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Tuesday, July 8, 2025   Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC®) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Cathy Harley announces plan to retire by April 30, 2026.   After 21 years leading Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC), Cathy Harley has announced she will be stepping down as CEO on April 30, 2026. Serving the wound, ostomy and continence nursing community since 2004 in this leadership position, Cathy made significant changes to the 45-year-old association including strengthening its governance structure, driving recognition through its name change from the Canadian Association of Enterostomal Therapists (CAET) to NSWOCC in 2018 , and ensuring its financial sustainability to support its short- and long-term strategic objectives. She also supported 11 Core Programs and the management of NSWOCC’s two official interest groups: the International Skin Tear Advisory Panel (ISTAP ™ ) and the Canadian Pressure Injury Advisory Panel (CPIAP) . Under her leadership, NSWOCC has focused on the major issues affecting wound, ostomy and continence care delivery from supporting nursing education in wound, ostomy and continence to advocating for better recognition of Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence (NSWOCs) and increased ostomy reimbursement in Ontario (2014). One of her most valued experiences was working with Indigenous nurses to develop a thriving Indigenous Wound, Ostomy and Continence Health Core Program in order to support Truth and Reconciliation. Cathy contributed to securing a contract for training Skin Wellness Associate Nurses (SWAN ™ ) in Long Term Care with the Ontario Ministry of Long-Term Care .  Her creativity in the delivery of continuing education in wound, ostomy and continence is evident in the 21 national conferences that she supported. "Cathy has impacted the lives of so many. From those who she works with to those individuals seeking wound, ostomy and continence care, Cathy always supports and encouraged evidence informed patient centered care. Cathy led NSWOCC through the pandemic working tirelessly to support wound, ostomy and continence nurses and patients getting results no matter the circumstance. She kept the Members and staff motivated through some of the most challenging times in nursing. With her strategic thinking and ability to collaborate, she has positioned NSWOCC as a nursing leader in driving positive change for wound, ostomy and continence care in Canada."  - Dr. Corey Heerschap, PhD, MScCH, RN, NSWOC, WOCC(C), FNSWOC, NSWOCC President When announcing her retirement, Cathy expressed her deep gratitude for the tireless support and invaluable contributions of the many Board Directors, Core Program Leaders, Volunteers, Members, contracted staff, Industry Partners, aligned associations and patients with whom she has been privileged to work with over many years.   A search committee will be established to identify a replacement to carry on this work, comprised of current and past NSWOCC board members, and will be chaired by NSWOCC President Dr. Heerschap. The committee will be conducting extensive outreach to ensure it considers candidates with a wide range of expertise and backgrounds, in keeping with NSWOCC’s commitment to promoting equity, diversity, accessibility, inclusion, and reconciliation in its leadership. The new CEO is expected to assume their role March 1, 2026.

Living with an Ostomy does not mean you need to live with significant restrictions. One of the key aspects of embracing life with an Ostomy is learning to adapt and welcome your "new normal" life! After recovery and finding the right pouching system to fit your body, you can expect to resume an active and vibrant life. In our new series, "Guides to Living with an Ostomy", we will be exploring how you can adapt your life to embrace your "new normal". Below, see some short tips and tricks to embracing your “new normal” when you’re travelling! General Tips and Tricks take at least double the supplies you normally use. Your supplies may not be available where you are travelling or may not be reimbursable outside your home province/territory; some airlines allow you extra carry-on luggage for medical supplies, consult the airline prior to travel to receive these extra accommodations. A letter from your doctor or NSWOC may be useful regarding the need to carry ostomy supplies in your hand luggage; protect your supplies from exposure to heat or cold; keep supplies in your hand luggage to avoid exposure to extreme temperatures and in case of lost luggage; assess the quality of local drinking water; if unsafe to drink, use bottled water avoid delays at customs by carrying a letter from your surgeon that explains your ostomy surgery connect to a leg bag for longer travel to provide extra capacity for urine; ask an NSWOC, your doctor or organization in the resource list about where you plan to visit if flying, ask for an aisle seat near the washroom Additional Tips when Travelling with an Ileostomy or Colostomy consider applying a new pouching system the day before or day of your travels; use every opportunity to empty your pouch even if it is not full. a seat belt must be worn when riding in a vehicle. Protect the stoma from the seat belt by placing a soft foam pad or a small pillow between the stoma and the seatbelt. If you want to learn more about how you can adapt your life to living with an Ostomy, please visit the link below!

