The Ottawa Hospital Foundation Podcast
Pulse will introduce you to the patients, doctors, researchers, and donors of The Ottawa Hospital. You’ll hear how, through their commitment, they are changing the future of medicine through new discoveries, by expanding treatments and improving the patient experience.
It’s these stories that show how crucial your support is to improving patient care and advancing research at The Ottawa Hospital.
Remember to subscribe to our podcast and share it with your friends.
Listen to the latest episode:
Past Episodes:
November 6, 2024
When Dr. Jay Baltz, senior scientist emeritus at The Ottawa Hospital, first started in his field, researchers struggled with a puzzle that blocked the progress of in vitro fertilization (IVF). Through pioneering research and his work with one of the creators of IVF, Dr. Baltz would go on to push fertility science to new heights.
In this conversation, Dr. Baltz talks about when the first test-tube baby was born, how fertility science has changed since then, and what it’s meant for families around the world.
October 2, 2024
As the Founder and President of Gab Group Inc., Ginger Bertrand is a leading communications professional, award-winning publicist, talent agent, and business owner. She loves her hometown of Ottawa and we’re thrilled to have her as a co-chair of the Campaign to Create Tomorrow.
Ginger is an Ottawa Forty Under 40 recipient, a three-time RBC Women of Influence nominee, and a fierce advocate for women in business, animal welfare, and engaging the next generation in the future of healthcare.
In this engaging conversation, you’ll learn more about why she’s passionate about being a part of this once-in-a-generation opportunity. You’ll find out what Mahatma Gandhi quote inspired her to take on this role, what new fact she’s learned about The Ottawa Hospital, and one researcher in particular whose work she’s interested in — a hint, she’s been on this podcast as a guest.
September 4, 2024
Dr. Miller MacPherson is the Head of Medical Physics at The Ottawa Hospital. In this conversation, he takes us behind the scenes to better understand the radiation medicine program at The Ottawa Hospital’s Cancer Centre.
Throughout his career, he’s seen significant advancements in the technology used to treat patients facing a cancer diagnosis. You’ll find out why our hospital is described as one of North America’s best-equipped radiation medicine facilities. He tells us about an exciting delivery that arrived this past summer and the impact it will have on patient care, and he talks about the vital role philanthropy plays in bringing the latest technology to our hospital for patients.
August 7, 2024
From reflections on the Civic’s 100th to planning for the next century of care in Eastern Ontario – Tim Kluke, President and CEO of The Ottawa Hospital Foundation, joins the 100th episode.
He looks back on how the community rallied to make the Civic a reality 100 years ago and the pride when the new hospital opened its doors on November 27, 1924. Tim discusses the parallels between what we’re seeing today for the new hospital campus on Carling Avenue and how people are stepping forward to support the Campaign to Create Tomorrow — Eastern Ontario’s largest fundraising initiative. He also shares how there is a place for everyone and why you should join us.
July 3, 2024
From a very young age, Dr. Melissa Forgie had her sights set on medicine.
Today, as the Vice President of Medical Education at The Ottawa Hospital, she is shaping the next generation of healthcare providers. In this conversation, Dr. Forgie talks about the hospital’s strategic plan for medical education and describes it as the boldest and most ambitious she has ever seen. You’ll hear about TOH’s plan to recruit and retain young professionals, along with all the possibilities with the new hospital campus and the impact of research.
June 5, 2024
Frankie Nadeau is a senior occupational therapist at The Ottawa Hospital Rehabilitation Centre. She’s dedicated more than two decades to caring for patients, combining her knowledge and humour. In this conversation, she talks about the pivotal role of an occupational therapist at the Rehab Centre and the special bond her team creates with patients, including the “TSN turning point” in Sean Sisk’s story. Frankie also shares how she’s known as a bit of a “MacGyver” when required.
May 1, 2024
Jill Barr is a young professional who has stepped forward to help lead the next generation of philanthropy. As a childhood cancer survivor, Jill has a unique perspective on the importance of having state-of-the-art healthcare. She has raised her hand to support the Campaign to Create Tomorrow and engage others to do the same.
Listen to learn about Jill’s first introduction to The Ottawa Hospital at the age of 11 and a special memory that she holds close. You’ll also find out why she wanted to get involved in our Foundation’s Young Leaders Network and how she’ll run her first half-marathon to support TOH at Race Weekend — she’s a part of TOH Trailblazers.
April 3, 2024
It’s not just the stuff you see in science fiction movies anymore. VR technology is changing the way complex surgeries are planned.
Picture a virtual reality system taking hundreds of medical images and giving a surgeon a 3D view that allows them to move within the patient’s body — just like a video game — before surgery. It’s a whole new way of surgical planning and this new VR program was used for the first time in Canada right here at The Ottawa Hospital.
Dr. Kawan Rakhra, a senior Musculoskeletal Radiologist, takes us behind the scenes of this game-changing technology and the impact it will have on the future of care not just here in Ottawa but internationally as well.
March 6, 2024
The Ottawa Hospital’s mental health team provides early diagnosis and treatment of severe mental illness to patients across Eastern Ontario.
In this episode, we speak with Dr. Sarah Brandigampola, a psychiatrist at our hospital who works in the On Track: First Episode Psychosis Program. She discusses the three-year program that cares for patients diagnosed with schizophrenia, the multi-disciplinary team involved, and why this program is so important, including the fact that Canada has one of the highest rates of schizophrenia in the world. Dr. Brandigampola also shares that treatment options have improved dramatically in the past decade, and today there’s a great deal of hope for patients.
