CW
Catherine WILHELMY
Centre hospitalier de l'université de Sherbrooke (CHUS)
Coordonnatrice du partenariat patient
Biography
Exposed to the serious illness of her parents at the age of 10, Catherine quickly understood the crucial role of natural caregivers throughout the course of the illness, up to the end of life. Later on, other loved ones, including her spouse, were also affected by cancer. In 2018, she herself was confronted with a cancer diagnosis with a bleak prognosis. At the same time, she experienced the joy of becoming a biological mother, adoptive mother, and grandmother.
While it was her experience with cancer that initially led her to patient partnership, she now leverages her broader experiences within the healthcare system to contribute to its improvement. Her involvement is primarily in oncology, both in research and in the provision of care and services, with a particular focus on peer support, especially concerning mental health: that of the individuals directly affected, their loved ones, and also healthcare professionals.
She is also engaged in educating future healthcare professionals, raising awareness among the general public, and contributing to governance. Her goal is to promote a better understanding of patient partnership. She aspires to see this practice implemented as widely as possible, convinced that it is a crucial path towards better aligning patients' needs with the realities of a healthcare system that also deserves to be cared for and supported.
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