NSWOCC is pleased to announce the launch of three new Guides to living with an Ostomy. These are available in both English and French on our website at https://www.nswoc.ca/guides . A Guide to Living with a Jejunostomy A Guide to Living with a Gastro-Jejunostomy A Guide to Living with a Gastrostomy These guides join the previous 2nd editions of the first three Ostomy Patient Teaching Guides, last updated in 2022: A Guide to Living with an Ileostomy A Guide to Living with a Colostomy A Guide to Living with an Ileal Conduit These guides, revised this year, are now available on the NSWOCC website at  https://www.nswoc.ca/guides . On behalf of NSWOCC, we want to sincerely thank all those who worked on this project to produce such a valuable resource for patients, nurses and NSWOCs across the spectrum of healthcare.

Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC) is proud to announce that Kimberly LeBlanc RN, BScN, MN, PhD, NSWOC, WOCC(C), FCAN, and Academic Chair of the Wound, Ostomy and Continence (WOC) Institute, has been selected for induction into the 2025 Class of Fellows of the American Academy of Nursing (FAAN) . As one of only three Canadian nurses  named to this year’s cohort, Kimberly joins an esteemed group of nurse leaders from around the world who have demonstrated outstanding contributions to health and health care. Induction as a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing is considered one of the profession’s highest honours, recognizing individuals who have made a lasting impact through leadership, innovation, and scholarship. The Academy will formally induct the new Fellows during its annual Health Policy Conference , taking place October 16–18, 2025, in Washington, DC. The theme of this year’s conference, "Impact Through Integrity and Trust: Our Role as Navigators and Translators,"  reflects the values and vision that leaders like Kimberly LeBlanc embody in their work. Kimberly’s tireless dedication to advancing wound, ostomy, and continence care — both nationally and globally — has been instrumental in shaping clinical education, research, and advocacy. As Academic Chair of the WOC Institute, she has led initiatives that promote excellence in specialized nursing education and foster the next generation of NSWOCs. Please join NSWOCC in congratulating Kimberly LeBlanc on this incredible and well-deserved achievement! Learn more about the American Academy of Nursing and the 2025 Induction Ceremony and more about the FAAN at https://aannet.org/news/news.asp?id=703938

Are you ready for a wound care education experience that’s skill development based on best practice? Introducing WoundWISE — an exciting new hands-on Wound Innovation & Skills Education event series developed in partnership with NSWOCC. WoundWISE combines hands-on product training with best practice education to help healthcare professionals across Canada improve clinical outcomes for people with wounds. First stop: Kitchener, Ontario — July 15, 2025 📍 Catalyst137, 137 Glasgow St, Kitchener, ON N2M 5E3, Canada 🕒 9:30 AM – 2:15 PM Why Attend WoundWISE? Drive better clinical and cost outcomes in wound care Learn from national leaders and local NSWOC experts Get hands-on product and skills training with innovative wound care solutions Receive a Certificate of Attendance from NSWOCC for continuing education Learners will be able to take advantage of: Station-based product training with Biomiq, Smith+Nephew, Perfuse Medtec, EO2 Concepts, and Cardinal Health Canada Best practice education in wound, ostomy, and continence care from NSWOCC Live clinical demonstrations and interactive learning by NSWOCs Networking with fellow clinicians and industry experts Attendees can look forward to the presentation, “Understanding the Big Picture: The Critical Role of Assessment in Defining Your Holistic Approach to Wound Care" by Joshua Moralejo, MScCH: WPC, BScN, RN, NSWOC, WOCC(C), IIWCC, Ontario Regional Director  and a Keynote Presentation by Josh Gohl, BScN, RN, NSWOC, WOCC(C) Space is limited — register today! Don’t miss this opportunity to build your wound care skills and knowledge in a dynamic, hands-on environment. Want to see WoundWISE in your city? Comment on the site or email hello@woundwise.ca . We look forward to seeing you in Kitchener on July 15!

