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Diversey SolenisJulie Larose Memorial Scholarship

In memory of Julie Larose, a Diversey Inc. representative, IPAC Canada member, and friend to so many in healthcare, Diversey Inc. is supporting a scholarship to recognize an IPAC Canada member who has demonstrated grace, tenacity and humour in the face of adversity and may not be well known on the national stage.  The candidate may also be nominated for lifetime achievement in infection prevention and control.

The winner of the 2023 Julie Larose Memorial Scholarship is Francine Paquette. For more information about Francine's winning nomination, click here

2024 JULIE LAROSE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP NOMINATIONS ARE NOW BEING ACCEPTED.

Deadline for Nominations:  March 1, 2024.  

Her nominators, Eleanor Paget and Cara-Lee Coghill, spoke of Francine’s exceptional grace, tenacity and humour throughout her 25-year IPAC career, particularly so during the COVID-19 pandemic. As president of IPAC Southwestern Ontario (IPAC SWO), she navigated the chapter though the most challenging years in 2019-2020. She steadfastly advocated for ongoing member offerings and education and pivoted to a more realistic virtual approach to address chapter capacity and competing priorities arising from the pandemic. During the pandemic, Francine transitioned from her role as a regional IPAC specialist in the province to an IPAC director role in long-term care (LTC), where she faced the brutal reality of the pandemic’s impact on the health and welfare of staff and residents. It was here that she realized the pragmatic challenges of implementing dynamic and changing guidelines on the front lines. She became a tireless advocate in LTC identifying gaps and mentoring IPAC staff to provide the safest environment possible. Despite an ever-changing context, Francine maintained composure. Her strength, determination and leadership were exemplified in her work with LTC and external IPAC committees, her knowledge and expertise sought regularly. Julie Larose Memorial Scholarship Winner: Francine Paquette Francine is notorious for her use of humour with colleagues and presentation participants. Her positive attitude brings levity to difficult situations and has made her a valued member of IPAC SWO, Public Health Ontario, people Care Communities and the numerous committees for which she serves. She has inspired many colleagues to persevere in the face of adversity. Throughout her career, Francine has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to public health, government and LTC, advocating for IPAC programs, providing strong leadership, and mentoring and encouraging colleagues. Her strength, determination, and humour in the face of adversity have made her a role model for all. Her dedication to improving the resident and staff health and well-being is inspirational. Francine is a true asset to the IPAC field. Her contributions to the field and her community are well-recognized. Francine is the Director of Infection Prevention and Control at peopleCare Communities, supporting the IPAC programs for their retirement and long-term care homes. Her specialization for IPAC implementation crosses all disciplines with a particular interest in environmental services. Prior to joining peopleCare, she was the Team Lead of IPAC West Regional Team of Public Health Ontario and first joined PHO in 2013 as an Infection Control Specialist. Francine began her career in 1992 as a public health inspector with Oxford County Public Health, specializing in IPAC since 1998. She has maintained her CIC certification since 2007. Francine recently concluded her term as Past-President of IPAC SWO, after serving on the executive for six years. Currently, she is a member of PIDAC-IPC and was recently appointed as the Scientific Program Co-Chair for the 2024 IPAC Canada National Conference in St John’s and will be the Chair for the 2025 Conference in Winnipeg.