Sir Joseph K. Appleton Jr
MD, MA, MPH(c), RPN(c) | Clinician & Policy Analyst | Integrating Medicine, Mental Health, and Human Behaviour in Public Policy
Vancouver,BC
Summary
I’m guided by a simple but powerful question: how can we design systems of care that truly see the whole person—body, mind, and spirit? My work bridges medicine, mental health, and public policy, grounded in clinical experience and a deep respect for the human capacity to heal.
As a health professional, I’ve worked across hospital, community, and policy settings—from psychiatric nursing and harm-reduction programs to national research with the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA). These experiences have shown me that healing extends beyond treatment; it begins when evidence meets empathy, and when systems honour both science and spirit.
Spiritual health shapes the way I understand care—not as a set of interventions, but as a relationship that nurtures meaning, connection, and hope. Whether I’m supporting clients or contributing to policy, I aim to turn insight into action that restores wholeness.
Grounded by family life with four curious, energetic boys, I’m reminded daily that healing and growth start at home—with presence, compassion, and love.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
5
5
Certified Coach, Trainer, and Speaker with the John Maxwell Team
2
2
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Graduate Practicum Student –Public Health & Policy
Canadian Centre on SUB Use and Addiction (CCSA)
03.2025 - Current
- Conducting research and analysis for ongoing projects.
- Collaborating with team members to develop project documentation and reports.
- Contributing to data collection and management using industry-specific software tools.
- Supporting national research and knowledge mobilization projects focused on mental health, workplace wellbeing, and substance use policy.
- Conducting qualitative policy analysis and environmental scans on return-to-work frameworks for nurses with substance use disorders.
- Collaborating with cross-sector partners to develop training tools and educational case studies promoting substance-use literacy in health and workplace settings.
- Applying evaluation and socio-ecological frameworks to assess mental health promotion and harm reduction programs.
- Contributing to policy briefs, infographics, and presentations that translate research into accessible, actionable resources for practitioners and policymakers.
Employed Student Psychiatric Nurse (ESPN)
Providence Health Care
06.2025 - Current
- Conduct comprehensive patient assessments and MSE
- Give oral, IV, topical medications
- Give IV fluid bolus
- Perform and chart head to toe comprehensive assessments
- Give subcutaneous and IM injections
- Perform simple wound care
- Perform urethral catheterization
- Collect sputum, stool and urine specimens
- PIV site assess, manage, removal
- Evaluated the efficacy of implemented care plans through regular monitoring of patient progress toward established goals.
- Administered psychiatric assessments to evaluate patient mental health status.
- Developed and implemented individualized care plans in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.
MENTAL HEALTH & ADDICTION CASE/OUTREACH WORKER (CASUAL/ON-CALL)
Three Bridges Community Health Centre
02.2020 - Current
- Company Overview: Vancouver Coastal Health
- Liaises across multiple sites and coordinates services within an integrated health service model.
- Supports clinical staff by providing information on clients with complex health needs.
- Monitors clients, documents report, and provides community resource information.
- Establishes rapport with clients, encouraging self-management strategies.
HEALTH PROMOTER (CONTRACTOR)
BC Lung Association QuitNow Program
11.2024 - Current
- Organized health promotion workshops and outreach activities.
- Provided staff training and smoking cessation interventions for mental health organizations.
- Led monthly smoking cessation support groups in recovery housing facilities.
COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH WORKER (CASUAL)
Coast Mental Health
04.2021 - Current
- Provides psychosocial rehabilitation and facilitates self-care strategies.
- Supports clients in reducing isolation through proactive lifestyle activities.
- Collaborates with interdisciplinary teams to enhance client well-being.
- Supported clients in crisis situations, providing immediate intervention and connecting them with appropriate resources.
MENTAL HEALTH WORKER (CASUAL)
MPA Society
11.2021 - Current
- Facilitates access to community services and promotes independent living.
- Supports clients with mental health issues using evidence-based interventions.
- Administers medications and ensures compliance with safety regulations.
- Promoted a positive therapeutic environment through clear communication and consistent reinforcement of established boundaries within treatment settings.
