Writing & research · Real Talk
Personal stories. Public systems. No tidy answers required.
Articles about patient voice, chronic illness, recovery, advocacy and building a meaningful life at a more sustainable pace.
Real Talk
OpenNotes in Canada: Access, Equity and Patient Partnership
Emily Foucault reflects on OpenNotes in Canada, equitable access to clinical notes and the value of meaningful patient partnership in research.
Read article →Why Mast Cell Activation Syndrome Awareness Day Matters in Canada
Why October 20 matters for people living with mast cell activation syndrome in Canada—and how awareness can help turn visibility into care.
Read article →Reclaiming My Voice Through Patient Partnership at CAMH
Emily Foucault reflects on empowerment, resilience, recovery and lived experience after speaking during CAMH Patient and Family Experience Week.
Read article →The Diagnostic Odyssey and Daily Life With Rare Disease
Emily Foucault describes the long diagnostic odyssey, medical dismissal and daily realities of living with rare and complex chronic illness.
Read article →Body Shaming, Weight Changes and Chronic Illness
Emily Foucault reflects on illness-related weight changes, body scrutiny and why commenting on another person’s weight can cause real harm.
Read article →How Lived Experience Can Shape Health Care
How sharing lived experience with medical learners can strengthen listening, empathy and compassionate care across Canada’s health-care system.
Read article →Slow-Paced Living With Chronic Illness
Emily Foucault shares what slow-paced living means when chronic illness changes capacity—and how rest, boundaries and small rituals support her life.
Read article →Meet Emily Foucault: Writer, Speaker and Patient Advocate
Meet Emily Foucault, a Toronto writer, speaker, patient advocate and communications partner exploring illness, mental health and life beyond the hustle.
Read article →Earlier Real Talk posts remain available in the original archive ↗ while the collection is carefully migrated.
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