This week, NSWOCC proudly joins the global community in recognizing World Continence Week, taking place from June 16–22, 2025. This international initiative shines a spotlight on the importance of bladder and bowel health, raises awareness of incontinence-related issues, and encourages open conversations to reduce stigma and improve access to care. Incontinence—defined as the involuntary loss of urine or feces—can affect individuals of all ages and greatly impact quality of life. As a national organization representing over 600 nurses specialized in wound, ostomy, and continence care, and over 1,300 total members and associates, NSWOCC is committed to advancing continence care in Canada. Our members, including NSWOCs and Skin Wellness Associate Nurses (SWANs), are educated and equipped to provide evidence-informed, compassionate care to those living with continence challenges. We believe that every person deserves specialized wound, ostomy, and continence care—a vision that guides all of our initiatives. As part of our ongoing commitment to education, the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Institute  recently launched the Introduction to Continence Management Course —an 8-week, online, self-paced course open to all healthcare professionals. This course is designed to build foundational knowledge in continence care and is supported by experienced NSWOCs who provide guidance through weekly office hours and an interactive learning forum. Ready to take the next step in continence care education? Visit www.wocinstitute.ca/continence  to register or learn more. Together, let’s use this World Continence Week to advocate for better care, empower our communities, and educate ourselves and others on the importance of bladder and bowel health.

On June 4th, 2025, we hosted the fifth session of our six-part webinar series, Wound Care Strategies for Keeping the Patient at Home and in the Community , in collaboration with geko™ and Perfuse Medtec . This session, Etiology of Pain and Strategies for Management , featured Dr . Robyn Evans, MD, BSc., CCFP, IIWCC, Director of the Wound Healing Clinic at Women’s College Hospital and an esteemed leader in the wound care field. Dr. Evans explored the complex nature of wound-related pain—its causes, presentations, and impact on patient outcomes. The webinar delved into: How to differentiate between types of pain (nociceptive vs. neuropathic) Dissecting the potential causes of pain and how it impacts patients The physiology of pain and its relevance in wound care, with a specific focus on lower leg pain Real-world strategies for assessing and managing pain in the home and community settings The critical role of communication and interprofessional collaboration Whether you're a nurse, physician, or allied health professional, this session offers practical insights into how pain can hinder healing—and how to respond effectively to improve comfort and clinical outcomes. Watch the replay now to enhance your understanding and elevate your practice using the link below!

