Summary:

In this episode, Nancy Henderson, a dedicated nurse and harm reduction researcher, joins host Sean Burke to discuss the realities of the toxic drug crisis in Canada. Nancy shares insights from their journey from community nursing to frontline research, reflecting on the struggles of burnout and the critical role of safe supply. Together, they unpack the complex web of policies, personal impact, and community-driven solutions shaping the future of harm reduction.

Nancy Henderson’s work embodies the resilience, advocacy, and personal commitment driving harm reduction forward. With a background in community nursing and a passion for policy reform, Nancy shares their journey addressing the overdose crisis, from the limits of individual care to systemic challenges in healthcare. This episode sheds light on the power of lived experience, the importance of compassionate care, and the potential for a safer future through innovative research and safe supply models.

Content Warning:

This episode includes discussions on sensitive topics, including substance use, the opioid crisis, and the personal impacts of burnout. We recommend listening with care.

Takeaways:

• Safe Supply Saves Lives: Nancy emphasizes that safe supply programs are designed to reduce harm and prevent fatalities—not to enable addiction.

• Systemic Change is Essential: Transforming policies is key to creating long-term solutions in harm reduction and substance use support.

• Lived Experience Matters: Including the voices of those impacted leads to more compassionate, effective healthcare practices.

• Preventing Burnout: In challenging fields, prioritizing self-care and support systems is crucial for sustainability.

• Education and Public Awareness: Informing the public with evidence-based research can reshape perceptions and reduce stigma.

Nancy Bio

Nancy Henderson is a Vanier Scholar and PhD student with the University of Victoria School of Nursing, and a Research Assistant with the Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research. Nancy’s work as a community harm reduction nurse has led them to a variety of roles focused on working with the people most impacted by the housing and drug toxicity crises.

Resources:

Care to Speak | Care For Caregivers

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SafeCare BC: Your Mental Health Matters

Bounceback (bouncebackbc.ca)

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Care2Listen Podcast | Care For Caregivers

Summary:

In this episode, Emily Wyatt, a 2SLGBTQIA+ liaison nurse, shares their deeply personal journey of navigating healthcare as both a provider and a patient. From their own healing process to advocating for marginalized communities, Emily reflects on the emotional challenges and triumphs of creating safer spaces in healthcare for everyone.

Emily Wyatt’s story is one of resilience, advocacy, and heart. As a 2SLGBTQIA+ liaison nurse, Emily opens up about their journey through nursing and the personal experiences that shaped their dedication to improving care for marginalized communities. They share the struggles of balancing their own well-being while helping others find safety and acceptance in the healthcare system. This episode offers a personal reflection on the impact of inclusive care, the importance of support networks, and how we can all play a part in creating a more compassionate healthcare environment.

Content Warning:

This episode includes discussions about sensitive topics, including self-harm, suicide ideation, substance use, and depression. We recommend listening with care.

Chapters:

• 00:01:20 - Introduction to Emily Wyatt and Their Role as a 2SLGBTQIA+ Liaison Nurse

• 00:03:13 - Recognizing Gaps in 2SLGBTQIA+ Healthcare and Patient Care

• 00:06:11 - Emily’s Personal Story: Transition, Nursing, and Medical Challenges

• 00:09:12 - The Role of Nursing Education in Emily’s Healing Journey

• 00:17:10 - Navigating Work, Burnout, and the COVID-19 Pandemic

• 00:26:42 - Creating and Expanding the 2SLGBTQIA+ Liaison Nurse Role

Takeaways:

• Inclusive Care Matters: Emily Wyatt highlights the critical need for creating healthcare environments that are safe, respectful, and inclusive, especially for 2SLGBTQIA+ patients, to improve overall care quality.

• Lived Experience Enhances Patient Care: Emily’s personal journey as a member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community demonstrates how lived experience can bring deeper empathy and more effective advocacy in healthcare.

• Support Networks Are Essential: Emily underscores the importance of strong support systems, both for patients navigating the healthcare system and for healthcare professionals managing their well-being.

• Preventing Burnout is Critical: Emily’s experience during the COVID-19 pandemic highlights the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care to avoid burnout in high-stress healthcare environments.

• Allyship Transforms Healthcare: Emily stresses the role of allyship, urging healthcare providers to actively listen to and support their 2SLGBTQIA+ colleagues and patients, fostering a more equitable and safe healthcare system.

Resources:

Care to Speak | Care For Caregivers

Phone Resources

SafeCare BC: Your Mental Health Matters

Bounceback (bouncebackbc.ca)

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Care to Speak | Care For Caregivers

Care2Listen Podcast | Care For Caregivers

In this episode, Dr. Julie Wilson shares her journey of becoming a physician, building Terranova Medical Clinics, and redefining the future of primary care in British Columbia. From the challenges of establishing a business while managing personal health struggles to creating a unique workplace culture that prioritizes physician well-being, Dr. Wilson gives a firsthand account of the evolving healthcare landscape. She also offers insights into the growing need for collaborative healthcare models and the recruitment challenges within family medicine. Whether you’re a healthcare professional or interested in the future of primary care, this episode is filled with valuable lessons on resilience, leadership, and innovation in medicine.

Summary:

In this episode of the Care to Listen podcast, host Sean Burke sits down with Dr. Julie Wilson, a visionary family physician and co-founder of Terranova Medical Clinics. Dr. Wilson shares her remarkable journey, from navigating IVF and parenthood to reshaping the primary care landscape in British Columbia. Listen as she discusses creating a modern healthcare model, the challenges of building a business, and the importance of balancing patient care with innovative workplace culture. Tune in to learn how Dr. Wilson is leading a new wave of healthcare transformation, inspiring the next generation of physicians, and enhancing the patient experience in BC.

Content Warning:

This episode contains sensitive discussions, including topics such as fertility challenges, IVF, health complications, and personal illness. We recommend listening with care.

Takeaways:

• Workplace Culture Matters: Dr. Wilson emphasizes creating a supportive, flexible, and positive work environment for physicians to reduce burnout and improve patient care.

• Collaboration is Key: By building a team-oriented clinic with allied healthcare professionals, Dr. Wilson shows that a collaborative approach can enhance patient care and streamline operations.

• Innovation in Healthcare: Dr. Wilson’s success in introducing new healthcare models shows that thinking outside the box can lead to significant improvements in healthcare delivery.

• Resilience in the Face of Challenges: Whether dealing with personal health struggles or the complexities of running a business, resilience and adaptability are essential in overcoming obstacles.

• Hope for the Future: Dr. Wilson is optimistic about the future of primary care, with more opportunities for doctors and patients as healthcare models evolve.

Chapters:

• 00:00 - Introduction to Dr. Julie Wilson and Her Clinic

• 05:00 - Building a Collaborative and Innovative Healthcare Model

• 12:00 - Balancing Parenthood, IVF, and Career

• 17:00 - Creating a Supportive Workplace for Physicians

• 26:00 - The Future of Primary Care in BC

• 31:00 - Advice for New Doctors

Resources:

Care to Speak | Care For Caregivers

Phone Resources

SafeCare BC: Your Mental Health Matters

Bounceback (bouncebackbc.ca)

This podcast is brought to you by:

Home | Care For Caregivers

Care to Speak | Care For Caregivers

Care2Listen Podcast | Care For Caregivers