Valerie Rzepka Np, Bscn, Msc, Dlshtm Email & Phone Number

Toronto, On, Ca

Canadian Arctic

Providing health support and medical services on a Coast Guard Ice breaking vessel in the remote Canadian Arctic.

International

January 2008 - CurrentExecutive Director (Unpaid Volunteer), Co-Founder and Charter Member.- Elected position on the Board of Directors, responsible for the overall function and finances of the organization. October 2005 – Current (on stand-by)Operations Director - Duties include: coordination of organization's disaster response, overseeing teams providing primary care in remote villages and mobile clinics, mobilization and logistics of field hospital and supplies, coordination of logistics and liaising with United Nations, Canadian Forces and other governmental and non-governmental partners, conducting media interviews (live and recorded television, radio and newspaper) and other duties as assigned. - Korczowa, Poland/ Krakovets, Ukraine; Dorohusk, Poland/ Yahodyn, Ukraine (2022 Ukraine Conflict) - Les Cayes, Haïti (2021 earthquake)- San Pedro Sula, Honduras (2020 Hurricanes Etta and Iota)- Tortola, British Virgin Islands; and Dominica (2017 Hurricane Irma)- Le Irois and Jérémie, Haïti (2016 Hurricane Matthew)- Baluwa & Takukot, Gorhka District, Nepal (2015 earthquakes): - Ormoc City & Tacloban, Leyte, Philippines (2013/14 Typhoon Yolanda/Haiyan)- Ishinomaki, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan (2011 earthquake and tsunami)- Port-au-Prince and Léogâne Haïti (2010 earthquake): ACHIEVEMENTS AS COORDINATOR: CMAT Field Hospital: 10,000+ patients treated, 300+ orthopaedic surgeries, 8 babies born. CMAT Team: 100+ medical professionals in rotating teams over 6 months. In addition, was responsible for drafting and submitting proposal for government/ CIDA funding. - Chengdu, Sichuan, China (2008 earthquake)- Dhaka, Bangladesh (2007 floods)- Muzaffarabad, (Kashmir) Pakistan (2005 earthquake)

International

Provision of primary and critical nursing care during domestic and international medical evacuations and repatriations by either private air ambulance or commercial airlines. Included contracts with the Canadian Federal Government.

Emergency Medical Assistance Team - Sunnybrook Centre For Pre-Hospital Medicine

Duties include providing primary and behavioural health care as part of an interdisciplinary health team in response to major catastrophic events. EMAT Nurse Practitioners provide a full range of health care services to individuals, families and communities in a variety of settings including field hospitals and community based clinics in cities and smaller towns in the province Ontario.

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Provision of education, consulting and auditing services for large corporations, small businesses, universities, governments and non-profit groups on a variety of health related topics including Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) best practices, emergency preparedness, disaster mitigation and pandemic planning and management. Compliance with regulatory requirements including using ISO9001 guidelines, improvement of internal controls,and reduction of financial and operational risk. Demonstrated leadership skills to guide staff to the successful achievement of auditing goals and enable clients to achieve business goals.Clients include: National Hockey League, Magna International, Sobey's Inc,. World Health Organization, Pan American Health Organization, Princess Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, Angels of Flight Canada and Humanitarian U.

Ontario, Canada

Clinical Educator, consultant, and facilitator providing staff orientation, and development expertise while supporting the continuing development of the remote outpost nurse (Canadian Arctic and sub-Arctic). Includes assisting learners in the assessment of ongoing needs and identification of outcomes, incorporating principles of adult learning, and coordinating orientation of new and returning staff to the organization and role. Development and coordination of core education to address specific patient population nursing care and Indigenous Cultural Safety. Collaborates and contributes to government contract bid submission documents. Also served as an educational consultant for remedial work relating to nurse job performance, policy and procedures.