February 7, 2024
When Heba Haidar was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, her world came to a grinding halt. She was on maternity leave, with three young children under the age of five, and she worried about what the future might hold for her and her family. Hear Heba’s story – one of our latest in the cancer journey series — and find out why cancer is not such a big scary word anymore.
January 10, 2024
As a young boy, Dr. Alvin Tieu likely saw himself becoming a professional athlete because of his love of sports. But there was a shift in grade 7 — science became more interesting, and he decided to write an essay on the Big Bang theory. From there, his interest in medicine and research started to grow. Today, Dr. Tieu is an emerging leader at The Ottawa Hospital and the 2023 recipient of the Worton Researcher in Training Award.
December 6, 2023
Registered Nurse Phil Nguyen exudes energy — whether he’s caring for patients on 5W in the Transplant and Cellular Therapy Unit at the General Campus, teaching the next generation of healthcare workers at uOttawa, or busting a move as a hip-hop dancer.
In this conversation, Phil talks about why he considers The Ottawa Hospital his home away from home. He reveals what he loves most about his job, his special connection with patients, and how his team will go beyond the call of duty to provide compassionate care — he shares one special story in particular. You’ll also find out why it’s not so unusual to find him dancing with his patients.
November 8, 2023
Dr. Shawn Aaron’s path to research wasn’t planned. In fact, his goal was to become a physician and care for patients with lung disease, but that all changed when he came to The Ottawa Hospital and fell in love with research.
In this conversation, Dr. Aaron discusses his practice-changing research for cystic fibrosis and COPD. While he admits his research career saw early success when he turned his master’s thesis into a New England Journal of Medicine article – that didn’t stop him from pushing the research envelope over his impressive career. As a result of that, he has been named the 2023 recipient of the Dr. J. David Grimes Career Achievement Award.
October 11, 2023
Faced with an autoimmune disorder since childhood, rock radio announcer Amy Volume has been a patient of The Ottawa Hospital for about 20 years. More recently, she started losing mobility in one leg and that’s when her orthopaedic team said it was time for her to have hip replacement surgery. Listen to hear more about Amy’s story and why she considers our ortho surgeons the real rock stars.
Faced with an autoimmune disorder since childhood, rock radio announcer Amy Volume has been a patient of The Ottawa Hospital for about 20 years. More recently, she started losing mobility in one leg and that’s when her orthopaedic team said it was time for her to have hip replacement surgery. Listen to hear more about Amy’s story and why she considers our ortho surgeons the real rock stars.
September 20, 2023
Meet Dr. Barbara Vanderhyden – a senior scientist at The Ottawa Hospital who’s held the inaugural Corinne Boyer Chair in Ovarian Cancer Research since 2000.
In this episode, Dr. Vanderhyden talks about why she’s devoted her career to investigating ovarian cancer. You’ll learn about her dedicated team, and find out who are the unofficial members, and the important role they play. Plus, Dr. Vanderhyden shares two critical discoveries they’ve made in the last few years, her deep gratitude for our donors, and how puzzles and mysteries continue to be a part of her life even when she’s not in the lab.
September 6, 2023
After nearly a decade of mini seizures, Stefanie Scrivens was diagnosed with a rare form of a brain tumour at only 20 years old — that was in 2009. She would be one of the first to benefit from a new treatment option to increase her chance of survival, including two complex, 8-hour awake brain surgeries at The Ottawa Hospital to remove the tumour.
Today, at the age of 34, we check in with Stefanie to get an update on how she’s doing and what direction her life has taken since her two brain surgeries at The Ottawa Hospital.
August 2, 2023
Dr. Paul MacPherson is a longtime advocate for gay men’s health. In 2023, he was named the first Clinical Research Chair in Gay Men’s Health at The Ottawa Hospital and the University of Ottawa. This chair is a first of its kind in any Canadian hospital.
In this episode, Dr. MacPherson talks about what it means to see this research become a reality, the stigma gay men face when it comes to their health, and how he hopes this chair will help to change that. He also shares how the idea for the chair came about in the first place, and what he does with the one hour he sets aside for himself each day.
July 5, 2023
UPDATE: Sadly, Alison passed away on Wednesday, October 11, 2023. We offer our deepest condolences to all those who loved her and we remain profoundly inspired by her.
Alison Hughes was first diagnosed with breast cancer at age 37. At the time, she was running her own business and the mother of two young children. The news was the shock of her life. Ten years later, her world was turned upside down again — this time her breast cancer had metastasized. Alison hopes to be a voice for younger people facing a breast cancer diagnosis, and that’s why she’s sharing her story.
June 13, 2023
Dr. Dar Dowlatshahi is a stroke neurologist and senior scientist at our hospital. He is leading the Canadian site of a global research trial that could change how we treat the deadliest and least treatable form of stroke. In this episode, we go behind the scenes with the region’s stroke team to learn more about The Ottawa Hospital’s leading role in this study that could be a gamechanger for bleeding strokes.
Dr. Dowlatshahi also shares what he loves most about his job, what excites him about the future of care at our hospital, and his side project — a rock band. (30:54)
*The number of participants mentioned in the global research study continues to increase after the recording.
