By: Jenna Kedy

When I stepped into the Ninth Annual Patient Redefining Healthcare Summit in the heart of Toronto, it felt like walking into a powerful whirlwind of passion, purpose, and possibility. Hosted by the Saving Your Skin Foundation and Psoriasis Canada, this wasn’t just a conference—it was a vibrant gathering of voices, all determined to reshape the future of healthcare. I was there as a representative of the Canadian Arthritis Patient Alliance (CAPA), I was grateful to be able to learn and take this on.

For me, being there was deeply personal. I’ve lived with arthritis since I was 11, and my advocacy journey has been shaped by countless experiences navigating the healthcare system. CAPA’s mission goes far beyond improving treatments—it’s about shifting the narrative, supporting patients to take charge of their healthcare journeys, and ensuring they’re heard at every step.

The summit opened with. Dr. Ojitosh Horn, a family physician from the Akwesasne Medical Clinic, delivered a keynote that was equal parts wisdom and warmth. She talked about cultural respect, patient-centered care, and community-based solutions. She reminded us that healthcare isn’t just about science or medicine—it’s about the people at the center of it all. One of the most memorable moments came from Tetiana Shcholok and Debbie Olotu of the Manitoba Métis Federation. Their presentation highlighted history and the hope as they shared how they’ve integrated Métis cultural traditions into healthcare. They talked of weaving cultural heritage into wellness practices.

Harjeet Kaur’s story about being diagnosed with stage-four blood cancer, her journey has been one of immense hardship and extraordinary strength. Originally from northern India, Harjeet shared her life’s journey through Wales, Dubai, and finally to Canada, where her dreams faced the harsh reality of her diagnosis. The tone shifted as Petra Schulz of Moms Stop the Harm and Dr. Esther Tailfeathers took the stage to discuss Canada’s opioid crisis. Their stories were raw and their message clear: this crisis is a humanitarian issue, not just a medical one. They urged us to replace judgment with compassion and to recognize the human lives behind the statistics.

The second day of the summit opened with Senator Wanda Thomas Bernard talking about a bold vision for the future of culturally responsive care in Canada. Her speech illuminated the path forward, emphasizing that equity isn’t just an ideal—it’s a necessity. A standout moment was a panel featuring Srija Biswas from the Canadian Institute for Social Prescribing and Natasha Beaudin from the Alliance for Healthier Communities. They introduced us to the transformative concept of social prescribing, where patients are connected to non-medical resources like community programs and support networks, as opposed to just prescriptions for medications. Hearing how this approach addresses non-medical factors, like income, age, and discrimination felt like a glimpse into the future of a more holistic, compassionate healthcare system.

Dakota Recollet from the Indigenous Healthcare Council highlighted how incorporating Indigenous cultural practices into healthcare can transform not only how we heal but how we live. Her message resonated deeply—healing is not just a medical process, it’s a cultural and spiritual journey as well. The final panel brought everything into focus. Leaders like Dr. Veronica McKinney and Sharon Davis Murdock emphasized the importance of using data to illuminate the differences in healthcare that Indigenous peoples experience (known as health disparities) and drive meaningful change. Their insights revealed how data isn’t just about numbers—it’s a tool for justice, shedding light on gaps and pushing for equity in care.

As the summit came to a close, I found myself reflecting on the immense power of collective voices. Sharing my own experiences in breakout sessions wasn’t just therapeutic—it was empowering. I left with a renewed sense of purpose, a head full of ideas, and a heart full of hope. You can access the summit materials here to learn more about it on your own.