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Submitted by Anne Durkee-MacIsaac, on behalf of the Southwest Nova Scotia Ostomy Peer Support Group SHIRLEY SULLIVAN, September 27, 1928 – December 25, 2024, Age 96   Shirley certainly left an imprint on our world, especially with those living with an ostomy and the Enterostomal Therapy Program and her fellow nurses. Shirley was a remarkable person who touched the lives of everyone she met. Her mission was one that made a great difference in the lives of people living with an ostomy including my own even though she wasn’t practicing as a nurse when I first met her but she would always ask how I was doing and was also very reassuring that I would succeed in the first couple years of having an ostomy. Shirley graduated as a Registered Nurse in 1976 at the age of forty-six. In that first year of nursing, she became interested in the issues and lack of support that people living with ostomies had so she joined the Southwest Nova Scotia Ostomy Chapter, the first year it was founded. They opened the meeting with slides of “The Most Secret Surgery Unveiled.” Shirley became involved in the Chapter and in 1977 the Chapter offered her $250.00 towards her tuition to attend the Enterostomal Therapy Program at Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio. During this second year of the Chapter, they had thirty-eight members registered so you can understand why Yarmouth needed an ET. In 1979 Shirley attended the ET Conference in Vancouver. Shirley was born in Saskatchewan, moved to Nova Scotia at an early age and later met her husband Howard and had two boys, John and Roger, who both still live in Yarmouth. The boys tell me that it was not an easy six months while their mom was in Cleveland, but they survived as teenagers and were so proud of their mother’s accomplishments. Both boys followed in their mother’s footsteps and made their education a priority. Her boys knew that their mom appreciated the simple things in life but the nails, the hair, and accessories had to be just so. One can tell this statement is true by looking at her picture. Shirley worked closely with the Chapter and often organized workshops for doctors, pharmacists, nurses, and people living with ostomies and their families. She was certainly instrumental in educating all that she met about ostomies. In 1982 Shirley retired from the hospital and went into private nursing. She remains a mark in my lifetime as she sat with my dad during the last 14 days of his life. He had wonderful care, and she certainly cared for me and my personal journey through this loss. In 1984 Shirley assisted the local Chapter in preparing and implementing “Year of the Ostomy Visitor.” From that year forward the chapter has had an active “Visitor Program.” She also assisted the Chapter in developing a local newsletter and travelled the province attending Ostomy Awareness Clinics. She continued to be active by attending our local meetings when she could. Shirley attended the first meeting I attended in 2001. Shirley was well known and admired in her community working as an RN and an ET. Shirley Sullivan was the second RN to be trained as an Enterostomal Nurse in Nova Scotia and Lynn Stuart was the first. As you can imagine they shared many experiences in their ostomy world and during their careers encouraged many others to become ETs, such as Ruth Kenney from Halifax. Shirley Sullivan leaves behind a legacy which we will all remember especially those living with an ostomy and of her involvement in achieving common knowledge of an ostomy in our community, both on the street and in the professional world. When you loved life fully, as Shirley did you were a good person, a good wife, a good mother and especially a good medical practitioner the changed the lives of people living with ostomies and our community from the time she graduated as an RN to her retirement and beyond. I quote from her obituary, “I have not left you I am simply enjoying the next stage of my life.” A tribute from the Southwest Nova Scotia Ostomy Peer Support Group.

At our 44th National Conference in Montreal, QC on May 24th, we proudly presented the 2024–2025 Manuscript Award during th e National Conference Banquet & WOC Institute Graduation Ceremony . The winning manuscript, published in the December 2024 issue of the Canadian Journal of Wound, Ostomy and Continence (CJWOC) , is titled: "Exploring Estimation of Hospital Costs and Associated Factors Among Persons with Cord Injury Undergoing Surgical Closure of Stage 4 Pelvic Pressure Injuries" and authored by: Laura Teague PhD, BA, BNSc, MN, NP-Adult, NSWOC Gina Browne PhD, Reg.N., Hon.LL.D Lehana Thabane PhD Stephen Birch PhD Colleen McGillvray BSc, MD, FRCP Gary Foster PhD Maya Deeb BSc, MD, FRCPC James Mahoney MD, FRCSC Karen E. Campbell PhD, MScN, RN, NSWOC, WOCC(C) This manuscript is based on a chapter from Dr. Laura Teague's doctoral research originally completed in July 2020.  Dr. Teague had begun the process of preparing her research for submission to NSWOC Advance (now the Canadian Journal of Wound, Ostomy and Continence) when she passed away in November 2023.  Dr. Karen Campbell, a long time colleague and friend of Laura's continued the process, acting as corresponding author, to ensure Laura's work was shared as she had intended.  The Board of Directors of Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC) and the Editorial Team of the Canadian Journal of Wound, Ostomy and Continence (CJWOC) is honoured to bestow this award of Laura's work posthumously in her memory, to her husband David Breukelman.

