Jeffrey Ko has a long list of credentials highlighting his expertise in the field of nursing, but a recent distinction is particularly close to his heart.
The NC School of Nursing and PSW Professor was named ‘Educator of the Year’ by the Integrated Filipino Canadian Nurses Association (IFCNA). The award recognized his overall contribution to the non-profit organization, which promotes activities to enhance unification of Filipino-Canadian nurses and its associate members in Canada.
Ko – whose post-nominal initials include PhD, RN, MN, MAN, CIC, IIWCC, CCSNE, CCNE and CNeph (c) – pursued his career in nursing and education driven by a passion for helping others. The award validates the positive impact he has had on the lives of his students, colleagues, and the community.
“It is a reminder that my efforts to inspire, motivate, and empower others have not gone unnoticed,” said Ko. “This recognition also motivates me to continue striving for excellence and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in education.”
It also marks a significant professional milestone for Ko, acknowledging his commitment to providing high-quality education, his ability to innovate and adapt to changing educational landscapes, and his dedication to making a positive difference in the lives of his students.
“This award will undoubtedly open doors to new opportunities, collaborations, and networks, allowing me to further amplify my impact and contribute to the growth and development of the education sector,” he said.
Ko began working part-time at NC in 2018 and has been full-time since 2022. He currently teaches Pharmacology in the Practical Nursing program, Interprofessional Education and Practice – Multi-discipline, and Nursing Practice IV.
“I find the most rewarding aspect of being an educator, is the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of my students, watching them grow and develop into confident, self-assured individuals who are passionate about learning and equipped to make a difference in the world,” he said. “I am most passionate about empowering students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to provide compassionate and high-quality care to their patients, and to become leaders in the healthcare industry.”
In addition to his faculty role at NC, Ko is part of the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) Council, CNO Disciplinary Committee, and CNO Fitness to Practice Committee. He is also involved with the province’s Nursing Transformation Initiative, which aims to boost the number of nurses in Ontario, as part of a team that designed curriculum for courses which are now being offered by all 24 Ontario colleges.
Ko has been a part of Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) and the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC) for 10 years – organizations that work together to promote infection prevention and control in Canada. He recently completed the CBIC CIC exam which recertifies him for five years as an infection preventionist (infection control practitioner).
He has been a volunteer with the IFCNA for the past two years, helping Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs) as well as domestic nurses on their journey to becoming RNs and RPNs in Canada.
“To be holistic nurses – knowledge, skills, and attitude,” he said. “I am happy to share my expertise with nurses and also other disciplines.”
The not-for-profit organization provides services and assistance to socio-civic and cultural events in the community and aims to lift the morale of Filipino-Canadian nurses through awards and recognitions for their exemplary performance. It also advocates for the professional growth and development of world-class Filipino nurses in Canada.
Leaders in the College’s Health Sciences division applauded the news of Ko’s IFCNA Educator of the Year award, presented at a gala event in late 2024.
“Sincere congratulations to Dr Ko. This is a well-deserved recognition for all the hard work he has put into educating and empowering the next generation of nurses,” said Sinéad McElhone, Dean, Health Sciences.
“My warmest congratulations to Dr. Jeffrey Ko on receiving this incredible honour. Dr. Ko is an exceptional educator and a valued member of our team,” said Associate Dean, School of Nursing and PSW, Courtney Evers “Dr. Ko goes above and beyond every day to support, mentor, and engage his nursing students.”
