Debbie Lamb belairdirect NP scholarship: For more than 16 years, Debbie Lamb has dedicated her career to caring for Albertans through some of the most challenging moments of their lives. As this year's Belairdirect Scholarship recipient, Debbie's commitment to excellence in nursing, leadership, and patient advocacy continues to make a lasting impact across the healthcare system. Debbie graduated from Mount Royal University as a member of its very first Bachelor of Nursing graduating class. She began her career providing bedside nursing care, where she developed a strong foundation in patient-centered practice and compassionate care. Her passion for building meaningful relationships with patients eventually led her into oncology nursing, where she found fulfillment in supporting individuals throughout their cancer journeys and witnessing the outcomes of their treatment and care. As her career progressed, Debbie pursued a Master of Public Health through the University of Victoria. She subsequently moved into an administrative and palliative care role, broadening her understanding of healthcare systems and strengthening her ability to improve patient experiences on a larger scale. Today, Debbie works at the Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre as an Endocrine Coordinator. In this highly specialized role, she provides care coordination, assessment and support for patients with neuroendocrine and thyroid cancer and has become an integral member of the team developing care pathways for individuals facing some of the most aggressive forms of thyroid cancer. One of Debbie's most significant contributions has been her work with patients diagnosed with anaplastic thyroid cancer, a rare and aggressive cancer for which many patients face a prognosis of less than six months. Recognizing the urgency of these diagnoses, Debbie has played a key role in developing streamlined care pathways designed to reduce treatment delays and ensure patients receive life-saving interventions as quickly as possible. Many of the patients she serves are diagnosed at Stage IV, making timely access to care critically important. Upon completing her Master of Nursing degree this year, Debbie she looks forward to continuing her practice in endocrine oncology care with a greater scope of practice. When she is not balancing her demanding nursing career and graduate studies, Debbie enjoys spending time with her family. She is also an avid horseback rider and horse owner, finding joy and balance through her lifelong passion for horses. Debbie's dedication, innovation, and compassion exemplify the very best of nursing. Alberta is fortunate to have healthcare professionals like Debbie leading the way in improving cancer care and advocating for better outcomes for patients and families across the province.

Lee Malcolm belairdirect NP Scholarship: For Lee Malcolm, nursing has always been about making a difference when patients need it most. After graduating from nursing school in Ontario, Lee began her career in the Cardiac Surgery Intensive Care Unit (CSICU), securing a position as a new graduate and spending seven years caring for critically ill patients. She quickly discovered a passion for critical care nursing and loved knowing that her work was making a meaningful impact on the lives of patients and their families. When Lee moved to Calgary in 2015, her career took a new direction as she joined the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). It was there that she developed a deep appreciation for caring for the smallest and most vulnerable patients. Over the years, she also gained valuable experience working in both the Calgary and Vancouver Pediatric Intensive Care Units (PICU), further expanding her expertise in pediatric critical care. Today, Lee has made Edmonton her home and works at the renowned Stollery Children's Hospital in the Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit. In her role, she cares for some of the sickest children in the province, providing expert, compassionate care during some of the most challenging moments of their young lives. Her goal is simple but profound: to help give as many children as possible the opportunity to heal, thrive, and return home to their families. As Lee she works toward completing her Master of Nurse Practitioner degree, she hopes to continue serving patients at the Stollery while expanding her ability to provide care. She is also interested in exploring opportunities in primary care, recognizing that the possibilities for improving patient outcomes are endless. Those who work alongside Lee describe her as a skilled, compassionate, and highly respected nurse. Her commitment to her patients and their families is evident in everything she does. Children and families across Alberta are fortunate to have someone like Lee advocating for them during their most difficult moments. When she is not balancing the demands of nursing and graduate studies, Lee enjoys spending time on the ski slopes and cherishes her role as the proud auntie of two energetic nieces, ages nine and six. Lee's dedication, expertise, and compassion exemplify the very best of nursing. Alberta is fortunate to have healthcare professionals like her working every day to ensure that every child has the chance to go home and live a healthy, fulfilling life.