FAMILY MEDICINE RESIDENCY TRAINING
Liaoning International General Health Trainers
01.2011 - 01.2014
- Provided patient-centered care for diverse populations, addressing acute, chronic, and preventive health needs.
- Conducted comprehensive physical exams, diagnostic evaluations, and developed evidence-based treatment plans.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to deliver holistic care and manage complex family dynamics in treatment plans.
Education
Regional Diploma - Psychiatric Nursing
Stenberg College
06.2025
Master of Public Health and Social Policy MPH - undefined
University of Victoria
BC, Canada06.2025
Master of Arts - Applied Theological Studies
Regent College (UBC)
Vancouver, BC04.2018
Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) -
China Medical University
06.2010
Certificate - Medical Statistics
Stanford University
California 09.2021 - 09.2022
Certified Tobacco Educator - Intensive Tobacco Cessation Counselling
The Canadian Network For Respiratory Care (CNRC)
Kleinburg, ON 09.2019 - 09.2020
Skills
- Fundamental nursing medical clinical skills
- De-escalation and conflict resolution
- Verbal and written professional and therapeutic communication
- Critical thinking, organizational, problem-solving skills
- Work independently and demonstrate initiative with little supervision
- Observational, assessment, and clinical documentation skills
- Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team and in collaborative settings
- Demonstrate clinical competence congruent with holistic care and treatment of clients and their families
- Management, administration, and monitoring of patient medications
- Eager to learn from the perspective and experience of others
- Demonstrates initiative, reliability, and flexibility while maintaining professional accountability
- Experienced in Electronic Health Records (EHR), Cerner, and documentation systems (eg, PARIS), Omnicell
- Uses evidence-based reasoning and critical thinking in fast-paced, unpredictable environments
- Provides respectful, inclusive support to clients from diverse social, cultural, and linguistic backgrounds
- Certified Tobacco Educator with experience facilitating support groups, motivational interviewing, and relapse prevention strategies
- Supports client autonomy and empowerment through life skills training and community reintegration strategies
Certification
- Addiction Care & Treatment Diploma — UBC Centre on Substance Use (2018 – 2019)
- Canadian Red Cross Workplace SFA/CPR-HCP-AED, Current
- Standard First Aid with CPR-HCP & AED, current
- Level 5 B.C. Driver’s License, Current
- Naloxone Training, Current
- Provincial Violence Prevention Curriculum, Current
- Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
- Mental Health First Aid, current
- Introductory and Advanced Motivational Interviewing Techniques
- Nonviolent Crisis Intervention
- WHMIS training, current
- Core Addiction Practice, current
Languages
English (Native)
Mandarin (proficient)
French (Novice)
Swahili (Novice)
Timeline
Employed Student Psychiatric Nurse (ESPN)
Providence Health Care
06.2025 - Current
Graduate Practicum Student –Public Health & Policy
Canadian Centre on SUB Use and Addiction (CCSA)
03.2025 - Current
HEALTH PROMOTER (CONTRACTOR)
BC Lung Association QuitNow Program
11.2024 - Current
MENTAL HEALTH WORKER (CASUAL)
MPA Society
11.2021 - Current
Certificate - Medical Statistics
Stanford University
09.2021 - 09.2022
COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH WORKER (CASUAL)
Coast Mental Health
04.2021 - Current
MENTAL HEALTH & ADDICTION CASE/OUTREACH WORKER (CASUAL/ON-CALL)
Three Bridges Community Health Centre
02.2020 - Current
Certified Tobacco Educator - Intensive Tobacco Cessation Counselling
The Canadian Network For Respiratory Care (CNRC)
09.2019 - 09.2020
FAMILY MEDICINE RESIDENCY TRAINING
Liaoning International General Health Trainers
01.2011 - 01.2014
Master of Public Health and Social Policy MPH - undefined
University of Victoria
Master of Arts - Applied Theological Studies
Regent College (UBC)
Regional Diploma - Psychiatric Nursing
Stenberg College
Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) -
China Medical University