CEO Statement - Catherine Harley eMBA, RN, IIWCC At Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC), we support a culture that values and celebrates excellence. Recognizing excellence involves acknowledging and celebrating exceptional performance, achievements, or contributions in the tri-specialty of wound, ostomy and continence specialized nursing care. The goal is to motivate individuals and teams to maintain high standards and foster this culture of excellence. By launching a Fellowship program, NSWOCC has taken a significant step towards recognition focusing on the careers of select individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the tri-specialty. This Fellowship program is grounded in promising practices and we are privileged to be launching the new program on May 24, 2024. On behalf of Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC), I am excited to welcome our first, inaugural Fellows. Fellowship represents the highest honour for NSWOCC’s most recognized nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence. NSWOCC honours its clinical thought leaders, its significant voices in education and policy. This Fellowship Program is intended to celebrate contributions to NSWOCC and the nursing specialty of wound, ostomy and continence. Fellows selected for this program are recognized for their major impact on the advancement of the clinical, evidence and practice and are chosen not at their request or intent to be recognized. Rather, Fellows are identified and chosen based on outstanding practice. Within the framework of the tri-specialty, Fellows contribute to critical quality initiatives that support effective, evidence-based patient/resident care. The future of specialized wound, ostomy and continence leadership rests on dedication, shaping thought leadership through education, policy and exemplary nursing practice, and positively impacting change in the specialized areas of wound, ostomy and continence. As the first group of NSWOCC Fellows, these individuals will serve as role models and mentors to the next generation of nurses. As this Fellowship program grows, these individuals will continue to be impactful as a remarkable resource of wisdom and expertise to advance nursing care, education, research and policy leadership. The NSWOCC being inducted as inaugural Fellows reflect a wide diversity of nursing leadership and impact. Every one of these individuals has clearly demonstrated a sustained and powerful commitment to unique issues present in wound, ostomy and continence health. These clinical thought leaders are not only viewed by their peers as leaders in the field of the tri-specialty of wound, ostomy and continence nursing, they are also seen as a leading legacy of the extraordinary leadership contributions they have made. I would like to thank them personally for their dedication and efforts during some very challenging years, where clinical and health system complexity has increased, as have patient needs, acuity, and risk. Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence do not abandon their patients, or their colleagues, or the broader profession – they want the very best outcome and they do what it takes: they care, support, advocate, educate, and lead. As we move into the future, we know we are better for their wisdom, experience and voice. Their impact will shape the future of wound, ostomy and continence specialized healthcare provision in Canada, and inspire the next generation of nurses in the field. For making a difference for nurses, aligned healthcare professionals and patients, we salute you. They deserve to hold the credential of NSWOCC – Fellow in Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence, and are worthy holders of this credential. We celebrate you, we recognize you and we look forward to many more NSWOCCs following in your footsteps as we move into the future. Nicole Denise, MScN, BScN, NSWOC Nicole Denis is the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Institute Preceptor Manager. In 1996 she was the founding director of the Canadian Association for Enterostomal Therapy Wound, Ostomy and Continence Bilingual Education Program Key Contributions and Recognitions: Founding director of the Canadian Association for Enterostomal Therapy Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Bilingual Education Program Past President of Canadian Association for Enterostomal Therapy Mentored numerous nurses in wound, ostomy, and continence care Developed bilingual education ensuring accessible quality training Recipient of the CAET President’s Award for leadership in wound, ostomy and continence Louise Forest-Lalonde, MEd, RN, NSWOC, ET Louise Forest-Lalonde is an Academic Advisor for the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Institute. She is retired from her role as an Enterostomal Therapy Nurse at The Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine Key Contributions and Recognitions: Past