May 3, 2023
Before Julia Wagg passed away in 2017 at age 36, she decided to leave a gift in her will to support cancer research. She was inspired by a young ‘spitfire’ doctor and researcher who cared for her at The Ottawa Hospital.
In this episode, Holly Wagg shares the story of her widow’s journey with leukemia, as well as Julia’s decision to leave a legacy gift to The Ottawa Hospital to help future patients. Holly also shares what it means to see the impact of Julia’s generosity just a few years after her death and how their philanthropy has come full circle.
May 3, 2023
When Jackie Holzman, the former mayor of Ottawa, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1998, she went public with her story hoping to encourage people to get a mammogram and to further advance research at The Ottawa Hospital. Now, the former board member of our research institute is standing alongside her granddaughter, Rebecca Leikin, who is undergoing breast cancer care. Rebecca now hopes to help future patients, much like her own grandmother has done. You could say, Jackie is handing over the fundraising baton.
April 19, 2023
Dr. Jacinthe Lampron is a trauma surgeon and the medical director of The Ottawa Hospital’s Trauma Program. She’s also a reserve medical officer in the Canadian Armed Forces, where she served in Afghanistan. Dr. Lampron shares with us her wartime experience and what led her to our hospital. She explains how our integrated trauma team comes together each time a critically ill patient arrives at the Civic Campus and the “dance” they do to provide this specialized care. Dr. Lampron also surprises us with her career ambitions when she was a young girl, and shares what you’ll find her doing when she’s not at work.
April 5, 2023
The Ottawa Hospital’s new state-of-the-art campus will be the most patient-centred and technologically advanced research hospital in the country. In this episode, Jason-Emery Groën, the Vice-President, Design Director at HDR — an architecture and engineering firm working on the project — takes you behind the scenes to learn what patients, visitors, and staff can expect when the new building opens.
March 22, 2023
Sepsis accounts for almost 20% of global deaths annually, and the search for answers has been decades in the making. However, The Ottawa Hospital is taking a big step forward in the next phase of a world-first clinical trial using stem cells in patients with septic shock. Early results are promising, and they could lead to innovative treatment options for millions of patients, worldwide. In this episode, Dr. Lauralyn McIntyre, an intensive care unit physician, and senior scientist, talks about moving the needle forward on sepsis research.
March 7, 2023
Kathryn Tremblay is the CEO and co-founder of Canada’s leading independent staffing firm – Altis Recruitment. In this episode, she discusses her billboard message “What’s possible?” and how that’s shaped her professionally and personally. She also dives into the role philanthropy plays in her life, including her family’s connection to The Ottawa Hospital, and why today she supports the Campaign to Create Tomorrow.
February 15, 2023
Dr. Meshach Asare-Werehene is the Immuno-Oncology Program Lead in the Tsang Lab at The Ottawa Hospital, specializing in gynecological cancers. Since he was a young boy growing up in Ghana, he was curious and always asked questions.
In this episode, he describes the one simple question that sparked his interest in learning more about cancer, and you’ll also find out how he got the nickname “headmaster” when he was young. Dr. Asare-Werehene talks about his research into ovarian cancer — from finding ways to detect it earlier to the impact of A.I., as well as the impact philanthropy had directly on his work. He also discusses how he hopes to inspire more young Black children about what’s possible for them in the future.
February 1, 2023
After dedicating 27 years of her career to The Ottawa Hospital, Denise Picard-Stencer was shocked when she found herself back at the hospital in 2019 — this time as a patient. Denise shares her cancer journey after a multiple myeloma diagnosis and what it was like seeing care from the patient’s perspective. She also talks about witnessing the impact of research.
January 18, 2023
From a young age, Dr. Ronda Lun was fascinated by neuroscience and the brain — you could say it came naturally, as her father was a neurosurgeon. But today, Dr. Lun is carving out her own career path at The Ottawa Hospital, focusing on clinical care and research for stroke patients. Author of more than 34 papers to date, Dr. Lun received an honourable mention for the hospital’s 2022 Worton Researcher in Training Award. In our conversation, she talks about her love for practice-changing research, how her stroke research intersects with cancer research, and why coming to our hospital was the best decision for her. You’ll also find out what instrument made her fall in love with classical music
January 4, 2023
When Camille Leahy was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia at age 35, it was a devastating blow. Despite many rounds of chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant, her cancer kept returning. In this episode, she talks about the rollercoaster ride that led her to our hospital’s Canadian-first CAR T-cell therapy clinical trial — where she finally found hope. Camille also shares how the experience inspired her to become an advocate for other patients.
December 21, 2022
The year 2022 was an important one at The Ottawa Hospital Foundation with the launch of the historic Campaign to Create Tomorrow. In this episode, Tim Kluke, President and CEO of The Ottawa Hospital Foundation, looks back at the momentous year. Listen to find out how he would best describe 2022, as well as:
- the donor stories that helped kick off the campaign.
- how the Foundation instills the confidence of donors.
- an update on the New Campus Development on Carling Avenue.
- and his year-end message to our supporters.
December 7, 2022
Dr. Robert Fahed is one of only four interventional neuroradiologists and stroke neurologists in Canada. In this episode, he discusses the innovative and ever-evolving stroke treatment happening at The Ottawa Hospital, including thrombectomy, where blood clots are plucked from the brains of patients suffering from ischemic stroke.
You’ll learn more about what he means by thrombectomy “home runs”, the three major evolutions in thrombectomy and the momentum at which stroke care is changing, the impact philanthropy has on making this all happen, and where you might find him when he’s not at the hospital.
