The Patient Voice Podcast

The Patient Voice Initiative

Our aim at Patient Voice Initiative is to ensure patient voices are seen, heard and valued in the Australian health system. But what is the patient voice and why is it important?Join us as we explore real experiences of health and healthcare through the people who most depend on it and how these stories can help us build better care for all.The podcast is hosted by the Patient Voice Initiative Chair and patient advocate, Jessica Bean, which means it is an opportunity to hear patients in discussion with another patient, rather than responding to questions from someone who does not live with the daily experience of being a patient.

  1. Genevieve Handley

    FEB 5

    Genevieve Handley

    "I first became involved with advocacy when I saw my parents successfully advocate for improved care at the children’s hospital, from the setup of the home IV program, to the doubling of the funding at both South Australian CF clinics. I learnt from a young age that we can inspire change and that we all have a right to the best available health care. It’s lead to me becoming extremely passionate about health equality, through timely access to medications and the highest level of hospital care.  In 2013 myself and several passionate members of the CF community formed YesToKalydeco, after we saw our friends overseas gain access whilst the negotiations stalled in Australia. This was the first of four campaigns for these life-changing medications, which have now all successfully been listed on the PBS, significantly improving both the life expectancy and the quality of life for those living with CF in Australia. The advocacy does not stop here though, we still need better treatments, access to supports, and ultimately, a cure. I’m particularly looking forward to working with the CF community as our needs evolve and become more diverse. I’m excited to be progressing from the community-based advocacy to working for CF Together, with resources and a team of highly skilled people, with the common goal of leaving no one behind as we drive progress for the CF community in Australia." - Genevieve Handley Genevieve Handley https://www.linkedin.com/in/genevieve-handley-188640310/ CF Together https://www.cftogether.org.au/ Our work at Patient Voice Initiative is only possible thanks to the generous support of our Sponsors; for a full list of both our Gold and Silver contributors, please visit our Website.  Find out more about PVI by visiting our website https://www.patientvoiceinitiative.org/

    41 min
  2. Renee Gosney

    JAN 22

    Renee Gosney

    My name is Renee Gosney, and I was diagnosed with Stage 3 bowel cancer in April 2019 at the age of 25—completely out of the blue. I underwent major surgery, 4x cycles of chemotherapy over 3 months, and about six months after completing treatment, I was told my cancer was undetectable. During my treatment, I found it difficult to connect with other young patients facing similar experiences. That led me to seek out organisations that could provide support, which is how I discovered the Queensland Youth Cancer Services Youth Advisory Group (QYCS). I first joined as a member and not long after became co-chair, a role I held for four years until finishing at the end of last year. Through this role, I was actively involved in patient advocacy, helping to create better support networks for young people navigating cancer treatment and survivorship. As part of my journey, I also underwent genetic testing, which deepened my interest in genomics and its role in cancer treatment and awareness. My involvement allowed me to advocate for greater awareness and accessibility to genetic testing, particularly for young patients facing similar diagnoses. I am passionate about ensuring that others have access to the same resources and information that helped me through my own experience. Today, I am still cancer-free and undergoing regular surveillance. Outside of personal advocacy, I now run my own business—a reflection of my lifelong love for pets. As they have been my rock throughout my entire journey, providing comfort and companionship from the very beginning. Renee Gosney https://www.linkedin.com/in/renee-gosney/ WoohooPets https://woohoopets.com/ Our work at Patient Voice Initiative is only possible thanks to the generous support of our Sponsors; for a full list of both our Gold and Silver contributors, please visit our Website.  Find out more about PVI by visiting our website https://www.patientvoiceinitiative.org/

    53 min
  3. Shyamsundar Muthuramalingam

    JAN 8

    Shyamsundar Muthuramalingam

    Dr. Shyamsundar Muthuramalingam (Shyam) holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry and is a kidney transplant recipient with personal experience in Haemodialysis (HD) and kidney disease.  He is a key figure in consumer engagement strategies in healthcare, working with the Australia and New Zealand Dialysis and Transplant Registry (ANZDATA), South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), The George Institute for Global Health, and Kidney Health Australia (KHA).  Dr. Muthuramalingam is a consumer member of the National Clinical Advisory Committee at KHA and the Australian Medical Council, representing the community in the accreditation of medical degrees. He also serves on the NHMRC-MRFF Interim Consumer Advisory Network. Shyam is also a member of Australian Clinical Trials Alliance’s Consumer Engagement, Equity, and Diversity Working Group, contributing to recommendations for improving clinical trial participation among culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds. In partnership with PRAXIS, Shyam conducts workshops on Enhancing Consumer and Community Engagement in Clinical Trials, aimed at Clinical Trial Coordinators, Managers, early-career staff, and Research Managers. Dr. Shyamsundar Muthuramalingam https://www.linkedin.com/in/s-muthuramalingam/ Our work at Patient Voice Initiative is only possible thanks to the generous support of our Sponsors; for a full list of both our Gold and Silver contributors, please visit our Website.  Find out more about PVI by visiting our website https://www.patientvoiceinitiative.org/

