Canadian Nurse Practitioner, Margaret Prociuk, Receives International Nightingale Award 2020
The International Organization of Multiple Sclerosis Nurses with support from Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany awards significant accomplishments in Multiple Sclerosis nursing in celebration of the first Internat
EMD Serono, the biopharmaceutical business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany in the US and Canada, is pleased to announce a Canadian among the recipients of the International Organization of Multiple Sclerosis Nurses (IOMSN) Nightingale Award 2020, which recognizes significant accomplishments in MS nursing.
The International Nightingale Award 2020 was launched by IOMSN, with support from Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany in celebration of the International Year of the Nurse and Midwife. The 2020 award was presented to 10 international MS nursing professionals in honour of their outstanding commitment to the MS community.
Canadian Margaret Prociuk, a nurse practitioner at a multiple sclerosis clinic in Edmonton, was among the recipients of the International Nightingale Award 2020. Prociuk will receive $5,000 USD to support her MS Wellness Program, an initiative that will focus on the needs of the patient community in Edmonton, Alberta and provide mindfulness training to individuals living with MS.
“We are delighted to see Margaret receive international recognition for her dedication to the MS community,” said Robert Woolstencroft, Head of Patient Access & Government Affairs of EMD Serono, Canada. “Her commitment will help provide patients with valuable tools for managing their disease. Margaret is a great example of the extraordinary work and dedication we see from MS nurses across the country every day.”
Having a Canadian recipient of the International Nightingale Award recognizes the significance of MS nurse contributions to patient management and highlights the leadership role that Canadian nurses play on a global level.
“This first International Year of the Nurse and Midwife is an opportune time to shine a light on the profound role that MS nursing professionals play in the lives of those affected by this chronic disease,” said June Halper, Chief Executive Officer of the IOMSN. “We are confident the support of these local programs and research will have a positive impact on the broader MS community, and are excited to work with Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany on this project.”
About Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a degenerative autoimmune disease in which the myelin sheath around the nerves in the brain and spinal cord are inflamed and often damaged. It is estimated that approximately 2.3 million people have MS worldwide. Canada has one of the highest rates of MS in the world with one in 385 people living with the disease. While symptoms vary, the most common symptoms of MS include extreme fatigue, lack of coordination, weakness, tingling, impaired sensation, vision problems, bladder problems, cognitive impairment and mood changes. The relapsing forms of MS are the most common type at the time of diagnosis.
About the International Organization of Multiple Sclerosis Nurses (IOMSN)
Founded on May 30, 1997, International Organization of Multiple Sclerosis Nurses (IOMSN) is the first and only international organization focusing solely on the needs and goals of professional nurses, anywhere in the world, who care for people with multiple sclerosis. Mentoring, educating, networking, sharing - the IOMSN supports nurses in their continuing effort to offer hope.
The mission of the IOMSN is the establishment and perpetuation of a specialized branch of nursing in multiple sclerosis; to establish standards of nursing care in multiple sclerosis; to support multiple sclerosis nursing research; and to educate the health care community about multiple sclerosis; and to disseminate this knowledge throughout the world. The ultimate goal of the IOMSN is to improve the lives of all those persons affected by multiple sclerosis through the provision of appropriate healthcare services and to make hope happen!
About EMD Serono, Canada
EMD Serono, Canada, is the Canadian biopharmaceutical business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. EMD Serono, Canada has integrated cutting-edge science, innovative products and devices, and industry-leading patient support and access programs. EMD Serono, Canada has deep expertise in neurology, fertility and endocrinology, as well as a robust pipeline of potential therapies in neurology, oncology, immunology and immuno-oncology. Today, EMD Serono, Canada has more than 100 employees across Canada with headquarters in Mississauga, Ontario.
About Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, a leading science and technology company, operates across healthcare, life science and performance materials. Around 56,000 employees work to make a positive difference to millions of people’s lives every day by creating more joyful and sustainable ways to live. From advancing gene editing technologies and discovering unique ways to treat the most challenging diseases to enabling the intelligence of devices – the company is everywhere. In 2018, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, generated sales of € 14.8 billion in 66 countries.
The company holds the global rights to the name and trademark “Merck” internationally. The only exceptions are the United States and Canada, where the business sectors of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany operate as EMD Serono in healthcare, MilliporeSigma in life science, and EMD Performance Materials. Since its founding in 1668, scientific exploration and responsible entrepreneurship have been key to the company’s technological and scientific advances. To this day, the founding family remains the majority owner of the publicly listed company.
[i] MS Society of Canada. What is MS. Accessed November 27, 2019. Available at https://mssociety.ca/about-ms/what-is-ms
[ii] MS International Federation. Atlas of MS. Accessed November 27, 2019. Available at https://www.msif.org/about-us/who-we-are-and-what-we-do/advocacy/atlas/.
[iii] MS Society of Canada. About MS. What is MS. Accessed November 27, 2019. Available at https://mssociety.ca/about-ms/what-is-ms
[iv] Ibid
[v] MS Society of Canada. About MS. Types. Accessed March 27, 2019. Available at https://mssociety.ca/about-ms/types