The awards are a testament to the transformative power of nursing leadership and the vital role nurses play in shaping a healthier, more inclusive Canada.
Bloomberg Nursing is proud to celebrate members of its Faculty and alumni community who have been awarded the prestigious King Charles III Coronation Medal. This national honour recognizes Canadians who have made exceptional contributions to their communities and country, reflecting values of service, compassion, and leadership.
Recipients are nominated by an organization or individuals including members of parliament. This year, the Canadian Nurses Association, The National Council of Veterans Association in Canada, and sitting MP’s, nominated members of the Bloomberg Nursing community recognizing their impact on the nursing profession and society as a whole.
Jana Lok, an Assistant Professor (Teaching Stream), is a passionate nursing educator and was nominated by the Military Nurses of Canada , a part of the National Council of Veterans Association in Canada. This award recognizes Lok’s 25 plus years of service in the Canadian Forces Health Services, highlighting her contributions to military healthcare, education and training. It also acknowledges her ongoing commitment to shaping future nursing leaders through teaching and scholarship.
“Receiving the King Charles III Coronation Medal is a deeply humbling honour that reminds me how much of my journey has been shaped by the support of others. I’m especially grateful to my colleagues and mentors whose guidance continues to inspire the leader and advocate I strive to be in nursing,” says Lok.
Vanessa Wright (DN 2024) a Bloomberg Nursing alumna, and newly appointed Assistant Professor (Teaching Stream) was nominated by the Canadian Nurses Association in recognition of groundbreaking work in refugee health and primary care.
“I am truly honoured to receive this award, which is built from the collective energy and engagement of what primary care nursing holds and has to offer. It has been the most remarkable privilege to engage in the work of refugee health, that necessitates collaboration across disciplines and sectors,” says Wright. “What I have learned from patients and their stories as they navigate care pathways, I consider to be an honour of my career.”
Other members of the Bloomberg Nursing community who have received the King Charles III Coronation Medal in 2025 include:
- Michelle Acorn, CEO NPAO, Adjunct Professor
- Leigh Chapman (PhD 2019), Chief Nursing Officer of Canada, Adjunct Professor
- Wilfrida Chavez, Professor Emerita
- Julie Earle – Adjunct Professor, Nurse Practitioner
- Linda Johnston – Principal and Vice President of U of T Scarborough (former Dean of Nursing)
- Ruth Lee (BScN 1985, MScN 1988, PhD 2000) – Executive Direct CARE
- Lynn Nagle, Adjunct Professor
- Sioban Nelson, Professor Emerita
Are you a member of the Bloomberg Nursing community who has received a King Charles III Coronation Medal? Let us know so that we can celebrate you and add your name to our list of honourees. Email communications.nursing@utoronto.ca