For the first time, students from 成人VR视频鈥檚 Ingram School of Nursing represented the Vascular Access Student Club (VASC) at the World Congress on Vascular Access (WoCoVA) - one of the leading conferences in vascular access and infusion therapy. The 9th edition was held in Valencia, Spain, from April 15 to 17, 2026. That they submitted abstracts to an international conference speaks to their level of confidence; that they were accepted speaks to the quality of their work. Says executive member Rawane Soboh, Graduate and Master鈥檚 Representative, 鈥淥ur motto is to shoot for the moon. And if we miss the moon, at least we land on the stars.鈥�
In addition to Rawane, VASC was represented at the conference by Chloe Luu, VP Internal; Andrea Lian, VP External; and M茅lodie Lewis, VP Logistics, accompanied by faculty advisors Caroline Marchionni and M茅lanie Gauthier.
Specifically, the team presented two research posters focused on vascular access education and safer clinical practice:
鈥� Enhancing Learning Outcomes and Promoting Safer Practices Across the Care Continuum Through Intravenous Catheter Insertion Using Aseptic Non-Touch Technique (ANTT鈩�)
鈥� Introducing Ultrasound-Guided Peripheral IV Insertion to Nursing Students Through a Student-Led Workshop
鈥淚t is highly unusual to have a group of mostly undergraduate students present at an international conference of this calibre. It really is a remarkable achievement,鈥� notes Prof. Marchionni. In addition to being a milestone for the VASC team, the experience provided them with coveted exposure to current advancements in vascular access practice beyond the traditional classroom setting. The students attended presentations led by internationally recognized experts and explored topics related to patient safety, device innovation, ultrasound-guided procedures, artificial intelligence applications, and biosensor-integrated vascular technologies.
鈥淲hat I appreciated most was the opportunity to learn what everyone else around the world is doing and what innovations can be brought back to nursing practice in Quebec,鈥� says Chloe Luu. The conference fueled her curiosity about the future integration of artificial intelligence and smart vascular technologies into patient care.
M茅lodie Lewis was pleasantly surprised at her ability to follow and understand highly technical and complex presentations. 鈥淗ere I was, listening to the smartest people in the world on this topic and I was able to keep up, thanks to my three years at 成人VR视频鈥檚 Ingram School of Nursing,鈥� she says.
Rawane Soboh was particularly inspired by the innovative techniques being practiced in other countries. 鈥淎ttending this conference allowed us to see what's going on in the world and bring it back here because our system is really in need of innovation,鈥� she explains.
For Prof. M茅lanie Gauthier, the conference reinforced the success of ISoN鈥檚 approach to vascular access training, which is well integrated into the BScN curriculum. 鈥淲e came back with lots of ideas of how we can more fully integrate vascular access training into both the BN(I) and direct-entry master鈥檚 curricula.鈥�
Participation in WoCoVA 2026 reflects VASC鈥檚 ongoing commitment to advancing vascular access education and creating opportunities for nursing students to engage in research, leadership, innovation, and hands-on learning experiences. 鈥淎s an educator, I was very proud of the way our students were able to hold their own, ask intelligent questions, and present with such confidence,鈥� adds Prof. Marchionni.
The VASC team is grateful to the ISoN for supporting student participation in international academic initiatives and for encouraging opportunities that allow students to represent the university on a global stage. The students also acknowledge the invaluable support of Nipro Canada, whose contribution helped make participation in the conference possible, and BD Canada for its collaboration with regards to a VASC poster presentations/learning event that was well attended by BD representatives from around the world. Thanks as well to Juan Jos茅 Avila Amariles, VASC President, and faculty advisor William Landry, whose ongoing support contributed significantly to the success of the initiative despite being unable to attend the conference in person.
The VASC鈥檚 impressive presentations at the congress capped off a year in which, with the help of industry partners, they hosted 10 workshops and events attended by 200 participants, including students and local nurses. Other highlights included co-hosting a successful flu vaccination clinic, and presenting at the Colloque 2026 de l鈥橭RIIML just days after their star turn at WoCoVA.
Research posters presented at WoCoVA 2026 can be viewed online: &