November 23, 2022
On a cold night in December 2019, Travis Vaughan was rushed to The Ottawa Hospital Trauma Centre after a snowmobile crash in rural Ottawa. He had a critical leg injury and was losing blood quickly. It was all hands on deck for his care team that night and in the days and months ahead.
In this episode, Travis is reunited with a member of his medical team, orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Geoff Wilkin. Travis recounts the harrowing experience he went through to get help at the site of the crash and the incredible care he received upon his arrival at the Trauma Centre. Dr. Wilkin describes the life-changing injury and the team ready to help Travis.
They also share a surprising story of how their paths crossed again — this time with Travis being able to help Dr. Wilkin.
Content warning: Graphic description of the injuries Travis sustained.
November 2, 2022
As a child growing up in northern Iran, Dr. Taha Azad was amazed as he watched the glow of fireflies. Today, he’s using the secret behind their glow to study cancer at The Ottawa Hospital and has big plans for the future.
Dr. Azad is the 2022 recipient of the Worton Researcher in Training Award. Dr. John Bell described him as among the best post-doctoral candidates he’s had the pleasure of mentoring over the last 30+ years of his career. In this episode, Dr. Azad discusses how he’s been able to apply his unique biology know-how to cancer and COVID-19 research. The impact his mentors have had on his career to date, his love of teaching, and how he strikes a balance.
October 19, 2022
Born into a family of nurses, it might seem like a career in nursing was the natural choice for Mary Farnand. But it took her a little while to find her way there. Today, Mary is a nurse navigator at The Ottawa Hospital’s Ages Cancer Assessment Clinic and can’t picture doing anything else. She spends her days working with patients, advocating for efficient and high-quality care. Mary is with each of her patients, every step of the way.
October 5, 2022
As a young athlete playing semi-pro soccer and studying overseas, Haydn Bechthold felt invincible. But a diagnosis of colorectal cancer at age 22 quickly changed that perspective. The news was a shock. He was young, active, and otherwise healthy. When Haydn was referred to The Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre, there was a full team assembled to care for him. While traditional treatments were initially planned, the team thought outside the box and decided on a new form of immunotherapy to give Haydn hope for the future.
September 21, 2022
Growing up in Mumbai, India, Dr. Pradeep Merchant dreamed of becoming a doctor. For the past three decades, he’s worked at The Ottawa Hospital as a leader in neonatology, advocating for our tiniest patients. He also sits on The Ottawa Hospital Foundation Board and Campaign to Create Tomorrow Executive Committee — dedicated to delivering the best healthcare to our community for generations to come.
*Note – Dr. Merchant and his wife, Anita Merchant, will match every new monthly donation from September 2022 to November 15, 2022, up to $50,000.
September 7, 2022
Philanthropy is a core value for Janet McKeage. It was instilled in her growing up in a military family and it’s reflected in the work she does today as a business leader in our community in her role at RBC. For Janet, philanthropy is not only about giving but about volunteering time for things that matter most to her, like The Ottawa Hospital.
Today, as the Board Chair of The Ottawa Hospital Foundation and as an Executive on the Campaign to Create Tomorrow, she is dedicated to making sure we have a hospital that can provide the best care to everyone in our region.
August 24, 2022
Faced with an MS diagnosis at age 23, and with her condition deteriorating, Geneviève Bétournay turned to a groundbreaking MS stem cell transplant pioneered right here at The Ottawa Hospital.
Geneviève shares the emotional journey since diagnosis, the life-changing moment of meeting Dr. Mark Freedman, and the raw reality of the treatment. She talks about the progress she witnessed afterward and what she continues to see today. Plus, the joy and gratitude she has for the care she received at The Ottawa Hospital.
August 10, 2022
In the spring of 2022, Dr. Michael Rudnicki was formally admitted as a Fellow of the Royal Society — the world’s oldest and most prestigious scientific institution. He is one of only 12 Canadians to hold this honour.
In our conversation, Dr. Rudnicki describes this as a pinnacle moment in his career. He explains how he prepared to be welcomed into the oldest scientific association in the world and what it means to join others before him like Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin.
Dr. Rudnicki dives into his childhood love of biology and his fascination with Jacques Cousteau. He also talks about how Dr. Ron Worton enticed him to come to The Ottawa Hospital many years ago and his “paradigm shifting” discovery relating to Duchenne muscular dystrophy
July 20, 2022
Ten years ago, at the age of 16, Lukas Marshy was rushed to The Ottawa Hospital in medical distress and extreme pain. He needed our skilled neurosurgery team to treat a rare condition that resulted in a massive brain hemorrhage.
In our conversation, Lukas explains how his condition deteriorated quickly that day, the calmness that came over him when he was told he needed brain surgery to save his life, and the gratitude he has for the surgical team, and the nurses who were always by his side. He also shares what he now has in common with a cyborg and how the entire experience helped shape his future.
July 6, 2022
The Ottawa Hospital is ahead of the game when it comes to data in healthcare. In fact, for two decades we’ve been exploring the role of “big data”, while other institutions are only getting started. Today, our hospital is a world-leader in this field and has ambitious plans to deploy one of the most advanced data analytics platforms in Canada, if not the world.
Dr. Alan Forster, Vice-President of Innovation and Quality and senior scientist at The Ottawa Hospital, helps us explore the big impact of big data on patient care.
