Events & Workshops
Margaret D. McLean Lecture in Nursing featuring Dr. Leigh Chapman
The Faculty of Nursing at Memorial University is honoured to welcome Dr. Leigh Chapman, Chief Nursing Officer of Canada, as keynote speaker for the 2026 Margaret D. McLean Lecture in Nursing on Wednesday, June 17 at 6 p.m. NDT at the Faculty of Medicine Main Auditorium (H2815), Health Sciences Centre, St. John’s, with online participation available throughout the province and beyond.
Inspired by Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen’s reflections on the Artemis II mission — including his powerful words, “We are a mirror reflecting you” — Dr. Chapman’s lecture will explore leadership, resilience, teamwork and the human drive toward hope, purpose and meaningful connection in health-care, education and research.
One of the country’s most respected nursing leaders, Dr. Chapman has been recognized nationally for her work in health innovation, policy, advocacy and nursing retention. The evening will include the keynote lecture, a moderated Q&A and a reception with light refreshments and networking.
Established in 1984, the Margaret D. McLean Lecture in Nursing honours the legacy of a pioneering nursing leader whose influence helped shape nursing education and leadership in Newfoundland and Labrador for generations.
Date: Wednesday, June 17, 2026
Time: 6 p.m. NDT
Location: Faculty of Medicine Main Auditorium (H2815), Health Sciences Centre, St. John’s + Online
Cost: Admission is free and everyone is welcome to attend in person or online.
Evening Schedule
5:30 – 6:00 p.m.
Guest arrival and seating
6:00 – 6:08 p.m.
Welcome and opening remarks
6:08 – 6:15 p.m.
Speaker introduction
6:15 – 6:50 p.m.
Keynote lecture
6:50 – 7:15 p.m.
Moderated Q&A
7:15 – 7:20 p.m.
Closing remarks
7:20 – 9:00 p.m.
Reception and networking
Registration
Admission is free and everyone is welcome to attend in person or online.
Register here:
https://mun.yul1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9shf9tyiJKoZi98
Speaker Bio
Dr. Leigh Chapman, RN, PhD, is Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) of Canada with Health Canada and one of the country’s most respected nursing and healthcare leaders.
Named in 2023 as one of Maclean’s Top 10 Health Care Innovators and among the 50 Most Influential Torontonians, Dr. Chapman has more than 20 years of experience spanning frontline nursing, clinical leadership, education, research, professional practice, administration, policy and advocacy.
After completing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, Dr. Chapman earned a Master in Clinical Health Sciences from McMaster University’s Nursing Graduate Program and completed her PhD in 2019 at the Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing at the University of Toronto. Her doctoral research explored how the regulation of health professionals intersects with organizational priorities in acute care settings.
As Chief Nursing Officer, Dr. Chapman provides strategic nursing leadership and advice on national policy and program priorities while advancing collaboration across provincial and territorial governments, federal departments, regulatory bodies, educators and healthcare organizations. She also represents the Government of Canada at public forums nationally and internationally.
Dr. Chapman is committed to advancing the nursing profession and strengthening equitable access to safe, high-quality healthcare for people and communities across Canada.
WeResearch Webinar: Nursing Scope of Practice and Professional Collaboration
This WeResearch Webinar shares findings on the overlapping and distinct roles of primary care nurses in Canada. Presenters highlight a key gap in evidence related to the RPN/LPN role and discuss steps underway to strengthen role clarity and support effective team-based care.
Participants representing all areas of the health sector are invited to attend and engage in the discussion.
Date: Tuesday, June 16, 2026
Time: 7:30 p.m. NDT
Location: Online
Registration
Register here:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/3rXXMelOT9G3vaUR7fGHig#/registration
Speaker Biographical Information
Dr. Monica McGraw, RN, MN, PhD, is a postdoctoral fellow at Memorial University of Newfoundland and a professor at the Université de Moncton. Her research focuses on optimizing nursing roles in primary care, with expertise in interprofessional collaboration, telehealth contexts, and integrating patient perspectives, while advancing full-scope practice across nursing designations, including registered nurses, nurse practitioners, and licensed practical nurses.
Dr. Julia Lukewich, RN, PhD, is a professor in the Faculty of Nursing at Memorial University of Newfoundland and Interim Associate Dean (Research). She leads a research program focused on improving the delivery of primary care by optimizing nurses within team-based models.
Dr. Suzanne Braithwaite is a registered nurse and assistant professor at Trent University. With over a decade of experience practicing in intra and interprofessional primary care teams, Dr. Braithwaite is a researcher in primary care nursing scope of practice. Her work examines how organizational structures shape RN and RPN roles, with a focus on team-based care, well child care, and workforce development.
Jen Calver (moderator) is a registered practical nurse and doctoral candidate in the Faculty of Health Sciences at Ontario Tech University. Her work focuses on health workforce retention, role clarity, and healthcare services. She works with WeRPN to drive evidence and increase representation of RPN in research.