President of the World Council of Enterostomal Therapists (WCET) Led development of Pediatric Stoma Care Best Practice Guidelines Author of books and papers on wound care and stoma management International lecturer on Enterostomal Therapy Nursing She has received several awards, at regional, national, and international levels. Recently she received the Norma N. Gill WCET President Award Corey Heerschap, MScCH, BScN, RN, NSWOC, WOCC(C) Corey Heerschap is the President of Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada and is a Wound and Ostomy Clinical Nurse Specialist at Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre in Barrie, Ontario. Key Contributions and Recognitions: President and Past Treasurer of Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada Co-chaired development of the RNAO Pressure Injury Best Practice Guidelines and served as an expert panel member on multiple national wound and ostomy guidelines Inaugural Secretary of CPIAP and Education Co-Lead for the Commonwealth Wound Care Resource Alliance Authored NSWOCC designation and credentials position statement Lead editor for upcoming NSWOCC wound care textbook Participated in a wound care mission to Argentina in 2019 Mary Hill, MN, BScN, RN, NSWOC, WOCC(C) Mary Hill is a Nurse Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence educator and consultant for Integrated Home Care for Alberta Health Services in Calgary where she supports nurses and clients in community care. Key Contributions and Recognitions: Past President and Professional Practice Group Coordinator for NSWOCC Regional Director for North America for the International Skin Tear Advisory Panel Lead for NSWOCC National Conference Planning Core Program for the past 13 years Educator and consultant for community care nurses Author of publications on wound, ostomy, and continence care Participated in a wound care mission to Cambodia Rosemary Hill, BSN, RN, CWOCN, NSWOC, WOCC(C) Rosemary Hill is Past President of Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada and is a Nurse Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence for Lions Gate Hospital, North Vancouver Costal Health, in Vancouver, British Columbia Key Contributions & Recognitions: Past President of Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC) Chair of the British Columbia Provincial Nursing Ostomy Committee Recognized with the Award of Excellence in Practice from the Association of Registered Nurses of British Columbia Worked closely with the Ostomy Canada Society on education initiatives, particularly related to the Disability Tax Credit 2024 NSWOC Recognition Award from the Ostomy Canada Society Dr. Kimberly LeBlanc, PhD, MN, BScN, RN, NSWOC, WOCC(C), FCAN Kimberly LeBlanc is the current President of the Canadian Nurses Association and Academic Chair of the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Institute as well an Advanced Practice and Certified Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurse working with KDS Professional Consulting Key Contributions & Recognitions: Current President of the Canadian Nurses Association Founding member of the International Skin Tear Advisory Panel Inaugural Co-chair of the Canadian Pressure Injury Advisory Panel Serves on the boards of the World Union of Wound Healing Societies, International Wound Infection Institute, and the Commonwealth Wound Care Resource Alliance Awarded Canadian Nurses Association Order of Merit Award for Nursing Education Author of numerous publications and book chapters Holds academic appointments at Curtin University, McGill University, and Cardiff University Lina Martins,   MScN, BScN, RN, NSWOC, WOCC(C) Lina Martins is a Clinical Nurse Specialist and Certified Nurse Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence (NSWOC) at London Health Sciences Centre in Canada. She is also the Editor in Chief of The Canadian Journal of Wound, Ostomy and Continence (Previously the NSWOC Advance) Key Contributions and Recognitions: Editor-in-Chief of The Canadian Journal of Wound, Ostomy, and Continence (Previously the NSWOC Advance) Canadian Feature Editor of JWOCN Contributes to Best Practice Guidelines for ostomy and wound care through the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario and NSWOCC She is a mentor and educator to nurses, patients, nursing students, and medical and surgical residents through the Schulich School of Medicine at Western University Member of the NSWOCC conference planning committee x 10 years Dr. Christine Murphy,   PhD, MClSc(WH), BSc, NSWOC, WOCC(C) Dr. Murphy works at The Ottawa Hospital Limb Preservation Centre in the vascular surgery department. Currently she has a clinical, education and research focus in complex vascular wounds, diabetic foot ulcer and limb preservation. Key Contributions and Recognitions: Past President of Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada Co-lead of Diabetes Action Canada SPOR Network Foot Care Chair of the