Karen Fleming is a Registered Nurse with over 22 years of experience which includes paediatrics, informatics, simulation, professional practice, and more recently anti-racist healthcare and health equity. She started her career at The Hospital for Sick Children on the Haematology/Oncology unit and has since worked at various institutions across the GTA pursuing nursing leadership roles. She completed her MN in 2011, her Masters of Science in Healthcare Simulation in 2021 and has recently started her Doctor of Education at U of T in the Social Justice Education Department and is currently the Senior Clinical Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Anti-Racism Lead for Lakeridge Health.
With an ongoing mental commentary of wanting to reduce inequities in health care for equity deserving groups through anti-oppressive, anti-racist healthcare, Karen is passionate about the provision of care that is culturally humble, relevant, and safe. Karen has devoted most of her life to learning about Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) and is a recognized expert in the field who continues to fight alongside folks living with SCD for care that is free from bias, stigma, and racism.
“My biggest message to all of you is never give up on your dreams, don’t let anyone tell you you can’t, and believe in your own greatness, no mater what anyone else thinks or says.”