By: Jennifer Ladrillo
For years following my diagnosis, I believed that the only way I could find a job and truly be able to build a genuine, solid foundation for my career, was if I kept my “disability” a secret. I thought that in doing so, I would be protected from people judging me as “un-fit”, and from pitying me in any way. Now though, 14 years later, I am not only happy, but eager to tell my story to people (strangers at that!), openly and honestly – no holds barred!
How had I come to be here?
A girlfriend and past co-worker of mine told me she was inspired to take the Health Mentorship course because of me; as she had seen the obstacles I faced balancing my health, work, social life, and everything in between. After taking the course she approached me, asking whether or not I would be interested in taking part as a mentor – the timing could not have been more perfect. I had made great strides from grieving the loss of my old self, and not only accepting, but actually embracing the life I now had. The challenges I had faced and always struggled not to be defeated by, now filled me with a sense of pride and empowerment as an adult.
I was so nervous getting ready for the first session, fussing over ridiculous details like my hair, and what shoes to wear; and it felt a little surreal being back on campus, but not as a student. I had decided beforehand that if I was going to take part in this program, there was no other way to do it than to be fully open and honest. So I did my best to relax, be myself, and just share my story. The students were really friendly, and many were actually not much younger than me. Part way through my talk, I stopped to ask the students if they had any questions, and one of them pointed out how the stories I told centered on how different health professionals made me feel, citing the famous quote:
“People may not remember exactly what you did, or what you said, but they will always remember how you made them feel.”
Upon further reflection, I realized how interesting that was. There are so many major parts of my journey that would naturally make sense to highlight, but those were not the stories I ended up telling. Instead I spoke of various interactions and connections I made with my health practitioners – good and bad!
One question that surprised me was, “Now that you are much better, what do you do for fun?”
It really made me smile. This is it, I thought, this is why I wanted to be here; why I think this course is so important. I wanted to convey the message that the most helpful thing a health practitioner can do is to connect with their patients, not simply treat them like just a number. To understand that a patient’s needs go beyond the existence of the physical ailments, to how these ailments actually affect the emotional and everyday stuff…like what you do to have fun!
- More Health Mentor Stories
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Health Mentor – Season One – Episode 3 – Zal
By: Zal Press The word "stigma" makes my blood boil. The session started out with questions about my hospital discharge experiences. For the first 6-8 years of my illness I was in and out of hospital like a revolving door. On discharge I would be visited by a dietician who would give me a standard "low residue" list of foods. Basically stuff to stay away from that would get stuck in my gut and give me an obstruction. The amusing part of this list is that it was the same one year after year and became increasingly blurry as a Read More…
Tagged Under: interdisciplinary, marginalization, mentor, narrative, professionalism, safety, season one, stigma, university of toronto -
Health Mentor – Season One – Episode 3 – Annette
By: Annette McKinnon I arrived for the final session and had no trouble finding the students. Because of bad weather and flu 2 were missing so the remaining three started with the questions. This module was about Patient and Client Safety, so in a way, with no hospital stays and discharges I have had it easier than some. We got into a discussion of how the ordinary preventative medicine can be overlooked in a patient with chronic illness when the focus is always on the main problem. Referrals are not always made to associated disciplines either when all of the Read More…
Tagged Under: interdisciplinary, mentor, narrative, professionalism, safety, season one, university of toronto -
Health Mentor – Season One – Episode 1 – Jennifer
By: Jennifer Ladrillo For years following my diagnosis, I believed that the only way I could find a job and truly be able to build a genuine, solid foundation for my career, was if I kept my “disability” a secret. I thought that in doing so, I would be protected from people judging me as “un-fit”, and from pitying me in any way. Now though, 14 years later, I am not only happy, but eager to tell my story to people (strangers at that!), openly and honestly - no holds barred! How had I come to be here? A girlfriend Read More…
Tagged Under: interdisciplinary, mentor, narrative, season one, stigma, university of toronto -
Health Mentor – Season One – Episode 2 – Annette
By: Annette McKinnon Just as happened at the last session all 5 of the participants are here for today's meeting. The major topic is Ethical and Professional issues this week, but as usual we go where the conversation takes us. Unlike Zal, I really like to sit at the head of the table because of the limitations in the movement of my neck. If I twist it one way for too long I get spasms and pain so it's the best way for me to see everyone. When it comes to the impact of the health care system on me Read More…
Tagged Under: ethics, interdisciplinary, mentor, narrative, professionalism, season one, university of toronto -
Health Mentor – Season One – Episode 2 – Zal
By: Zal Press I’m looking at 4 vibrant young faces as we gather around a rectangular formation of tables in a small, bland meeting room that I found uncomfortable and opposed to my nature. I’ve made a habit of never sitting at the proverbial “head” of the table. Not at home or away. The implication of authority contradicts my principle of equity. I didn’t change my habit for this meeting either and found the “square” didn’t work. I much prefer a circle. Easier to see faces. In education, though, there’s always an authority. There’s judgement and punishment and there’s always Read More…
Tagged Under: authority, interdisciplinary, joy, mentor, narrative, power, season one, suffering -
Health Mentor – Season One – Episode 1 – Chrystal
By: Chrystal Gomes I was nervous. This was the first time I was to be a Health Mentor. Although I had shared “my story” time and time again, this was going to be different. This time, it could, and hopefully would, make a real difference within the context of a future medical community. My biggest dilemma: How much do I share? Do I share the good, the bad, AND the ugly? I was so nervous, I arrived at the building downtown one hour early. I stopped in at the coffee shop across the street for a comforting French Vanilla Cappuccino. Read More…
Tagged Under: interdisciplinary, mentor, narrative, season one, university of toronto -
Health Mentor – Season One – Episode 1 – Annette
By: Annette McKinnon It is interesting to be a Health Mentor and talk to students in various disciplines who will ultimately have to work together for the good of the whole patient. You have some great ideas Zal, for engagement. I told my group that there was a "Patient Commando" out there and I have no doubt you are much discussed, even as we speak. I think that in the past when I participated I talked too much - I am learning to shut up and answer the questions so that things can proceed better. The students were very interested Read More…
Tagged Under: interdisciplinary, mentor, narrative, season one, university of toronto -
Health Mentor – Season One – Episode 1 – Zal
By: Zal Press I came out of the subway into air that was just cool enough to keep me focussed on my thoughts rather than the weather. Throughout the subway ride I was riddled with anxiety about my new Health Mentor group I was about to meet. This is my second year in the program. As a so-called veteran I knew what to expect, but I felt that this was going to be different. The students were going to be different. And so was I because I also knew that I was going to be writing this blog about the Read More…
Tagged Under: hope, interdisciplinary, mentor, narrative, season one, university of toronto