
Dr. Michelle Nelson is a transformative leader in integrated health and social care, currently serving as Vice President of the World Stroke Organization (SSO). With an unwavering commitment to enhancing stroke care globally, Dr. Nelson plays a pivotal role in advancing innovative strategies and partnerships that drive impactful change.
As the Academic Principal of the Care in Common Lab, Dr. Nelson bridges the gap between research and real-world application, championing collaborative initiatives across public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Her exceptional leadership has secured over $8 million in funding for multi-stakeholder projects, positioning her at the forefront of stroke care innovation.
Dr. Nelson’s expertise is particularly evident in her dedication to improving stroke systems of care. She co-led the updated Stroke Rehabilitation Planning for Optimal Care Delivery Module for the 7th edition of the Canadian Stroke Rehabilitation Best Practice Recommendations, ensuring that best practices are disseminated and implemented effectively. Dr. Nelson is a prominent voice in the field with an impressive portfolio of more than 100 academic publications and her role as Co-Editor in Chief of the International Journal on Integrated Care. She is recognized for her ability to translate complex research into actionable insights for practitioners and policymakers, shaping guidelines that enhance the deployment of health interventions during critical times, such as pandemics.
As an Investigator at the Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute and an Associate Professor at the University of Toronto, Dr. Nelson leads research and evaluation programs that engage health, social, and nonprofit leaders. Her work reimagines collaborative governance structures, fostering a culture of shared leadership and collective impact. In her role with the WSO, Dr. Nelson is passionate about building effective collaborative frameworks that promote global health initiatives.
She is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of leaders, advocating for resilience, responsiveness, and equity in health systems worldwide. Nelson firmly believes that authentic collaboration is the key to sustainable healthcare transformation. Her vision is to unite diverse perspectives and create a future where all individuals affected by stroke have access to comprehensive, high-quality care. Join us in supporting Dr. Michelle Nelson’s mission to transform stroke care and improve outcomes for millions worldwide.