    52 min
  4. Louise Grant

    08/22/2024

    Louise Grant

    Louise is the mother of Isabelle, a 3-year old who lives with a rare condition called Severe Combined Immune Deficiency ("SCID" or the "Bubble Baby condition"). SCID babies are born without a functioning immune system and cannot fight off even the simplest viruses or infections.  After Isabelle survived her life-saving Stem Cell Transplant at 7 months old, Louise went on to join the campaign to successfully advocate for SCID to be added to Australia’s Newborn Bloodspot Screening Panel.  SCID is now detected, diagnosed and treated soon after birth in Australia - before a baby becomes critically ill or passes away.  Louise also sits on the Board of the Immune Deficiencies Foundation of Australia (IDFA), supports other families who have a child born with SCID and is an advocate and peer mentor to families living with any Immune Deficiencies. Immune Deficiencies Foundation of Australia (IDFA) Website https://www.idfa.org.au/ IDFA Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ImmuneDeficiencyFoundationAustralia/ IDFA Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theidfa/ IDFA LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-immune-deficiencies-foundation-of-australia/  Our work at Patient Voice Initiative is only possible thanks to the generous support of our Sponsors; for a full list of both our Gold and Silver contributors, please visit our Website.  Find out more about PVI by visiting our website https://www.patientvoiceinitiative.org/ Produced by The Podcast Boss

    49 min
  5. Clare Devine

    08/08/2024

    Clare Devine

    Claire Devine is a best selling artist and emerging ecommerce/personal branding authority. Her works are collected worldwide and she imbues business and art with heartfelt candour, compassion and kindness. The Granddaughter of celebrated French artists and potters, Claire was born in Toulouse, France and grew up in an art gallery space in Brisbane, Australia. A classical musician and high school teacher, she started painting as a way to pass the evening hours while her handsome Irish husband, Seamus, was away for work. Claire took a break from her regular work when Seamus became ill and their infant son was diagnosed with partial blindness. This break allowed the family to reprioritise, focus on each other and give energy to Claire’s painting. As popularity for Claire’s work grew, The New Devine quickly evolved from a painting pass time into a serious, full-time business. Claire’s art comes from a place of deep love for her family because of their circumstances with Seamus’s poor health and sons’ disability - the journey they went through (and continue to travel) to create contentment, joy and focus on family, love and togetherness all feeds and informs her artistic practice. Claire and Seamus have 3 (ex-premature baby) boys, two with albinism and legal blindness and one with Epilepsy like his father.  Claire lives in a little seaside suburb of North Brisbane and loves coffee, vintage champagne, Dad jokes, yoga and long walks with her 'tame wolf.’ Claire’s Website https://thenewdevine.com/ Claire’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thenewdevine/ Claire’s LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-devine-aa6a761a4/ Our work at Patient Voice Initiative is only possible thanks to the generous support of our Sponsors; for a full list of both our Gold and Silver contributors, please visit our Website. Find out more about PVI by visiting our website https://www.patientvoiceinitiative.org/  Produced by The Podcast Boss

    46 min
  6. Geoff Nyssen

    07/25/2024

    Geoff Nyssen

    Geoff is a dad, husband, blogger, public speaker and an active patient advocate.  Since being diagnosed in 2014 with the terminal blood cancer multiple myeloma, Geoff uses this adversity as a means to lead by example in helping others to become empowered with the challenges that they may face. His advocacy includes working as a volunteer for Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Snowdome Foundation, the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research and Myeloma Australia.  In addition, he provides ‘blood buddy’ support to many diagnosed patients, he is a research ‘consumer’ where he supports many research projects, and he is an active presenter where he provides inspiration to others as they navigate their own adversity.  Geoff is also founder/director of MY Mount Eliza Run & Fun Festival, and has raised nearly $400k for research and patient support since 2017. Geoff believes that his diagnosis does not define him, nor limit him, and in fact, powers him towards supporting others, raising awareness and funds for myeloma research. Geoff’s Website https://geoffnyssen.com/ Geoff’s LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/geoff-nyssen-5457a31/ Geoff’s Facebook https://www.facebook.com/geoffnyssenspage/ Our work at Patient Voice Initiative is only possible thanks to the generous support of our Sponsors; for a full list of both our Gold and Silver contributors, please visit our Website.  Find out more about PVI by visiting our website https://www.patientvoiceinitiative.org/  Produced by The Podcast Boss

    37 min

About

Our aim at Patient Voice Initiative is to ensure patient voices are seen, heard and valued in the Australian health system. But what is the patient voice and why is it important?Join us as we explore real experiences of health and healthcare through the people who most depend on it and how these stories can help us build better care for all.The podcast is hosted by the Patient Voice Initiative Chair and patient advocate, Jessica Bean, which means it is an opportunity to hear patients in discussion with another patient, rather than responding to questions from someone who does not live with the daily experience of being a patient.