Podcast
Episodes
Shortly after Stella Joy turned two, Mishi Methven and her partner Aimee were given the devastating news that their daughter only had months to live. In this episode, Mishi shares how they navigated Stella’s diagnosis of a fatal brain tumour - Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma - guided by the philosophy of finding joy in the every day.
Julie Vizza was born with a multifaceted genetic condition, beta thalassemia-major. She joins the podcast today to discuss her journey in the healthcare system and how these experiences have inspired her work as a patient advocate; providing a voice for those with complex health care needs with an aim to improve the system for all.
In this episode, Billy Bridges shares his inspiring ideas for addressing ableism with empathy and offers a rallying cry for disability advocacy. Billy Bridges is an extraordinary Canadian athlete who has represented his country in six Paralympic Games, winning gold (2006), bronze (2014, 2018), and silver (2022) medals. He's also a four-time World Champion, including two Championship MVP awards, and was the youngest recruit to the Canadian sledge hockey team at 14 years old. But that's not all - Billy is also an accomplished athlete in wheelchair basketball and tennis, a motivational speaker, mentor, and ambassador for para sports. Born in PEI, he spent most of his youth in Ontario due to his medical needs for Spina Bifida.
At the young age of 18, Serena Tejpar was injured in a car collision as a backseat passenger that left her in critical condition with almost no chance of survival. Despite the many challenges that came with her injuries, she was determined to get better and return to her daily activities. This trauma reaffirmed Serena’s interest in medicine as a career. She is currently attending medical school at the Temerty Faculty of Medicine in Toronto. In this episode, Serena reflects on how her experience with serious injury and recovery drives her to live a life of purpose and of service to others and ensure that patients are provided compassionate care that will lead to positive health outcomes and experiences.
The journey to sobriety took many detours for Patrick. What he originally chalked up to experimentation with drugs and alcohol, became a regular occurence. Crystal meth binges would end with a realization that Patrick was slowly losing himself. In these moments of clarity, he would reach out for help. Starting with psychiatric care, then to a harm reduction program and finally to a recovery program,
Kim Martyn shares her patient story of living with cancer. Kim talks about what led her to apply for MAID (Medical Assistance in Dying). She shares how she has included her daughters in her decision and the difficulty of choosing a date for MAID.
This is Part 2 of 2 episodes on Medical Assistance in Dying. Part 1 is a discussion with doctors who provide the treatment.
When Gill Deacon was diagnosed with cancer for the second time, she was the host of CBC Radio’s Here and Now and had gained a dedicated daily audience. Open heartedly she shares her experience living through cancer both personally and publicly. Gill has named the post-treatment phase of cancer “the reckoning”, recognizing that this period was intense and unfamiliar.
The new rhythm of life is not an easy adjustment for cancer survivors. The hosts debrief about managing patient’s expectations beyond the schedule of cancer treatments. Giovanna, Irene and Dori reflect on the importance of follow-up with patients during this vulnerable period.
Gill Deacon has returned to Here and Now which can be heard weekdays 3-6pm, on CBC Radio 99.1FM. She has written a memoir Naked Imperfection, and a national best-seller, There’s Lead In Your Lipstick.
When faced with serious illness, patients and caregivers take on new roles. Those who work in health care are in a unique position when becoming a caregiver for a loved one. Melodie cared for her parents in their final days. Her health care training as a nurse helped her to receive information from the doctors and pass it on to her family, but Melodie found it very emotionally difficult. Only dying a few months apart, Melodie felt a tremendous sense of emptiness. Her siblings kept close communication to help each other during the grieving period and Melodie allowed herself to rest. Looking back, Melodie really appreciated the health care providers shared encouragement and asked about their wellbeing.
Dori, Irene and Giovanna talk about the importance of checking in with the patient’s caregivers. The importance of finding balance to include both the patient and caregiver in conversation is discussed. The doctors are reminded that patients should give consent about what is shared with caregivers, even in situations where there is a language barrier. Melodie’s story brought up many personal feelings for the hosts caring for their own families – both the pressures and the privilege of having a medical education.
When faced with bad news, it can be difficult to speak to others leading to interactions that are inauthentic. Euphemisms, platitudes, and missed efforts, can patronize the patient and put distance in the relationship. Mike lives with metastatic colorectal cancer, and receives palliative care from Dr. Irene Ying. When Mike found out that his cancer was incurable, he felt a sense a freedom. No longer having to focus on every up and down of his treatment, and the relief of not searching for alternatives, Mike shifted focus to quality of life. Mike appreciates family and friends who are able to ask sincere questions and be present for his experience. His health care team keeps open communication and give straight forward evidence, which makes Mike feel secure.
Irene, Dori and Giovanna elaborate on how it is important to know a patient’s preferred way of receiving information: varying from subtle to stark honesty. The doctors discuss how the uncertainty of illness can be the most difficult element of treatment; the fear of the unknown. The hosts reflect on history taking methods to make each patient feel taken care of. The doctors talk about how authentic relationships bring a closeness to the people involved. The heart of empathy is connecting with another person in a genuine understanding of what someone is going through.
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