Pulse: The Ottawa Hospital Foundation Podcast
Pulse will introduce you to the patients, healthcare providers, researchers, and donors of The Ottawa Hospital. You’ll hear how they are changing the future of medicine through new discoveries, by expanding treatments and improving the patient care.
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Episode 97: Jill Barr and the next generation of giving
05/01/2024
Episode 97: Jill Barr and the next generation of giving
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 . (18:05)
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Episode 96: A Canadian surgical first thanks to VR technology
04/03/2024
Episode 96: A Canadian surgical first thanks to VR technology
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. (16:37)
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Episode 95: Getting On Track with psychiatrist Dr. Sarah Brandigampola
03/06/2024
Episode 95: Getting On Track with psychiatrist Dr. Sarah Brandigampola
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 , a psychiatrist at our hospital who works in the . 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. (24:03)
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Episode 94: Making sure cancer isn't a big scary word
02/07/2024
Episode 94: Making sure cancer isn't a big scary word
When 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.(26:34)
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Episode 93: A big bang of influence
01/10/2024
Episode 93: A big bang of influence
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 . (19:14)
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Episode 92: RN Phil Nguyen’s home away from home
12/06/2023
Episode 92: RN Phil Nguyen’s home away from home
Registered Nurse 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. (18:47)
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Episode 91: Breaking barriers: Dr. Shawn Aaron's award-winning journey in cutting-edge research
11/08/2023
Episode 91: Breaking barriers: Dr. Shawn Aaron's award-winning journey in cutting-edge research
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. (25:05)
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Episode 90: Amy Volume considers our ortho team the real rock stars
10/11/2023
Episode 90: Amy Volume considers our ortho team the real rock stars
Faced with an autoimmune disorder since childhood, rock radio announcer 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. (23:46)
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Episode 89: Unlocking discoveries in ovarian cancer
09/20/2023
Episode 89: Unlocking discoveries in ovarian cancer
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 , and how puzzles and mysteries continue to be a part of her life even when she's not in the lab. (28:47)
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Episode 88: Stefanie Scrivens still going strong after specialized brain surgery
09/06/2023
Episode 88: Stefanie Scrivens still going strong after specialized brain surgery
After nearly a decade of mini seizures, 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. (26:55)
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Episode 87: A first for gay men's health in Canada
08/02/2023
Episode 87: A first for gay men's health in Canada
Dr. Paul MacPherson is a longtime advocate for gay men’s health. In 2023, he was named the first 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. (28:44)
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Episode 86: How breast cancer turned Alison Hughes’ world upside down
07/05/2023
Episode 86: How breast cancer turned Alison Hughes’ world upside down
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. (33:04)
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Episode 85: Big breakthrough could be coming for most deadly kind of stroke
06/13/2023
Episode 85: Big breakthrough could be coming for most deadly kind of stroke
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.
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Episode 84: How Julia Wagg’s legacy is giving others an extra shot at life
05/17/2023
Episode 84: How Julia Wagg’s legacy is giving others an extra shot at life
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. (36:51)
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Episode 83: Former Ottawa mayor and her granddaughter fuel cancer research
05/03/2023
Episode 83: Former Ottawa mayor and her granddaughter fuel cancer research
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 . (24:38)
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Episode 82: From war zone to Ottawa Hospital trauma team – a journey of lifesaving care
04/19/2023
Episode 82: From war zone to Ottawa Hospital trauma team – a journey of lifesaving care
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. (28:37)
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Episode 81: Go behind the scenes of the new hospital campus
04/05/2023
Episode 81: Go behind the scenes of the new hospital campus
The Ottawa Hospital’s new state-of-the-art campus will be the most patient-centred and technologically advanced research hospital in the country. Simply put, it will revolutionize how we deliver healthcare. 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. (36:45)
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Episode 80: How stem cells may hold a clue into treatment for sepsis
03/22/2023
Episode 80: How stem cells may hold a clue into treatment for sepsis
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 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, , an intensive care unit physician, and senior scientist, talks about moving the needle forward on sepsis research. (27:27)
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Episode 79: Kathryn Tremblay and "What's possible?"
03/07/2023
Episode 79: Kathryn Tremblay and "What's possible?"
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 . (21:32)
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Episode 78: One simple question fuels career in cancer research
02/15/2023
Episode 78: One simple question fuels career in cancer research
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. 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. (33:26)
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Episode 77: A cancer journey through a different lens
02/01/2023
Episode 77: A cancer journey through a different lens
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 and what it was like seeing care from the patient’s perspective. She also talks about witnessing the impact of research. (24:58)
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Episode 76: Young neurologist pushing the boundaries in stroke research
01/18/2023
Episode 76: Young neurologist pushing the boundaries in stroke research
From a young age, 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. (23:51)
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Episode 75: CAR-T clinical trial gives Camille Leahy ‘one last shot’
01/04/2023
Episode 75: CAR-T clinical trial gives Camille Leahy ‘one last shot’
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. (37:15)
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Episode 74: Creating Tomorrow and a lasting legacy
12/21/2022
Episode 74: Creating Tomorrow and a lasting legacy
The year 2022 was an important one at The Ottawa Hospital Foundation with the launch of the historic . 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. (35:26)
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Episode 73: "Disruptive" innovation improves stroke care
12/07/2022
Episode 73: "Disruptive" innovation improves stroke care
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. (32:44)
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Episode 72: Snowmobiler’s harrowing crash and lifesaving care
11/23/2022
Episode 72: Snowmobiler’s harrowing crash and lifesaving care
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.
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Episode 71: Lighting up cancer research
11/02/2022
Episode 71: Lighting up cancer research
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. (34:01)
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Episode 70: Meet nurse navigator Mary Farnand
10/19/2022
Episode 70: Meet nurse navigator Mary Farnand
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. (33:38)
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Episode 69: ‘Futuristic’ immunotherapy changes course of treatment for 22-year-old with cancer
10/05/2022
Episode 69: ‘Futuristic’ immunotherapy changes course of treatment for 22-year-old with cancer
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. (35:31)
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Episode 68: A dedicated voice for our tiniest patients
09/21/2022
Episode 68: A dedicated voice for our tiniest patients
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 from September 2022 to November 15, 2022, up to $50,000.
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