International Biofilm-Based Wound Care Panel Developed globally recognized Wound Hygiene Consensus Document Faculty member at Western University’s Master of Clinical Science program Dr. Kevin Woo,   PhD, RN, FAPWCA, NSWOC, WOCC(C) Dr. Kevin Woo is an Associate Professor at Queen’s University, School of Nursing, School of Rehabilitation Therapy in Kingston, Ontario and Nurse Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence at the University Health Network in Toronto, Ontario. Key Contributions and Recognitions: Founding member of the Canadian Pressure Injury Advisory Panel Published numerous best practice guidelines and peer-reviewed articles Awarded Canadian Nurses Association Order of Merit Award for Nursing Research Current Co-Chair of the NSWOCC Research Committee Adjunct research professor at Western University

Presented in Partnership by Lipedema Canada and Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC) June 11 & 12, 2025 | Free & Open to Clinicians, Patients, and the Public To mark Lipedema Awareness Month , Lipedema Canada  and NSWOCC  are proud to co-host a two-part national webinar series  aimed at improving understanding, diagnosis, and care for Canadians living with lipedema—a chronic and often misdiagnosed medical condition. Learn more below and register for the two upcoming webinars! Webinar Series overview: Lipedema is a chronic and progressive medical condition that is often misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or entirely overlooked in clinical settings. It is characterized by the abnormal accumulation of painful, fibrotic fat—primarily in the legs and arms—and predominantly affects individuals assigned female at birth. While the exact cause remains unknown, lipedema is believed to have a strong genetic component and can lead to significant pain, mobility challenges, and psychosocial distress. Despite its visible symptoms, lipedema is frequently mistaken for obesity or lymphedema, leading to delays in diagnosis and barriers to appropriate care. Estimates suggest that up to 11% of AFAB individuals globally may be affected by lipedema, making it a highly prevalent yet underrecognized disorder. In Canada, this lack of awareness is particularly concerning. Many patients spend years seeking answers, often dismissed by healthcare providers or denied treatment options due to stigma and limited clinical knowledge. As a result, lipedema becomes a hidden burden—impacting patients’ physical health, emotional wellbeing, and trust in the healthcare system. The need for education, advocacy, and improved care pathways is urgent. To address this gap, Lipedema Canada and Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC) are partnering to present a two-part national webinar series in recognition of Lipedema Awareness Month this June . The series is designed for healthcare professionals and is open to the public, including patients and caregivers. The webinars will provide evidence-based knowledge, clinical tools, and inclusive perspectives to better understand, assess, and support individuals living with lipedema across Canada. The first webinar, “The Lipedema Landscape,” focuses on clinical assessment and understanding lipedema’s multi-systemic impact. It provides practical guidance for identifying lipedema in practice and explores the challenges patients face in getting diagnosed and referred.  The second webinar, “8 Surprising Truths About Lipedema,” takes a deeper look at systemic barriers in the Canadian healthcare system, including bias, gaps in clinician education, and gender-based health inequities. Together, these sessions aim to shift the narrative and spark meaningful change in how lipedema is addressed nationwide. Part 1: The Lipedema Landscape – A Head-to-Toe Assessment and Addressing Canada’s Awareness Gap 📅 Wednesday, June 11, 2025 | 🕖 7:00–8:30 PM EDT (4:00–5:30 PM PDT) This session introduces lipedema from a clinical and patient-centred perspective. It provides a comprehensive head-to-toe assessment guide, explores barriers to assessment, diagnosis, and care, and emphasizes the need for interprofessional collaboration in managing this under-recognized condition. Learning Objectives: Participants will be able to: Describe the clinical characteristics and comorbidities of lipedema. Perform a basic head-to-toe assessment to identify signs of lipedema. Recognize the referral pathways and interdisciplinary roles in managing lipedema. Identify the impact of lipedema on quality of life and daily functioning. Discuss the challenges patients face in accessing care in Canada. Explore stigma and bias in lipedema diagnosis and treatment. Apply new knowledge to improve awareness and early recognition in clinical practice. Registration is free and open to all - whether you’re a clinician or patient.  