Winston Bui belairdirect NP Scholarship: Before becoming a nurse, Winston worked at the Royal Alexandra Hospital pharmacy in Edmonton for six years. During that time, he had the opportunity to work alongside and shadow nurses, gaining firsthand insight into the impact they had on patients and families every day. Inspired by their knowledge and ability to make a difference during some of life's most challenging moments, Winston decided to pursue a career in nursing. As a mature student, he enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at MacEwan University. During his studies, Winston became highly involved in student life and leadership roles. Participating in peer support initiatives and student networks that helped foster connection and success among his fellow nursing students. As a student, he organized a twice-a-year nursing event with the City of Edmonton that was recognized by the Canadian Nurse publication. His commitment to supporting others was evident even then, and it remains a defining characteristic of his career today. Winston graduated from MacEwan University just one month before the COVID-19 pandemic began - unable to walk across the graduation stage, it was a unique and challenging time to enter the profession. Despite the uncertainty facing healthcare systems around the world, he embraced the opportunity. His nursing career began in public health and the emergency room, where he developed valuable skills in rapid learning, communication, and advocacy. He later transitioned to critical care and currently works in the combined Intensive Care and Coronary Care Unit at Grey Nuns Community Hospital. Known for his professionalism, clinical expertise, and dedication to patient care, Winston is highly regarded by both his colleagues and leadership team. His experiences as a clinical research nurse have taken him across borders, presenting as an invited speaker to key researchers across North America. He is a valued member of the team and makes a positive impact on patients and families daily. One of the most rewarding aspects of Winston's career has been maintaining connections with MacEwan University nursing students. Since 2021, he has been a guest speaker to every graduating class of MacEwan University’s Faculty of Nursing and enjoys seeing many of them eventually join the profession. In fact, several students he once mentored or encouraged have now become his colleagues, working alongside him in healthcare settings across Alberta. As Winston grew more confident and experienced in his nursing practice, he began looking for new ways to challenge himself professionally. This desire for continued growth led him to pursue a Nurse Practitioner designation through the University of Alberta. For Winston, becoming a Nurse Practitioner was a great next step for him. He is passionate about developing knowledge, leadership skills, and clinical expertise. He wants to be prepared to lead, support patients through complex situations, and contribute to improving healthcare outcomes on a broader scale. One of Winston's primary goals as a future Nurse Practitioner is to focus on preventative care. Growing up in low-income social housing, Winston observed firsthand the profound impact that limited access to healthcare and preventive services can have on individuals, families, and communities. He recognizes the importance of early intervention and proactive healthcare, and he hopes to help people access the care and resources they need before their conditions become severe. Whether he remains in critical care or explores other practice areas in the future, Winston's commitment to improving patient outcomes and strengthening Alberta's healthcare system will continue to guide his work. Winston's journey - from pharmacy to ICU nurse and future Nurse Practitioner - is a testament to the power of lifelong learning and dedication. As he continues to grow as a healthcare professional, there is no doubt that he will remain a strong advocate for patients and a leader within the nursing profession. We are proud to celebrate Winston's accomplishments and look forward to seeing the positive impact he will continue to make in healthcare for years to come.

