In every corner of Northern Health (NH), nurse practitioners (NP) are making a profound impact—through leadership, education, research, and clinical care. This year, it is fitting that during National Nurse Practitioner Week we celebrate four exceptional individuals whose contributions exemplify the very best of what it means to be an NP. They were recognized in September during the regional NP community of practice and were each awarded a Nurse Practitioner Excellence Award.
Leadership with heart: Katherine Pim
Katherine (Kat) Pim, recipient of the 2025 Nurse Practitioner Excellence in Leadership Award, is a natural leader whose influence is felt across specialties, teams, and communities. Whether mentoring new staff, supporting students, or providing outreach to vulnerable populations, Kat leads with compassion, dedication, and a collaborative spirit. Her commitment to accessible care—even if it means trekking to a remote home to discuss lab results with a reluctant patient—demonstrates her unwavering devotion. Kat’s leadership continues to elevate the NP role in Terrace, the Northwest, and across the North. Thank you, Kat, for being a guiding light and an inspiring example to us all.
Empowering through education: Rona Loewen
Rona Loewen, recipient of the 2025 Nurse Practitioner Excellence in Education Award, is a passionate educator and advocate for women’s health. In Quesnel, she provides expert contraceptive care and cervical cancer screening with kindness and clinical excellence. However, Rona’s impact goes far beyond her patients—she generously shares her knowledge with NP students and colleagues, empowering them to deliver care with confidence and competence. Her mentorship has helped shape a generation of NPs who now carry forward her legacy of compassionate, informed practice. Rona, your dedication to teaching and uplifting others is a gift to our entire NP community.
Innovating for better care: Raelene Marceau
Raelene (Rae) Marceau, recipient of the 2025 Nurse Practitioner Excellence in Research Award, is a visionary in advancing evidence-based practice. Since joining the Fort St. John Primary Care Clinic in 2024, Rae has brought innovation and insight to every project she touches—from AI scribe technology to menopause care research. Her collaboration with BC Women’s Hospital promises to transform care for menopause patients across BC. Rae’s passion for improving health outcomes and her commitment to research make her a trusted colleague and an innovative leader. Thank you, Rae, for always bringing your brilliance (and your podcasts!) to the forefront of our work.
Compassion in practice: Melanie Starzyk
Melanie (Mel) Starzyk, recipient of the 2025 Nurse Practitioner Excellence in Clinical Practice Award, has spent the past eight years providing trauma-informed, culturally safe care to Prince George’s most complex mental health and substance use (MHSU) patients at Blue Pine Clinic. Her quiet strength, humility, and unwavering presence have made her a cornerstone of the clinic and a beloved provider among patients. Mel’s collaborative spirit and mentorship have supported countless students and colleagues, helping them find the courage to show up and walk alongside her. Mel, your steadfast dedication and grace in practice are deeply appreciated and profoundly impactful
Together, Kat, Rona, Rae, and Mel represent the heart and soul of Nurse Practitioner excellence in Northern Health. Their unique contributions remind us that leadership, education, research, and clinical care are all vital threads in the fabric of our health care system. Congratulations to each of you—and thank you for the difference you make every day.
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