For over 30 years Judy has been avidly committed to amplifying patient perspectives and working toward a patient-focused healthcare system. Her professional background is in policy and strategy consulting, primarily in the field of health research policy, and her volunteer work has included roles such as President of the Canadian Cancer Society, Board Chair of the Stem Cell Network, Board Chair of the Canadian Breast Cancer Research Initiative, and Board Member of the Health Quality Council of Alberta — merely a few of the several provincial and national non-profit organizations that Judy has held various leadership positions over the years.

These decades of volunteer work were recognized by three national awards: The Commemorative Medal for the 125th Anniversary of Confederation (1993), Honorary Life Membership in the Canadian Cancer Society (2000), and the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal (2003). After a break in her volunteer work as a result of family experiences, she became a Patient Safety Champion (Canada) and in 2020 was greatly flattered to receive two awards – the Award of Merit from the Clearview School District (East Central Alberta), where she was born and did all of her early schooling, and shortly after she was deeply honoured to be named to the Order of Canada.

Her personal experiences within the healthcare system drive her passion for advocacy to shift towards a system that recognizes and embraces people (who are sometimes patients) as essential partners in all aspects of health planning – from one’s own care to the care and wellbeing of our communities.  We were lucky to catch up with Judy and learn more about her lived experiences, wins as ICN’s past Board Chair and her vision for the work we do here at ICN in an exclusive interview that we’re thrilled to share with you.

Get to Know the Faces of ICN: Judy Birdsell