Julie Larose Memorial Scholarship
| Julie Jeanne Marie Larose filled her life with laughter, friends, family and travel. Born in Gatineau Quebec, she grew up in Ottawa and as an adult immediately started working in health care. Her entire career was connecting with people, while constantly maintaining strong ties to the medical field, whether in devices, administration, or infection control. She dedicated her focus on making the world safer, cleaner and healthier. This “Fiery Frenchie” (as she called herself) ferociously fought cancer in the prime of her life and continued to smile, dance and love to the very end. Her courage and passion are examples for us all to extract as much as we can out of our short time here, while her unforgettable laugh and sensational smile sits in the sun shining on the water, inspiring us to never give up. |
The Julie Larose Memorial Scholarship recognizes 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.
2024 Julie Larose Memorial Scholarship - Vivian LaPointe
The recipient of the 2024 Julie Larose Memorial Scholarship is Vivian LaPointe of Nova Scotia Health Authority, Halifax. After describing Vivian’s journey to IPAC, including providing nursing care in Saudi Arabia, her nominators said, “Vivian quickly became part of the (redevelopment project) team, shared some laughs, and started to build trust I her workplace. From the team’s perspective, Vivian demonstrated such a high degree of competency for someone technically deemed a novice practitioner… While the construction world has made positive strides in enticing woman into that workforce, it can still be rife with old stereotypes, perceptions and values that need to be overcome by women, even in 2024. Without a doubt, Vivian has the tenacity and chops to hold her own on the construction sites.”
Vivian describes her journey:
My healthcare journey began in 1999 as a community support worker in Prince Edward Island, where I learned compassion and patient care. Little did I know that this humble start would lead to an impactful nursing career. Over 17 years, I’ve worked in diverse healthcare settings—from British Columbia’s Cancer Care Program to Seattle’s bustling medicine units. The Middle East welcomed me as a pediatric oncology nurse, critical care nursing in New Brunswick, and supported nursing programs at the University of New Brunswick. In 2018, I settled in Nova Scotia, specializing in Hematology and Stem Cell Transplants. Amid the pandemic, I took on a vital role in Infection Control, proving my tenacity and skills. Now, as an IPAC specialist in redevelopment, I aim to break stereotypes and empower women in construction.
Previous Winners of Julie Larose Memorial Scholarship:
2023 - Francine Paquette
Award sponsored by:
