National Conferences: Sharing 20 Years of Patient Partnership Across Canada

On April 30th, Community Engagement Coordinator Mandy Young and Health Mentor student alumnus Carmen Golnaraghi presented virtually at the IDEA in Health Care Conference. The session explored how lived experiences can advance principles of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) in health professional education and healthcare practice.

Drawing on her experience as both a caregiver and longtime Health Mentor, Mandy highlighted the impact of UBC’s Interprofessional Health Mentors Program. The presentation explored how patient involvement can help prepare future healthcare professionals to deliver more inclusive, equitable, and patient-centred care, while also exploring opportunities to adapt similar approaches in New Brunswick.

On May 21st, Patient & Community Partnership for Education was featured at the Canadian Association of Allied Health Programs (CAAHP) Conference. The team along with patient partner Darren Lauscher, reflected on two decades of integrating patient and community voices into health professional education at UBC.

The presentation outlined the rationale for involving patients in education, the many roles patients and caregivers can play as teachers and collaborators, the benefits for both students and patient partners, and lessons learned from building and supporting a thriving patient community. The Interprofessional Health Mentor Program was showcased as a leading example of transformative learning.

The presentations reflect a growing national movement toward partnership in health professional education. As institutions across Canada seek meaningful ways to embed patient and caregiver voices into teaching and learning, UBC’s experience continues to provide both inspiration and practical guidance for advancing patient-centred, relationship-based education.