Trudy Campbell awarded grant to advance holistic MS care for Nova Scotians 

From her early days as a nurse in Prince Edward Island to her pioneering role in Nova Scotia’s multiple sclerosis (MS) care, Trudy Campbell follows a path shaped by compassion, curiosity, and commitment to whole-person care. 

Trudy began her nursing career in the late 1990s, in roles across home care, public health, and emergency nursing. Her plan to specialize in urgent and emergency care led her to Dalhousie University in 1998, where she encountered an unexpected roadblock: no preceptorships were available for nurse practitioners (NPs) in urgent or emergency care.  

Undeterred, Trudy pivoted - eventually being invited to develop a hybrid clinical, leadership and research role at the MS Clinic under the mentorship of Dr. Jock Murray, a visionary neurologist who saw the need for integration of research into clinical care for Nova Scotians living with MS.  
At the time, Trudy was one of 3 NPs in MS Care in Canada, and with the support of neurologist colleagues, she was able to embark on a two-decade career that has helped shape the province’s approach to MS care.  

Multiple Sclerosis is referred to as “Canada’s disease” as it is very common due to our prevalent Northern European ancestry, as well as environmental factors. Trudy has had the privilege of partnering with fellow clinicians locally, nationally, and internationally on several clinical and research initiatives. She has also co-authored several clinical and research papers.  

As a self-described life-long learner, Trudy recently completed the Canadian Institute of Integrative Nursing Development & Education (CIINDE) holistic nursing program. This course deepened her commitment to blending mainstream and holistic care practices.  

“MS care has always been holistically driven,” Trudy explains, citing early adoption of vitamin D supplementation, lifestyle modifications and self-care strategies as foundational parts of a treatment plan.  

Recently, Trudy was awarded a $5,000 grant from the International Organization of MS Nurses (IOMSN) to explore holistic care pathways and resources tailored to older adults living with MS—a population that is growing in Nova Scotia as our population ages.   

Trudy’s goal is to identify and integrate existing provincial resources, such as those from Community Health Teams, Continuing Care, and the Frailty Network, into a cohesive system that supports both patients and caregivers. 

“We want to help patients and their families distinguish between MS-related symptoms and those related to aging or other conditions,” Trudy says. “And we want to make sure they can access the most appropriate evidence-informed treatments available, regardless of whether they are considered more western medicine or holistic in origin.” 

Trudy plans to use the funding to develop care pathways that address common aging-related concerns - like fall risk, comorbidity screening and management, and cognitive changes - within the context of MS.  

Trudy’s work is grounded in trauma-informed care, cultural sensitivity and a deep respect for patient autonomy. Whether she’s helping someone navigate fatigue, depression, or the complexities of aging with MS, her approach is always the same: meet people where they are.  

“Sometimes, it’s just a phone call,” Trudy says. “Often, someone simply needs to talk, to feel heard. That’s care, too.” 

Looking ahead, Trudy envisions a more connected, equitable MS care system across Nova Scotia. She’s working with colleagues to streamline access to disease-modifying therapies, reduce wait times, and build systems of care where community-based providers can connect more easily with specialists to deliver high-quality quality evidence-based care.   

“I would like to see a health system where everyone has access to the care and support they need in a timely way.” 

Photo of Trudy Campbell.