When Dr. Leigh Chapman ’91 (Champlain College) became Canada’s Chief Nursing Officer (CNO), she stepped into a role both newly reinstated and nationally pivotal. The appointment recognizes her two decades of experience spanning critical care, community health and academic research. Chapman’s professional arc is defined by compassion and a commitment to reshaping how health systems care for people and support the nurses who hold those systems together. 

She approaches her role with a sense of curiosity and optimism about where the profession is headed. 

“Healthcare is such a dynamic field and it's ever changing because of patient population, but also because of innovations within healthcare,” Chapman comments. “So that makes it endlessly exciting because you're always learning.” 

A Career Built on Curiosity and Culture

Chapman’s foundation as a lifelong learner began during her undergraduate years at Trent, where she immersed herself in Spanish and Anthropology, disciplines that would unexpectedly become central to her nursing practice. 

“I was very interested in cultural anthropology, which is really around culture and people,” Chapman says. “I think that actually equipped me effectively for a career in nursing because it really is all about relationships and your ability to connect with people and build a therapeutic relationship.” 

She has maintained her fluency in Spanish, using it in clinical settings, in work abroad and in her current federal role.  

Staying Connected to the Next Generation

On a recent visit to Trent, Chapman met with faculty and students in the Trent/Fleming School of Nursing to better understand the program and share insights from the national landscape. She left with a renewed sense of excitement for the future of the profession. The breadth of nursing possibilities continues to inspire her. 

“There’s truly never a dull moment in nursing. You can contribute to society in an incredibly meaningful way, and there aren’t many professions that offer that.” 

Watch Chapman’s full interview for her insights on what it means to help shape Canada’s healthcare future.