Bringing Patient Voices to Life at Medical Conferences

by | Aug 22, 2025 | Case Study, Digital Storytelling

Kristy Wolfe Stories - Blog - Bringing Patient Voices to Life at Medical Conferences - Canada

Bringing Patient Voices to Life

When the Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Society (PCICS) conference opened its virtual doors last year, one of the most resonant themes wasn’t a new device or a drug trial—it was the power of storytelling.

Kristy Wolfe, storyteller, facilitator, and host of the Co-Created podcast, brought a unique lens to the conference through a combination of poster presentations, panel discussions, and multiple live sessions. Her work shone a light on digital storytelling as a powerful tool for connection, empathy, and innovation in healthcare.

Kristy Wolfe at the Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Society (PCICS) Conference - 1

The Poster: Digital Storytelling & Podcasts

Kristy’s poster, Digital Storytelling & Podcasts: How to Share Lived Experiences in Healthcare Contexts, invited attendees to go beyond simply “hearing” a patient’s journey.

It showcased:

  • Podcast Key Messages from several Co-Created episodes.
  • QR codes linking directly to powerful digital stories created by adults living with congenital heart disease.
  • A clear framework for meaningful engagement with patient narratives—asking:

“What resonates with me in this story? What does this mean to me? What wisdom can I draw from this story?”

The stories were created during a retreat facilitated by Kristy Wolfe & Kristina McGuire in partnership with the Western Canadian Children’s Heart Network and Heart Beats Children’s Society of Calgary. Kristy and Kristina also shared their own experiences as parents of children with congenital heart disease, highlighting how authenticity and vulnerability can create stories that truly connect.

Kristy Wolfe Stories - Digital Storytelling & Podcasts Idea Board - Alberta, Canada

The Panel: What I Wish My Care Team Knew

One of the most moving sessions was the panel What I Wish My Care Team Knew – Strategies for Effective and Compassionate Communication. Moderated by Dr. Timothy Pirolli, Dr. Carly Scahill, Page Steadman, and Kristy Wolfe, the panel featured:

Moderated by Dr. Timothy Pirolli, Dr. Carly Scahill, Page Steadman, and Kristy Wolfe, the panel featured:

  • James G. Robinson, journalist and bereaved parent
  • Dr. Thomas Glenn, pediatric cardiologist
  • Andrea Henry, healthcare interpreter
  • Kristina McGuire, former nurse and CHD parent
  • Kristy Wolfe, CHD parent and storyteller

The format was intimate: each panelist shared their personal journey, followed by open Q&A.

“In a conference full of data, this was the session that reminded me why I do this work.” – PCICS attendee

These stories revealed how empathy-driven communication can be as impactful as any treatment plan.

Impact at PCICS

Attendees left with practical tools to:

  • Integrate patient narratives into quality improvement projects
  • Foster empathy and understanding within care teams
  • Empower patients and families as co-creators in their care

The work Kristy brought to PCICS 2025 showed that patient voices aren’t just inspiring—they’re essential to building better healthcare systems.

Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Society (PCICS) Conference

Looking Ahead

Kristy’s model—combining digital media, podcasting, and intentional reflection practices—is creating a blueprint for humanizing healthcare worldwide.

As the Co-Created podcast continues to grow, so will the community of storytellers and listeners dedicated to stories that matter.

Tell Your Story

Connect with Kristy to explore how your organization can enjoy similar breakthrough results by creating your own digital stories.

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