Read the original article Joanne is the executive director of a Family Health Team in a small community in northern Ontario. When she was diagnosed with breast cancer three years ago, she had to drive more than three hours for tests and treatment. She talks about how fellow patients support each other, the financial … Read More
Read the original article Erica is a registered nurse and the health and social services director for a First Nations reserve in northern Ontario. Over the years, she has seen how psychological trauma leads to physical disease. She talks about why treating blood pressure without healing the root causes is like “putting a Band-Aid … Read More
Read the original article Kevin began taking opiates in his teenage years after a dirt bike accident. His doctor continually upped his dose, even after he became addicted. He spoke about poor and incredible treatment he received from doctors, and why he was able to recover, when so many of his friends were not. “I was … Read More
Read the original article Irene is a nurse’s assistant at a hospital in a small community in northern Ontario. For many years, she organized volunteers for the hospice program. The volunteers visit people who are dying in the hospital and in their homes –helping care for them and supporting their families. She spoke to … Read More
Read the original article As CEO of a hospital in northern Ontario, Adam talks about how he recruits doctors, the challenges his communities face and what a hospital can mean to a small town. “I started my career in accounting and worked in the forestry and mining industries. I eventually moved to Chief Financial Officer of … Read More
Read the original article As a nurse practitioner in a high school in Thunder Bay, Mae realized that there was something bigger behind students’ runny noses and complaints of pain. When she talked to students, she found out nearly half were struggling with opioid addictions. The realization led her to petition the government to launch a treatment program … Read More
Read the original article The daughter of a rural physician, Sarah always wanted to practise medicine in a small community. She talks about the joys and challenges she has experienced during her 20 years in rural medicine. “I grew up in Hazelton, British Columbia, which is the northern-most point on what we now call … Read More
Read the original article David served as the moderator of the United Church of Canada from 2006 to 2009. During that time, he found out he had a malignant cancer that had been misdiagnosed for years. His diagnosis and treatment gave him a new appreciation of vulnerability and suffering as paths to love, and … Read More
Read the original article Mike is a family doctor who is also a health researcher. His studies are inspired by the day-to-day challenges he sees at the clinic level. His latest research reveals some surprising ways health practitioners can better serve Indigenous patients with diabetes. “When I was in medical school in Vancouver, I was trying to … Read More
Read the original article As a community health nurse, Shelly sees firsthand the effects of residential school trauma. She works with community leaders, teachers and others to recognize and respond to the signs of suicidal thoughts and sexual abuse. “When you live on a First Nations reserve like this, and are a health care provider, work … Read More
