Target Audience & Estimated Reading Time: Member organizations | 4 minutes
Julie Murtha is a dedicated Nurse Practitioner (NP) whose commitment to patient-centred care extends well beyond the clinic walls. Her work across multiple programs in Listowel gives her a clear view of how patients experience the healthcare system, and that insight makes her an invaluable contributor within the Huron Perth & Area Ontario Health Team (HPA-OHT). Julie’s blend of clinical expertise, leadership, and genuine compassion is helping strengthen collaboration and advancements across our region.
Below, Julie shares more about her role, her motivations, and her work within the HPA-OHT:
Can you tell us a bit about your role and your area of expertise?
I am a Nurse Practitioner in Listowel, working in a few different programs. I am the NP Lead for the Listowel Wingham and Area Family Health Team, and the NP Lead for the Unattached Care Clinics in Huron-Perth as well. Most of my time is spent providing primary care to attached and unattached patients in clinic. In addition, I work in our MINT memory clinic, visit two local retirement homes, and work in the Sexual Health Clinic as well. I enjoy caring for patients of all ages but especially enjoy geriatrics and women’s health.
What inspired you to pursue a career in healthcare, and what continues to motivate you in your work today?
I had originally planned to become a teacher but started working at a long-term care home in high school. I realized I loved caring for people and being so intimately involved in the lives of patients and their families. Nursing involves a lot of teaching as well, which I enjoy. I love the blended art and science of nursing. I feel that working in healthcare gives us the opportunity to make a difference in peoples’ lives, and this continues to motivate me.
What is the best part of my current role and overall career?
I enjoy the variety of my current role, doing a blend of primary care and program work. I love getting to know my patients and following them over time and often caring for their other family members as well. Taking on more of a leadership role in the past year and doing more system work has been very rewarding as well. I also enjoy the continuous learning that is required in our work – I am always learning and that keeps me engaged and always wanting to improve so that I can provide truly compassionate and comprehensive care.
What work have you done with the Huron Perth & Area Ontario Health Team (HPA-OHT)?
I have been involved in the HPA-OHT over the past year on the development of the Clinical Leadership Council and have been the NP Lead for the Unattached Care Clinics in Huron and Perth. I also worked with the OHT for a few months helping with background research to create a regional learning hub.
Outside of work, what helps you recharge?
Outside of work, what helps you recharge?I am a busy mother of three and can often be found driving them to dance, skating and music lessons! I enjoy hiking, gardening, cooking, and spending time with my family, especially if it’s at the lake.