June 22, 2022
If you met Casey Delaney today, you’d never know the kindergarten teacher was once in a life-altering accident that left her with a traumatic brain injury and an uncertain future.
Casey and her husband, Scott Labrosse, reflect on the hot summer day in 2018 that changed their lives. They discuss Casey’s extensive injuries, the specialized care she received from our hospital, the neurosurgeon Casey refers to as an angel, and what it was like when Scott heard Casey speak for the first time after the accident. They also share some special news about their future.
June 8, 2022
At The Ottawa Hospital, we are harnessing biology to fight disease. Our hospital is home to a state-of-the-art Biotherapeutics Manufacturing Centre (BMC). It’s our unique contribution to one of the most advanced areas of scientific innovation.
Dr. Jen Quizi is the Director of the Biotherapeutics Manufacturing Centre in the virus manufacturing facility and is an investigator at our research institute. She takes us behind the scenes of the BMC to learn more about our best-kept secret.
May 25, 2022
Dr. Lynn Megeney is a senior scientist in the regenerative medicine program at The Ottawa Hospital. In this episode, he explains why he jumped at the chance to come to Ottawa instead of going south of the border, and the influence Drs. Ron Worton and Michael Rudnicki had on his career. He also shares why sometimes it’s good to “rock the boat”, like with his recent global research collaboration on cancer cells, and his need for speed when he’s not in the lab.
May 4, 2022
The Greenberg name in Ottawa has long been synonymous with service to the community and countless philanthropic projects. As Chair of the Campaign to Create Tomorrow — the largest fundraising campaign in our city’s history — Roger Greenberg continues his family’s legacy. In this episode, he discusses:
- why this role was important to him.
- his family’s decision to make the single-largest healthcare donation in Ottawa’s history.
- the nine little words that can be the most challenging part of this role.
- the Jewish expression that holds special meaning to him — a lesson he learned from his parents
April 21, 2022
On Tuesday, April 19, 2022, The Ottawa Hospital Foundation launched the historic $500-million Campaign to Create Tomorrow. This comprehensive fundraising campaign will transform healthcare not only in our community and across our country, but around the world.
This episode brings you the official announcement from the New Campus Development site on Carling Avenue. Guest speakers include:
- Cameron Love, President and CEO, The Ottawa Hospital
- Marion Crowe, The Ottawa Hospital Board of Governors and Vice-Chair, OHRI Board of Directors
- Tim Kluke, President and CEO, The Ottawa Hospital Foundation
- Mike Runia, Board Chair, The Ottawa Hospital Foundation
- Roger Greenberg, Chair, Campaign to Create Tomorrow
- Dr. Virginia Roth, Chief of Staff, The Ottawa Hospital
- Bushra Saeed-Kahn, trauma survivor
April 6, 2022
Jess Lambert is training for her first marathon. It’s a feat for anyone, but just eight years ago, after a cliff diving accident, Jess didn’t know if she’d ever walk again. Today, she shares her story of being rushed to The Ottawa Hospital Trauma Centre by air ambulance, why she gives back to The Ottawa Hospital, and her message for others who are facing similar health challenges.
March 23, 2022
Through a $2-million donation from TD Bank Group, The Ottawa Hospital will create the new TD Artificial Intelligence in Medicine (AIM) Hub that will accelerate the development and use of AI in healthcare. This could be a game-changer for patients not only in Ottawa but also across Canada and around the globe.
In this episode, our guests include:
- Dr. Doug Manuel, senior scientist
- Eric Thor, Ottawa District Vice President, TD Bank
March 2, 2022
In March 2015, Ashley Ruelland was driving to a bachelorette party in Mont Tremblant, when she was hit head-on by another car that crossed over the centre line on a Quebec highway. She was rushed to The Ottawa Hospital’s Trauma Centre and spent nine months in hospital. Ashley shares her story including:
- enduring over 100 hours of surgeries.
- how she woke up from a coma to learn she was a functioning quadriplegic.
- the importance of celebrating small victories during her recovery.
- the sport she loves and how she’s back at it today.
- what it means to have The Ottawa Hospital in our community — something she never thought of prior to her collision
February 16, 2022
Dr. Grace Christou is a hematologist in the leukemia program at The Ottawa Hospital.
In this episode, she discusses MDS (myelodysplastic syndromes) and how it was once known as pre-leukemia but it’s now recognized as a form of cancer.
Dr. Christou also talks about the team approach to caring for patients, the impact of research, and her special bond with patients. And, she explains why she didn’t follow her first career ambition of becoming a journalist.
February 2, 2022
With each cancer diagnosis, a patient and their family face a difficult and uncertain future.
Stu Schwartz, better known as Stuntman Stu, takes us through his personal cancer journey starting when he received a leukemia diagnosis in 2016. Stu talks about:
- the initial hours and days following his diagnosis.
- the physicians and nurses who have been by his side and why he will always champion nurses.
- which doctor was his camp counsellor many years earlier.
- the impact of the #StuStrong campaign.
- and his message to those starting their own cancer journey.
January 19, 2022
The Grass Family Men’s Health Clinic opened in late 2021. It’s a new, dedicated space to provide excellence in men’s health and research. Dr. Stuart Oake takes us inside the new clinic — a first-of-its-kind in Canada — to explain the impact it will have on patients in the future and the role philanthropy played in making it a reality.
