. Those wishing to contribute can do so at https://www.arbormemorial.ca/en/dbburlington/obituaries/laura-teague-breukelman/114919.html#Donations.
Dr. Laura Teague's legacy will undoubtedly live on in the hearts and minds of those she inspired and worked alongside, leaving an indelible mark on the field of wound care and healthcare at large.