February 2025 Featured NP – Kevin Zizzo

Ontario’s NPAC NP Award of Excellence 2024 went to Kevin Zizzo who’s extraordinary career demonstrates commitment to clinical excellence, leadership, education, and advocacy for NPs in Ontario and Canada 
Kevin achieved his MN and Pediatric NP Certificate at the University of Toronto, graduating at the top of his class in 2012. His academic excellence was recognized with the prestigious Dean’s Medal, the Award for Outstanding Achievement from Sigma Theta Tau, and the Zophia Nurse Practitioner Fellowship Award. Kevin continued to pursue advanced practice, becoming one of only seven individuals in Canada to complete the Graduate Diploma as an NP in Anesthesia Care in 2013. 

Since 2018, Kevin has served on the board of NPAO, where he has made invaluable contributions to the NP advocacy campaigns. His work has been instrumental in shaping key legislative efforts and raising the profile of NPs in Ontario. His knowledge of NP practice, legislation, and his efforts to advocate directly with members of provincial parliament have had a significant impact on expanding the role of NPs in the province. 
Clinically, Kevin has consistently pushed the boundaries of NP practice, carving out novel roles, most notably in pediatric anesthesia, where he helped prove the value of NPs in that environment. For three years, Kevin provided anesthesia care as an NP in pediatric anesthesia before the program’s funding was removed. His clinical leadership extends beyond this role. He is the owner and operator of two multidisciplinary pediatric clinics: a pediatric constipation clinic and a private pediatric clinic focused on episodic illnesses. These clinics deliver exceptional care by utilizing a multidisciplinary approach, drawing on expertise from various healthcare professionals, and Kevin’s leadership has been pivotal in providing accessible and effective care to children in the community.
 Kevin Zizzo’s advocacy for NPs and his leadership in pediatric healthcare have been featured by CBC Radio and in CBC News articles. This media coverage highlighted his innovative approach in running NP-led pediatric clinics, showcasing his commitment to providing high-quality, accessible care for children. Through these platforms, Kevin has promoted the importance of NP roles in the healthcare system, reinforcing his dedication to advancing the NP profession and raising awareness of its impact on patient care.
 During the COVID-19 pandemic, Kevin’s innovation and dedication were again evident when he launched a mobile COVID-19 testing service which increased testing access. This initiative was yet another example of his ability to adapt to the needs of his community and advocate for NP-led solutions to pressing healthcare challenges. 
In addition to his clinical work, Kevin is passionate about education and mentorship. He has held faculty positions as an Assistant Clinical Professor at McMaster University and as an Adjunct Lecturer at the University of Toronto. Furthermore, he is a co-author of the pediatric NP chapter in the Canadian Perspectives on Advanced Practice Nursing, Second Edition. His commitment to mentoring novice and experienced NPs alike, and his dedication to advancing the NP profession through education and advocacy, have made him a respected leader in the field. He has also provided valued presentations on NP innovation, optimization, and the importance of cultural change in healthcare settings, sharing his expertise on advancing the NP role and creating more efficient, patient-centered care models.