January 5, 2022
A made-in-Canada CAR-T therapy clinical trial offers new hope to patients with leukemia or lymphoma. Dr. Natasha Kekre, a hematologist and an associate scientist at The Ottawa Hospital, is leading the development of Canada’s first CAR-T research platform.
In this conversation, Dr. Kekre takes us behind the scenes to learn more about this groundbreaking clinical trial, she discusses the future for CAR-T therapy and whether it could target other cancers one day. She also reflects on what it means to have mentors like Drs. John Bell, Harry Atkins, and Rebecca Auer, and how the world is watching The Ottawa Hospital.
December 1, 2021
Meet Jeannette Cheng, a registered nurse at The Ottawa Hospital. Jeannette talks about the car crash in 2007 that brought her to our Trauma Centre — she was suffering from life-threatening injuries.
She’ll share the moment during her care that would redefine her career path and she explains what her role means to her today. Jeannette also discusses working on the COVID-19 unit, the biggest challenge she’s faced during the pandemic, and what she loves most about her job, including her team #B2Strong.
November 17, 2021
Meet Dr. Dean Fergusson — this year’s recipient of the Grimes Career Achievement Award. As a senior scientist specializing in transfusion medicine at The Ottawa Hospital, Dr. Fergusson’s research has already saved thousands of lives and improved blood transfusions for millions of people around the world.
In this episode, he talks about his research that changed the practice of medicine “almost overnight”, why what’s in the bag matters, the role his mentors played, and what’s coming next for him.
November 3, 2021
A cancer diagnosis in early 2020 was shocking news for Dan MacMillan and Jenny Chen to absorb. In this episode, Dan shares the emotional journey of facing his diagnosis during a pandemic, and Jenny talks about supporting him, her best friend, during this difficult time. Together, they explain how their friendship turned into more and what inspires them to pay it forward to help others.
October 20, 2021
Meet Dr. Jess Fiedorowicz, the Head and Chief of the Department of Mental Health at our hospital.
In this conversation, he explains what attracted him to The Ottawa Hospital from Iowa in 2020, the unique role our hospital plays in mental healthcare in our community, his plans to grow the program, and the impact research will have on patient care.
He also talks about the Life magazine photo that he has carried with him throughout his career.
October 6, 2021
Dr. Jean Seely is a radiologist and the Head of Breast Imaging at The Ottawa Hospital. She has dedicated her career to increasing early detection for breast cancer to help more patients avoid the pain and suffering of a later diagnosis.
In this episode, Dr. Seely reveals the personal story that led her down this career path. She dives into how digital imaging for breast health care has evolved over past decades, the state-of-the-art equipment at the Rose Ages Breast Health Centre, and how survival rates are climbing thanks to early detection. She also provides a sneak peek at the newest technology coming to the Breast Health Centre and how community support is helping to make it all happen.
September 22, 2021
Philanthropy plays a vital role in providing world-class care to patients at The Ottawa Hospital. In this episode, you’ll meet Janet Pigott, a cancer patient, and Gavin Murphy, a generous supporter.
Hear about the special connection Janet made to philanthropy as she waited for cancer treatment one day and Gavin’s message to the community about why future support is critically important.
September 8, 2021
Take a step inside the future of healthcare, as Cameron Love, the President and CEO of The Ottawa Hospital, takes you on an audio tour of the New Campus Development site on Carling Avenue.
You’ll hear about improved patient flow for the most complex healthcare procedures, a new novel Command Centre, technologically advanced operating rooms, and leading-edge research including the new neuroscience institute
August 18, 2021
Cutting-edge research at The Ottawa Hospital is transforming how we treat cancer — developing treatments uniquely tailored to each patient.
In this episode, Dr. Arif Ali Awan, a medical oncologist and clinical investigator discusses:
- New ways cancer could be detected in the not-so-distant future.
- How our knowledge of cancer is constantly changing.
- What personalized medicine is and what cancers it’s helping to eliminate.
- Immunotherapy and how it teaches a patient’s immune system to kill cancer.
August 4, 2021
In this episode, you’ll meet Jenna Keindel. Jenna was diagnosed with a rare type of muscular dystrophy when she was 16 years old. For years, Jenna’s doctors at The Ottawa Hospital tried to identify the genetic subtype of the disease because without that information they couldn’t predict how it would progress. Finally, after 23 years, a breakthrough would take Jenna down a very different path.
You’ll also hear from neurologist Dr. Jodi Warman who will discuss neuromuscular research advancements, the impact on patient care, and how The Ottawa Hospital is building one of the largest neuroscience research centres in Canada.
July 21, 2021
Giving back to our hospital became an even bigger priority for Mike Bull after his wife, Rie Bull, was rushed to our Emergency Department in 2017 after collapsing due to a ruptured brain aneurysm.
Today, Mike continues to incorporate his love of cycling and philanthropy because he’s grateful for how our experts tackled his wife’s complex case.
Listen to find out which doctor Mike calls Rie’s hero, the moment he knew his wife would make it, and what VECT stands for in his team name.
July 7, 2021
Dr. Guillaume Martel is a surgeon from The Ottawa Hospital’s liver and pancreas unit. He’s also the first Arnie Vered Family Chair in Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Research — appointed in 2019.
In this episode, he discusses complex abdominal surgeries, his research into pancreatic, liver, and bile duct cancers, and the innovative clinical trials providing new hope to patients.
