St. Clair College's Health Science Programs organized a Patient Partner event as part of their commitment to Equal Accreditation Canada. This event aimed to provide students with insights into the healthcare system through the lens of a local patient's journey with cancer.
The evening provided an invaluable opportunity for students to engage directly with the patient, gaining firsthand knowledge of the challenges and triumphs while undergoing cancer treatments. Through this event, students learned valuable lessons about empathy, communication, patient-centered care, and the importance of understanding the patient experience in our healthcare practices. Witnessing the student's interactions reaffirmed the necessity of incorporating patient perspectives into their education. This event served as a poignant reminder of just how critical these skills are in the healthcare profession. By fostering empathy, active listening, and effective communication, we empower our students to become compassionate and competent healthcare providers.
Here are some quotes from our student's reflections:
"It will make me more careful and open to slowing down when talking to patients and make sure to remember that each person is an individual and needs different things to feel comfortable."
"Keeps me mindful about the person on the other side of the test results, especially when you're not in front of your patients."
"Emotional Intelligence played a part with your healthcare providers."
This event underscores St. Clair College's direction to fostering well-rounded healthcare professionals equipped with both technical expertise and a deep understand of patient perspectives.
"Lisa, thank you for generously sharing your cancer journey with our Health Science students. Your bravery and openness has undoubtedly inspired them as they embark on their own journey in the field of healthcare. Your willingness to share your experiences is invaluable and will leave a lasting impact on their education and empathy as future healthcare professionals. " mentioned Stephanie De Franceschi, Chair, School of Health Sciences.
