The designation recognizes exceptional Canadian nurse leaders.
Dean Robyn Stremler, and Professors Edith Hillan, Elizabeth Peter, and Jennifer Stinson of the Lawrence Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing have been named 2025 Fellows of the Canadian Academy of Nursing (FCAN). This designation honours the most accomplished nurse leaders in Canada recognizing their exceptional work in clinical practice, education, administration, research and policy.
The new inductees will be awarded by the Canadian Nurses Association during their induction ceremony on October 29.
Robyn Stremler
“Receiving this recognition alongside my colleagues at Bloomberg Nursing and across Canada is a tremendous honour,” says Stremler. “It is a privilege to be named among Canadian nurses who have proven to be exceptionally dedicated to research and education that empowers a bold generation of future nurses,” says Stremler.
An expert in pediatric sleep, Stremler’s research over the past 20 years has sought to improve sleep and health outcomes for parents, children and adolescents. She has conducted numerous studies using actigraphy to measure sleep in pediatric settings, and her internationally recognized expertise has earned her a fellowship with the American Academy of Nursing and the American Association for Sleep Medicine. In addition to her research, Stremler is also recognized for her excellence in academic administration at the University of Toronto, where she has served in various leadership roles, including her current role as Dean of the Faculty of Nursing.
Edith Hillan
Edith Hillan is renowned for her research advancing nursing practice particularly as it pertains to intrapartum and postpartum care. Her research evaluating the use of a birth chair during delivery is referenced in the UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guideline on intrapartum care.
In addition to her research, Hillan is also recognized for her leadership and mentorship of international doctoral students at Bloomberg Nursing. Through her guidance students have conducted studies in global settings, including in Nepal, Ghana, Tanzania, and Pakistan examining a range of issues from maternal decision making to developmentally supportive care practices for pre-term infants.
“I am delighted to be recognised with this award from the Canadian Academy of Nursing. This honour is a reflection, not only of my academic career, but of the many people who have walked alongside me throughout it,” says Hillan. “There are many who have inspired and supported me through the challenges as well as the moments that made the journey worthwhile.”
Elizabeth Peter
Through her research expertise, Elizabeth Peter has become a leading voice in ethics within nursing research and practice. Her studies investigating the political dimensions of nurses’ ethical concerns in practice, most recently focusing on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, have earned her international recognition. In addition to her prominently cited research, Peter is also recognized for her outstanding leadership as Chair of Public Health Ontario’s Research Ethics Board and her position on the American Academy of Nursing’s Bioethics Expert Panel, which has involved contributions to important statements and policy briefs addressing geo-political issues on behalf of nurses.
“It’s an honour for me to be inducted into Canadian Academy of Nursing. I look forward to being able to contribute to the important work of the CNA through my expertise in ethics,” says Peter.
Jennifer Stinson
As leader in pain research Jennifer Stinson has built a remarkable career focused on improving pain for children with chronic illness using digital interventions. Her recent development of a mobile app called iCanCope, helps young people with sickle cell disease self-manage their pain symptoms. A senior scientist at the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), Stinson has also been successful in having her research implemented into practice, including the use of MEDi a humanoid robot that helps children in the ER feel more comfortable, and her development of the chronic pain program at SickKids. Her work has earned her international recognition, including the Peter Gilgan Canada Gairdner Momentum Award. In addition to her innovative research, Stinson is also dedicated to mentoring the next generation of nurse scientists in the area of pain research.
“Being named a fellow of the Canadian Academy of Nursing is an honour, and I’m grateful for the ways in which this recognition will contribute to the sustained and positive impact of my work on improving pediatric pain management, and the subsequent advancement of the nursing profession,” says Stinson.