June 23, 2021
Blood clots, or thrombosis, have been a much-discussed health topic during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this episode, Dr. Marc Carrier and Dr. Lana Castellucci help us better understand blood clots, the global impact their research is having on patient care, and how the pandemic thrust their area of expertise into the spotlight.
June 9, 2021
Five years after stunning results from a clinical trial for MS patients were announced, we check back in with the lead researchers. We also catch up with one of the patients who participated in the trial to get an update on how she is doing today. Guests:
Dr. Harry Atkins
Dr. Mark Freedman
Jennifer Molson
May 26, 2021
With the vision in her left eye deteriorating quickly in the fall of 2020, Michele Juma travelled from her home in Sault Ste. Marie to The Ottawa Hospital where she received specialized care. Tests revealed the mother of four had a meningioma tumour and time was not on her side to save her vision.
May 12, 2021
Amy-Lynn Howson has been a nurse for nine years. It was only recently though she became known as the “Singing Nurse” from The Ottawa Hospital. It all started when she brought her guitar into work one night to sing “You are not alone” — a song she wrote four years ago under very different circumstances.
Apr 28, 2021
Go behind the scenes to learn more about Dr. John Sinclair, the Director of Neurosurgical Oncology and the Director of Cerebrovascular Surgery at The Ottawa Hospital.
You’ll learn about the innovative technology he’s worked to bring to Ottawa to provide better care for cancer patients. He also gives us a glimpse inside the OR, his dream for the future, and he’ll explain what his initial career plan was after he graduated from high school — it had nothing to do with medicine.
Apr 14, 2021
Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s, affecting at least 100,000 Canadians. Researchers at The Ottawa Hospital are investigating this disease to learn more to help better care for patients and ultimately to find a cure. In this episode, you’ll hear how the power of philanthropy is helping.
Guests:
Dr. Julianna Tomlinson, senior research associate
Kim Teron, co-chair of PIPR
Mar 31, 2021
Meet gynecologic surgeon Dr. Sony Singh. In this episode, he provides insight into the number of people suffering from endometriosis. He also discusses uterine fibroids, minimally invasive surgery, and the impact of donor support advancing patient care.
Mar 17, 2021
Our hospital has played a significant leadership role in our region’s response to COVID-19.
One year into the pandemic, President and CEO of The Ottawa Hospital Cameron Love reflects on the challenges, the silver linings, and the signs of hope that are emerging.
Mar 3, 2021
Vanessa Large, Cindy McCambley, and Leah Mills share their stories from the frontlines of the pandemic. Hear their candid accounts about fears of the unknown, the long-haul exhaustion, and the pride of caring for their patients during these unprecedented times.
Feb 17, 2021
The Ottawa Hospital saved Kimberly Mountain’s life after the discovery of a cancerous brain tumour. Today, she’s confident if the cancer comes back, The Ottawa Hospital will be ready to save her again. Hear Kimberly’s story.
Feb 3, 2021
Bryde Fresque needed a skilled team and a complex surgery to come up with a diagnosis of pheochromocytoma – a rare tumour that left his future uncertain.
Guests:
Bryde Fresque, patient
Dr. Carolyn Nessim, a surgical oncologist and clinician investigator at The Ottawa Hospital
Jan 20, 2021
Bushra Saeed-Khan was just eight weeks into what was to be a year-long tour in Afghanistan in 2009 when her light armoured vehicle hit an IED. What followed was a long journey from trauma to healing.
Guests:
Bushra Saeed-Khan
Dr. Nancy Dudek, Medical Director of the Amputee Program
Jan 6, 2021
Take a glimpse inside the life of the people caring for patients at the region’s only Level 1 Trauma Centre. Dr. Maher Matar, a trauma surgeon, discusses the highly-skilled team that comes together each time trauma patients come through our doors.
Dec 23, 2020
In 2020, our community rallied to support The Ottawa Hospital in an unprecedented way. Tim Kluke, President and CEO of The Ottawa Hospital Foundation, reflects on how, together, our hospital and community took on COVID-19 and his message of thanks.
Dec 9, 2020
It’s been ten months since COVID-19 arrived in our region. In this episode, we take you back to the frontlines to hear two different stories of care at The Ottawa Hospital.
Guests:
Dr. Kwadwo Kyeremanteng, ICU and palliative care physician
Julie Renaud, Director, Cancer Care Program
Nov 25, 2020
Fran Cosper shares his story of fierce determination after being diagnosed with Guillain Barré Syndrome. It would be a healthcare team at the Rehabilitation Centre that would help him learn to walk again.
Nov 10, 2020
Meet David Cook, the 2020 recipient of the Worton Researcher in Training Award. Find out how his love of music turned into a love for research.
Oct 28, 2020
TSN 1200 sportscaster A.J. Jakubec had never heard of acute pancreatitis before December 2019. Today, he’s all too familiar with the illness, which can cause life-threatening complications, and is determined to show his gratitude to his hospital heroes who helped save him.
Oct 14, 2020
Premature babies need extra oxygen and mechanical intervention to breathe but this can damage their lungs, causing chronic lung disease. A stem cell treatment soon to be tested in clinical trials at The Ottawa Hospital may help heal the lungs of our tiniest patients.
In this episode, you’ll meet Dr. Bernard Thébaud, a neonatologist and senior scientist at our hospital, and Jamie Eberts, a mother who holds out hope for what this could mean for the future, including for her own daughter.
