Our Vision: To advocate for and support shared decision making (SDM) throughout Children’s Hospital at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) and its affiliate regional and provincial organizations in a manner that reflects LHSC’s core values, for the purpose of continuously improving the care experience.
Courtney Ecker is the Senior Manager of Marketing for Fanshawe College. She is an active member of the community as the Administrative Representative on the Fanshawe College Board of Governors, a mentor for aspiring women in marketing and a fundraiser for epilepsy awareness and other initiatives that are close to her heart. Courtney has been a parent advisor for research projects in Paediatric Neurology at Children’s Hospital for a number of years and is dedicated to giving back in any way she can.
Department Head, Paediatrics, LHSC
Chair and Professor, Department of Paediatrics, Western University
Inaugural Children’s Health Foundation Chair in Paediatrics, Western University
Dr. Campbell’s research interests are in the areas of cerebral palsy and paediatric neuromuscular disease. He is highly regarded for his collaborative leadership approach and research work that leads the way in the paediatric neuromuscular field.
“I believe that Shared Decision Making (SDM) has the potential to contribute to making our health-care system more equitable. By truly engaging patients in their health care decisions, we can help them overcome some of the barriers they face. Through collaboration and networks focused on paediatric health and well-being, it is our goal to embed Shared Decision Making skills across the health-care system and to create environments that adopt SDM best practices."
Bonnie is an experienced decision coach who educates and encourages patients/caregivers to be active participants in shared decision making. This involves objective and impartial decision support from outside the patient’s circle of care, filling a unique gap that allows timely, unbiased and non-threatening decision scenario options for all patients/caregivers who are grappling with a difficult decision. Everyone benefits when patients and their caregivers are well-informed and play a primary role in deciding how to treat or manage their own health conditions.
“I believe that a well-informed patient is an empowered patient, and an empowered patient is key to a healthier future”.
Phil Singeris is a Senior Business Advisor at the London Small Business Centre, a life-long Londoner and proud husband and father of two children. He is a strong advocate for Children's Hospital and the Children's Health Research Institute, continually working to support patient care, family advocacy and neuromuscular disease research. Phil, along with the amazing support of family, friends and Dr. Craig Campbell, was instrumental in launching the William Singeris Centre for Myotonic Dystrophy Research in London in 2005.
“Our family has utilized the Shared Decision Making tools first-hand. We found them very beneficial when facing challenging medical situations because they allowed us to work through concerns and arrive at a decision together as a family.”
Rhonda is a children's advocate and retired social worker. Her experience includes supporting children (and their families) with neuromuscular disease and complex medical needs. Shared Decision Making (SDM) is integral to families facing difficult medical decisions and Rhonda is committed to furthering the research and expanded implementation of SDM at Children's Hospital.
Jennifer Smith is a key member of the Community Programs and Strategies team within the Child Care and Early Years Division at the City of London. In her role, Jennifer collaborates with community organizations and institutions to sustain a family-centered service system that delivers high-quality, affordable, accessible, responsive and inclusive programs, services, information and referrals for families across all neighborhoods. She is dedicated to fostering collaborative approaches and emphasizes shared decision making to achieve effective and impactful outcomes.
Marie-Helene Bolduc, VP Programs and Services at Muscular Dystrophy Canada (MDC), provides strategic and operational direction for all elements of MDC’s programs and services, including the system navigation program that enables Service Specialists to work alongside individuals and their families, as well as health care professionals to navigate complicated systems to access the right resources that enhance the quality of life for people affected by neuromuscular disorders.
“Shared Decision Making is a wonderful tool for our service specialists to utilize as they support clients and/or their families with decision making. It empowers our clients and their families to gather the right information and analyze the impacts on them in order to make the best decision for their unique personal situation.”
Division Head, Paediatric Neurology, LHSC
Director, Paediatric Epilepsy Program, LHSC
Associate Professor, Western University
Areas of interest: Drug-resistant epilepsy, epilepsy surgery, invasive monitoring (sub-durals and SEEG) and neuromodulation in epilepsy.
“The Shared Decision Making program has been instrumental in guiding parents and children during their journey to epilepsy surgery. Their meetings with the coach and access to decision aids make them feel heard when it counts the most."
Dr. Coughlin is a Neonatologist and Associate Professor at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry at Western University. He serves as the Neonatal Medical Director of the Maternal, Newborn, Child & Youth Network of Southwestern Ontario and Medical Director of the Neonatal Developmental Follow-up Clinic at Children’s Hospital, LHSC. He holds a master’s segree in Bioethics with a specific interest in Shared Decision Making and is very happy to be a part of this important and dedicated group.
Angel Ruhil is a member of the Youth Advisory Council and a Patient Partner at LHSC. Currently in grade 11, she is involved in research at the University of Toronto, focusing on health economics and public health delivery. Angel is passionate about enhancing collaborative health-care approaches and advancing patient-centered care.
