Following her second year in UBC’s BSN program, Liz took a summer job in the pediatric operating room at the Stollery Children’s Hospital in Edmonton, Alberta. This would introduce her to pediatric oncology, a patient population that ignited a passion that would ultimately shape her career. By her final practicum in 2009, she had secured a placement in pediatric oncology, further cementing her path.
After graduating from UBC, Liz returned to Edmonton to begin her journey as a pediatric oncology nurse at the Stollery Children’s Hospital, where she worked for five years. Her dedication to pediatric oncology took her to the University of Pennsylvania in 2014, where she pursued a Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in pediatric oncology, qualifying as a Pediatric Oncology Nurse Practitioner the following year. Liz’s career then took her to Chicago, where she joined Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital as a Nurse Practitioner in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, caring for patients with solid tumors and complex vascular lesions.
During those years after MSN graduation, Liz was driven to make an even broader impact in the world. She ventured into travel nursing but soon realized it wasn’t her calling. Instead, she found her niche in global health initiatives, participating in medical missions with organizations such as Saving Mothers in the Dominican Republic and ASCO/Health Volunteers Overseas in Cambodia. These experiences offered invaluable insights but also highlighted the limitations of traditional, short-term approaches to international aid. Liz sought a more collaborative and sustainable way to contribute to global health, seeking opportunities to work in pediatric oncology, the first love of her career.
In 2018, Liz found her opportunity with St. Jude Global, at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. As the Global Nursing Project Coordinator in the Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, Liz combined her clinical expertise with a passion for education and global outreach. She designed and implemented training programs, workshops, and quality improvement initiatives for nurses worldwide, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to improve care delivery across diverse geographic regions. While at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Liz continued to grow and learn as a clinician by practicing as an Advanced Practice Nurse on the Hospitalist team.
In 2021, Liz returned home to Edmonton, rejoining Stollery Children’s Hospital as a Nurse Practitioner in the pediatric oncology unit where her career began. But her global efforts continued. In 2022, Liz stepped in to support the SAFER Ukraine initiative for children with cancer affected by the war in Ukraine, spending time at a triage hub in Poland. Since 2023, she has worked with St. Jude Global as an independent contractor, working with the Adapted Resource and Implementation Application (ARIA) Guide, primarily on the development of supportive care guidelines and implementation efforts. Liz also supports the EURO regional program, including continuing to support the SAFER Ukraine initiative.
Liz’s dedication to global health and public health innovation led her to further expand her expertise by earning a Master in Public Health from Johns Hopkins University in 2023. This advanced training allowed her to deepen her understanding of public health systems, health equity, and global collaborations. With this degree, Liz enhanced her ability to design and implement impactful programs, further strengthening her role as a leader in pediatric oncology and global health initiatives.
Liz has also been actively involved in SIOP (the Société Internationale d’Oncologie Pédiatrique [International Society of Pediatric Oncology]) since 2015, serving as co-chair of the Global Health Nursing working group; member of the Education and Training Committee; and most recently as a member of the Women Leaders in Pediatric Oncology steering group.
Outside of work, Liz’s life is as dynamic as her career. Whether she’s running marathons (she completed her first in summer 2024), spending time with her golden retriever, Grizz, or traveling with family and friends, Liz embodies the spirit of resilience and ambition. Along the way, her career has also allowed her to build lasting friendships and connections with colleagues around the world, creating a truly global community united by a shared passion for pediatric oncology.
Fifteen years after graduating from UBC’s BSN program, Liz’s journey serves as an inspiring reminder of how passion, perseverance, and a commitment to global health can lead to remarkable achievements.