Nicole Rakowski

• Honours Bachelor of Science- McMaster University
• Master in Global Health, Specialized in Healthcare Management- McMaster University
• Institute for Healthcare Improvement- Certifications
  • Introduction to Health Care Improvement How to Improve with the Model for Improvement
  • Testing and Measuring Changes with PDSA Cycles
  • Interpreting Data: Run Charts, Control Charts, and Other Measurement Tools
  • Leading Quality Improvement
  • Planning for Spread: From Local Improvements to System-Wide Change
  • Addressing Small Problems to Build Safer, More Reliable Systems
• Indigenous Cultural Sensitivity Certification- Provincial Health Services Authority
• Six Sigma, Green Belt Certification- Ontario Health Association
• Identifying Waste and A3 Problem Solving- Hamilton Health Sciences
• Project Management- Hamilton Health Sciences
• Healthcare Financial Management- Hamilton Health Sciences

Nicole currently works as a Patient Experience Specialist at Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS) and as a vaccination leader within the community. Her primary role is to receive and resolve escalated patient complaints in a timely manner, as well as to provide guidance to staff and patients in regards to HHS’ policies and procedures. Prior to this role, Nicole was a consultant for the Hamilton Health Team Nicole and she was the Health Links Transformation Lead for Hamilton and Niagara North West for two years. In this role, she provided leadership, direction and guidance to teams in order to achieve optimal results and meet provincial targets that were created by the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care.

Previous to this role, Nicole has held the position of Administrative Resident to the VP of Public Relations and Communications. In this position, she has worked to evaluate HHS’ brand and market position and created a project charter and strategic plan for executing a re-branding mission. Nicole also worked on the Ambulatory Care Review process, completing a current state assessment, reviewing leading practices, and identifying opportunities that can improve the quality of HHS’ patients experience over the next several years. Prior to this role, Nicole was the Administrative Resident for the President and CEO of Hamilton Health Sciences. Nicole was responsible for organizing and conducting a theme analysis for the LHIN CEO Retreat, and worked on a Population Health Project that was further developed by HHS. Nicole previously held the position as a Junior Science Policy Analyst, working for the President of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency in Ottawa.

Ms. Rakowski has been recognized for her accomplishments both within and external to McMaster University. She was selected to be the Valedictorian for the Health Sciences Faculty convocation in November 2016, graduating with a Master’s Degree in Global Health Program, specializing in Health Care Management. She received the Burke Memorial Ring during her undergraduate convocation, the Leaders of Tomorrow scholarship provided by HHS, the Rotary Club of Hamilton Award, the Susan Vajocki Travel Scholarship Award, the Community Contribution Award, the Research Plenary Award during her Master’s, and numerous other awards. She has recently been awarded the Covid Champion Award, which recognized Nicole as having gone far beyond during the past academic year and in particular demonstrated McMaster’s core values of innovation, collaboration and generosity. 

Nicole also currently holds the role of Chief Innovation Office at Peer2Peer Consultants- an organization focused on supporting those who have lived experience of domestic violence. 

Shark researcher and advanced diver

• Published in Global Health Annual Review, Issue 2, 2016. “Literature Review on the effects of pollution on respiratory illnesses in Hamilton and its costs on the healthcare system.”
• Oral Presentation, Bridging Different Worlds, August 2016.