Gail Tomblin Murphy

Dr. Gail Tomblin Murphy believes that partnerships and networks are the cornerstone of the uptake of research, and that to have true uptake, decision-makers and researchers need to work together from the outset. As an internationally recognized expert in population needs-based approaches to health systems and workforce planning, evaluation and research, Gail is committed to building capacity for using evidence to inform health policy and practice.

As the Vice President, Research, Innovation and Discovery and Chief Nurse Executive at Nova Scotia Health, Gail leads a team of dedicated people committed to developing a world-class learning health system in our province. Gail is a champion of innovation in healthcare, leading teams and partners to seek creative solutions and agile processes to address challenges in the province’s health system to deliver the best care for improved health, system and provider outcomes. She also has spearheaded the organization’s COVID-19 virtual care strategy and is responsible for the implementation of the provincial Nursing Strategy, providing leadership on strategies to revitalize recruitment and retention efforts.

​Gail’s research involves leading/co-leading multi-disciplinary teams and working with national and international partners. Her work has been widely funded and published; garnering extensive interest from governments and other stakeholders because of its significant impact on health policy and practice worldwide.

Gail is a Fellow in the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences, Canadian Academy of Nursing, and American Academy of Nursing. She has completed her BN and MN degrees from Dalhousie University and her PhD in nursing from the University of Toronto.