Rita Tourkova

About twelve years ago, I realized that there was something askew with my body’s mechanisms, so I took myself to the doctor. That visit, which I hoped would solve my problems, was just the beginning of a long journey through the fluorescent hallways and rooms of various hospitals. In these visits to the hospitals and specialists’ offices, I found lacking a genuine concern and care for me as a patient that went beyond writing out prescriptions and sending me for yet more medical testing.

My association with PAC began quite unexpectedly. It was a rare case of being in the right place at the right time. What started off as a simple job opportunity quickly turned into a chance to meet others with similar adverse shared experiences, and an opportunity to work with an organization that aims to give the patient voice and the patient experience the consideration they deserve.

It has been very encouraging to witness PAC's members' efforts to ensure that the new catch phrase that is being trumpeted all through the health care system - patient-centred care - doesn’t remain simply a catch phrase. I foresee many successes to come.