Kimberly LeBlanc, PhD, FCAN, FNSWOC, FAAN

Biography

Kimberly LeBlanc is the current Academic Chair of the Association for Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada’s (NSWOCC) Wound, Ostomy and Continence Institute (WOC Institute), and an Advanced Practice and Certified Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurse with KDS Professional Consulting. She currently serves as President of the Canadian Nurses Association.

Dr. LeBlanc holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing from Queen’s University. She is a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Nursing (FCAN), a Fellow of Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence (FNSWOC), and a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing (FAAN). In 2025, she received a King Charles III Coronation Medal in recognition of her contribution to nursing in Canada.

Throughout her distinguished career, she has held influential leadership roles across national and international organizations. She is a past president of the International Skin Tear Advisory Panel and past co-chair of the Canadian Pressure Injury Advisory Panel. She currently serves as a board member of the World Union of Wound Healing Societies (WUWHS) and the International Wound Infection Institute (IWII).

Kimberly has lectured extensively on wound and ostomy care and is considered a global expert on wounds and ostomy issues in the aging population. She has contributed numerous publications and book chapters on wound, ostomy, and continence-related topics, helping to shape best practices, education, and clinical excellence in these specialty areas worldwide.

Leadership in Nursing

Kimberly LeBlanc’s leadership spans academic nursing, specialty clinical practice, national advocacy, and global professional service. As President of the Canadian Nurses Association, she helps shape the direction of nursing leadership, policy, and professional advancement across Canada.

Her career reflects a deep commitment to elevating nursing practice, strengthening specialized education, and ensuring that nurses remain central voices in improving care delivery, patient outcomes, and health system innovation.

Education & Academic Influence

• Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing from Queen’s University
• Academic Chair of NSWOCC’s Wound, Ostomy and Continence Institute
• Extensive lecturer on wound and ostomy care
• Supports advanced education in wound, ostomy, and continence nursing
• Contributes to publications and book chapters that support evidence-based nursing practice

Global Clinical & Professional Impact

• Recognized as a global expert in wounds and ostomy issues in the aging population
• Presented extensively at professional and academic forums
• Helped advance specialty nursing practice through international leadership and collaboration
• Serves on boards influencing wound healing and wound infection best practices worldwide
• Contributes thought leadership across wound, ostomy, and continence care

Awards & Recognition

• 2025 – Inducted as a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing (FAAN)
• 2025 – Inducted as an inaugural Fellow of Nurses, Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence (FNSWOC)
• 2025 – International Skin Tear Advisory Panel (ISTAP) President’s Award
• 2025 – Received the King Charles III Coronation Medal for contributions to nursing in Canada
• 2022 – World Union of Wound Healing Societies “Gold Medal” Award for outstanding contributions to innovation in skin integrity
• 2020 – Inducted as a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Nursing (FCAN)
• 2018 – NSWOCC President’s Award for Outstanding Contribution to Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing in Canada
• 2016 – Canadian Nurses Association Order of Merit for Nursing Education
• 2016 – Canadian Nurses Foundation Dorothy Kergin Post-Graduate Scholarship
• 2016 – Registered Nurses of Ontario Leadership Award in Nursing Education (Academic)

Mentorship & Professional Influence

Dr. LeBlanc is widely respected for her contributions to education, clinical excellence, and professional mentorship. Through teaching, scholarship, leadership, and advocacy, she continues to inspire nurses in specialty practice and beyond.

Her work has strengthened the visibility and impact of wound, ostomy, and continence nursing, while also advancing broader conversations around nursing leadership, innovation, and excellence in patient care.