Sept 30, 2020
Cameron Love, the new President and CEO of The Ottawa Hospital, discusses the future of healthcare in the region and the role philanthropy plays.
Sept 16, 2020
The Ottawa Hospital was one of the few hospitals in Canada that could help Natasha Lewis when she was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2016. It was a complex diagnosis and she turned to a world-class skull-based surgeon, Dr. Fahad Alkherayf for help.
Sep 2, 2020
Over the past six months, our healthcare team has waded into uncharted territory. Meet two physician/researchers who are not only caring for patients during this global pandemic but also searching for answers to COVID-19 to help their patients as well as those around the world.
Guests:
Dr. Rebecca Auer, surgical oncologist and Director of Cancer Research
Dr. Darine El-Chaâr, maternal-fetal medicine specialist
*Dr. Auer’s clinical trial will begin recruiting patients in mid-September.
Aug 19, 2020
When Gina Mertikas-Lavictoire received the good news that she had gone from breast cancer patient to cancer survivor, she knew she wasn’t done with The Ottawa Hospital. Hear Gina’s story of giving back.
Gina is joined by her mother, Canadian artist Katerina Mertikas, and oncologist Dr. Mark Clemons makes a guest appearance.
Aug 5, 2020
It’s about making every moment count when it comes to how Sindy Hooper lives her life. Sindy was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2013.
Listen to Sindy’s story, her message to cancer researchers, and her dedication to giving back to The Ottawa Hospital.
Jul 22, 2020
June Jones lives a double life. During the day, she is busy enjoying time with her grandchildren, working in her garden, and life at the cottage. During the night, she sleeps hooked up to a dialysis machine.
July 8, 2020
An ultrasound revealing twins was the first of many surprises experienced by Meagan Ann Gordon and her family throughout her pregnancy —including a prolonged hospitalization during the worst public-health crisis the world has seen in 100 years.
June 24, 2020
Dr. Jack Kitts shares his message of thanks to community leaders and donors for their generosity during his time as President and CEO of The Ottawa Hospital. You can hear the full-length interview with Dr. Kitts.
June 10, 2020
In this episode, we learn about the key role patient clinical trials play in the advancements of research, including research currently underway investigating COVID-19.
May 27, 2020
Go behind the scenes and hear what it’s like on one of the units at The Ottawa Hospital caring for COVID-19 patients.
Guest: Dr. Samantha Halman
May 13, 2020
At a time when people are staying home to flatten the curve, they are looking for ways to do some good in the midst of a global pandemic—to feel like they are lending a helping hand.
In this episode, you can hear the stories behind just three of the people who are tapping into the good feeling of giving back and their message to our community.
Apr 28, 2020
Researchers at The Ottawa Hospital are contributing to the global fight against COVID-19.
This episode, Dr. Duncan Stewart, Executive Vice President, Research at The Ottawa Hospital describes how “research is moving at the speed of COVID-19” to find answers to this disease. He also discusses the impact COVID-19 is having on other research projects and how donor support is more important than ever.
Apr 16, 2020
Your donation to the COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund will be doubled up to $250,000 thanks to a matching gift from the Mierins Family Foundation.
Tune in to hear why Lisa Mierins and her family wanted to make this generous donation and rally the community.
Apr 9, 2020
April is Parkinson’s awareness month. In this episode, you’ll hear how The Ottawa Hospital’s Dr. Michael Schlossmacher has spent much of his career trying to unlock the mystery of Parkinson’s.
Hear about the advancements in understanding Parkinson’s disease, how The Ottawa Hospital is a leader in neuroscience research and care, as well as how community support has lead the way.
Apr. 3, 2020
From retirement back to the frontlines of The Ottawa Hospital. Meet Robin Morash, Joselyn Banks and Jennifer Smylie, like many others, they didn’t think twice about stepping back into work to help during the COVID-19 crisis.
You can support our COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund today. Donations will go towards urgent priorities to help patients and staff directly affected by the COVID-19 crisis.
Be sure to subscribe to the show.
Mar. 6, 2020
At The Ottawa Hospital, women account for 77% of the workforce.
In this episode, to mark International Women’s Day, we talk about women in leadership roles with The Ottawa Hospital. You’ll meet the hospital’s first female Chief of Staff Dr. Virginia Roth and the Foundation’s Vice-President of Philanthropy Jennifer Van Noort.
Feb 18, 2020
Meet Yvonne Wilson. She will become the first nurse to compete at The Ottawa Hospital’s Dancing with the Docs fundraising gala. This year it will be held on May 30 at the Hilton Lac Leamy. It’s one of the most anticipated nights of the year and funds support patient care and research at The Ottawa Hospital.
Feb 4, 2020
When Marilyn Erdely was diagnosed with stage zero breast cancer nine years ago, she was in her late twenties, and she never expected it to turn into a fight for her life.
Jan 21, 2020
The Ottawa Hospital is a leader in bringing immunotherapy to patients and developing the next generation of treatment. You’ll hear about the transformational advancements in cancer care with oncologist, Dr. Michael Ong and patient, Dan Collins.
Dec 27, 2019
Marcie Stevens was one of 13 severely injured patients who arrived at The Ottawa Hospital Trauma Centre after the Westboro bus crash. One year later, after losing both legs, Marcie continues her recovery at the Rehabilitation Centre and she’s grateful for the compassionate care she’s received.
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