Ridge Karmody: Diane Davidson Memorial Scholarship: Ridge’s academic and professional journey reflects a unique blend of scientific curiosity, physical discipline, and a deep commitment to improving mental health outcomes in complex care environments. He initially began his post-secondary studies in chemistry, driven by a strong interest in the sciences and an early aspiration to pursue a PhD in the field. Alongside his academic work, Ridge remained deeply involved in competitive sports, particularly Muay Thai kickboxing. This discipline became more than just a physical pursuit—it played an important role in maintaining his mental health, structure, and resilience during demanding academic years. Over time, Ridge expanded his involvement in the sport by becoming a gym owner. This experience further shaped his understanding of the connection between physical activity, routine, and mental wellbeing. He came to view the gym as a therapeutic space—one that supports not only physical strength but also emotional regulation and mental clarity. Twelve years ago, Ridge made a significant career shift into nursing, a decision that has since defined his professional life. He has been practicing ever since, currently working at the Edmonton Remand Centre, where the clinical environment can be challenging and unpredictable. In this setting, he is often faced with complex mental health needs and high-acuity situations that require both clinical skill and emotional steadiness. Edmonton Remand Centre Drawing on his background in Muay Thai and his experience in gym leadership, Ridge actively incorporates a more holistic lens into his nursing practice. He recognizes the value of movement, discipline, and structured physical training as complementary approaches to traditional treatment methods. His perspective allows him to support patients not only through medical care, but also by considering lifestyle and behavioral elements that can contribute to stability and recovery. Ridge is now pursuing a Nurse Practitioner designation, with the long-term goal of extending continuity of care for individuals involved in the correctional system. He is particularly passionate about supporting patients after their release, recognizing that the transition back into the community is often a critical and underserved period. He hopes that more consistent, follow-up care will improve long-term outcomes and reduce cycles of re-entry into the system. He is also motivated by a desire to address gaps in available resources, especially for individuals with complex mental health and social needs. Through advanced practice, he hopes to contribute to more accessible, continuous, and effective care models that better support vulnerable populations. Outside of his professional commitments and academic pursuits, Ridge values time spent with his family and friends. He is also an avid chess player, appreciating the strategic thinking and patience the game requires—qualities that mirror his approach to both nursing and life. Combined with his ongoing dedication to Muay Thai kickboxing, these interests reflect a well-rounded individual committed to discipline, reflection, and continuous growth. Ridge’s journey illustrates a consistent theme: the integration of mind, body, and science in service of others. He remains focused on making a meaningful difference in the lives of the patients he serves, particularly within mental health and correctional care settings, while continuing to grow as both a practitioner and a leader in his field.

Marisa Smallboy: Adroit Wealth Indigenous Scholarship: As the recipient of the Adroit Wealth Indigenous Scholarship, Marisa Smallboy represents the next generation of nursing leaders dedicated to improving health outcomes for Indigenous communities. Her passion for research, community health, and culturally meaningful care is already making a lasting impact. Marisa graduated from the University of Alberta's Registered Nursing program in 2023 and began her career at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton. After six months of gaining valuable clinical experience, she followed her passion for Indigenous health by joining the Maskwacîs Health Centre, where she has found both purpose and inspiration in serving her community. Since joining the health centre, Marisa has become involved in several innovative initiatives. She has worked on a pilot project focused on diagnosing hip dysplasia in both adults and children, while also assisting fellow researchers with a variety of community-based research programs. Through this work, she quickly recognized the limited amount of research available on Indigenous populations. Rather than accepting this gap, she chose to become part of the solution. Today, Marisa is pursuing her Master of Science in Research, where her goal is to contribute meaningful Indigenous-focused research that helps improve healthcare outcomes for First Nations communities. She believes that research should reflect the unique experiences and needs of Indigenous peoples and hopes her work will help shape more equitable healthcare in the future. Beyond research, Marisa is deeply committed to preventative care and building trust within the community. One of her greatest passions is providing immunizations for school-aged children, using every interaction as an opportunity to create positive relationships with young people. She hopes that by building trust early in life, children will feel comfortable seeking healthcare, advice, and support throughout their lives. She is equally passionate about improving access to early diagnoses for children with conditions such as autism and ADHD. Marisa recognizes that these conditions are often underdiagnosed in Indigenous communities due to limited resources and access to specialized services. She believes that early identification and support can make a significant difference in a child's future and is determined to advocate for better access to these essential services. At the heart of everything she does is a simple but powerful goal: to keep her community healthy, safe, and supported while strengthening relationships between healthcare providers and the people they serve. When she isn't nursing, conducting research, or working toward her master's degree, Marisa enjoys baking, crafting, and spending time with her daughter, Chokecherry, who inspires her every day to lead with kindness, determination, and compassion. Wise beyond her years, Marisa is already demonstrating the qualities of an exceptional nurse, researcher, and community leader. Her dedication to advancing Indigenous health, advocating for future generations, and creating meaningful change makes her an incredibly deserving recipient of the Adroit Wealth Indigenous Scholarship. There is no doubt that her work will continue to benefit Indigenous communities for many years to come.