Certificates of attendance will be provided for all participants, and recording of the session will be available after the event. Register now at: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_BtTRFLD0TkC4gS7izlHKxA   Part 2: 8 Surprising Truths About Lipedema – And How Canadians Are Still Being Left Behind 📅 Thursday, June 12, 2025 | 🕖 7:00–8:30 PM EDT (4:00–5:30 PM PDT) Building on the first session, this webinar highlights the systemic gaps in lipedema care, including health equity issues, gendered impacts, clinician education, and the lived experiences of those navigating Canada’s healthcare system with a lipedema diagnosis. Learning Objectives: Participants will be able to: Identify systemic and clinical barriers to lipedema assessment, diagnosis and care in Canada. Describe fat-phobic and gendered biases affecting lipedema patients. Explain the importance of clinician education in reducing misdiagnosis. Summarize the major intersections that impact assessment and care. Advocate for improved patient access to care and education resources. Propose actionable next steps to support equitable lipedema care. Reflect on the clinician's role in transforming awareness into action. Register now at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_cZFbsNx3RlqpYQy2O4Yh0Q   About the Presenters Presenter: Emma Cloney, BScN, RN, Vice President, Lipedema Canada Emma Cloney is a dedicated Women’s Health Nurse and the Vice President and co-founder of Lipedema Canada / Lipœdème Canada . With over a decade of hands-on clinical experience in women’s health, she brings both professional expertise and personal insight to her work in the field of lipedema—a chronic, progressive adipose tissue disorder that disproportionately affects women and remains significantly underrecognized. Diagnosed with lipedema in 2021, Emma became a national voice for improved care access and systemic change. Her advocacy led to a precedent-setting policy shift in Manitoba, where she became the first Canadian woman to receive multiple medically necessary, mobility-preserving lipedema reduction surgeries—performed in the USA and Germany—funded under provincial healthcare. Recognizing the urgent need for awareness, research, and clinical education across the country, Emma co-founded Lipedema Canada in 2023 with ten other patients spanning from coast to coast. In her dual role as Vice President and Medical Lead, she actively engages clinicians, health systems, and policymakers to advance equitable care pathways. Her work emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, early diagnosis, and evidence-informed management strategies for those living with lipedema. Emma continues to champion both patient empowerment and professional education, aiming to bridge the knowledge gaps that hinder timely diagnosis and effective care. Her leadership is driving forward a national dialogue on lipedema that centers clinical best practices and patient outcomes. Moderator: Bev Smith, BScN, RN, NSWOC, President-Elect, NSWOCC Bev Smith is a Nurse Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence (NSWOC) based in Edmonton, Alberta. Originally from New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, Bev proudly acknowledges her Indigenous ancestry from the Mi’kmaq First Nations of Potlotek, Cape Breton. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Alberta and has over 15 years of specialized experience in wound, ostomy, and continence care. Bev began her nursing career in acute care before discovering her passion for specialized practice. In 2008, she completed the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Education Program (now known as the NSWOC Program) through what was then the Canadian Association for Enterostomal Therapy (CAET). Since then, she has worked extensively in community care, supporting residents in assisted living and mentoring future NSWOCs through clinical preceptorship. In 2018, Bev was appointed as the Indigenous Core Program Leader for NSWOCC, where she has played a key role in advancing culturally safe care practices. She is also a co-author of a published article in the Journal of Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing (JWOCN) focused on improving care for Indigenous Canadians. Bev currently serves as President-Elect of NSWOCC. Outside of her professional work, she is an active volunteer in her community and enjoys coaching soccer and spending time with her husband, four children, and two grandchildren. About the Organizers Lipedema Canada  is the leading national not-for-profit charitable organization dedicated to supporting Canadians living with lipedema. Our mission is to change how lipedema is viewed in Canada by providing resources, raising public awareness, and advocating for accessible treatment for all affected by lipedema.  🔗   lipedemacanada.org Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC) is a registered national charity representing over 700 specialized nurses and 1,300 members committed to advancing evidence-based practice, education, research, and leadership in wound, ostomy, and continence care.  🔗   nswoc.ca