During National Volunteer Week, we will be spotlighting volunteers to highlight the important roles they play at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC). Today’s spotlight shines on Bianca Zussino.
Bianca Zussino is a third-year biology and neuroscience student at Lakehead University with aspirations to pursue a career in medicine. In addition to her academic studies, she is currently a neurogastroenterology research intern with Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School. Bianca is also a dedicated volunteer in her community, working with organizations such as the Children’s Aid Society, St. Joseph’s Care Group, and Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC). Her volunteer role at TBRHSC involves serving as a Patient Family Advisor (PFA), where she advocates for the patient perspective to drive positive change within the institution.
Her motivation for volunteering in this capacity is rooted in her personal health challenges. Through her experiences, Bianca learned the importance of self-advocacy and the significant impact it can have on one’s health journey. She witnessed both the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system and decided to pursue a role as a Patient Family Advisor (PFA) in order to contribute to meaningful change. In her current position, Bianca serves on the Surgical and Surgical Services Board at TBRHSC, participates in monthly PFA council meetings, and shares her patient story during orientations for new staff. These opportunities have enabled her to engage in important policy discussions, contribute insights based on her personal experience, and advocate for improvements that prioritize patient-centered care.
Bianca believes that education is a powerful tool for driving change. By sharing her story, she helps new hospital staff understand the real impact of patient-centered care. Her experience highlights both the strengths and areas for improvement in the healthcare system, underscoring the need for empathy, effective communication, and strong advocacy in improving patient experiences.
As a PFA, Bianca is passionate about helping future patients navigate the healthcare system. Her own experience allows her to relate to the challenges patients face, and she believes her perspective can help improve the overall experience for others. For Bianca, the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others is incredibly rewarding. Through her involvement, she hopes to contribute to a more compassionate and efficient healthcare system for future patients.