Catherine Courteau
Education and career
I first studied in a sciences, humanities and arts program, which is worth mentioning since it has influenced my career path ever since. I then completed my medical studies and family medicine residency at McGill University. I went on to do an additional year in palliative medicine at the University of British Columbia.
In terms of my career path, I worked in palliative care in Vancouver for two years before returning home to Montréal in summer 2022. I now work mainly at Hôpital du Sacré-Cœur-de-Montréal and at St. Raphael’s. Alongside my medical career, I also trained in narrative medicine. I’ve been taking part in and guiding writing groups for patients and healthcare professionals for almost ten years.
Why St. Raphael’s ?
I instinctively wanted to follow Dr. Krista Lawlor. She was my supervisor during my first palliative care internship. I still remember the interviews she did—her voice was gentle and comforting, unpressured, her body leaning toward the patient like an invitation, genuinely curious about the human being in front of her. I was inspired then, and I wanted to keep being inspired. Also, when I lived in Vancouver, I was part of the community of the Callanish Society, an organization for cancer patients that does absolutely extraordinary work. I’ve been lucky enough to witness the small miracles of art therapy, music therapy and massage therapy, but most importantly, I’ve seen the power of community in the often-isolating experience of illness. When I moved to Montréal, I immediately sought out a community of healers who heal from the heart. I found it at St. Raphael’s.
Your greatest motivation for coming to work
Connecting with another human, again and again.
A book, film or other work that has affected you in how it approaches the theme of death
“Through theatre, I strive to rain in the eyes of others; a moist massage for the soul.”
– Daniele Finzi Pasca
First, I want to tell you about the play Icaro, which has been performed around the world for over 30 years. The story goes like this: A man who has been hospitalized for years gets a new roommate (an audience member chosen at random at each performance). To escape the inseparable realities of solitude and death, Daniele Finzi Pasca leads this audience member and soon-to-be-friend down “the luminous paths of his imagination.”
Daniele Finzi Pasca wrote this monologue in prison, after being sentenced for refusing military service. Jean Siag says it best: “In Icaro, we see how much [his time in prison] inspired him to open the doors of the imagination, especially through art, in order to remain free and alive. He skilfully opens these little doors and gives us hope, for two hours, that we too can cross their thresholds. It’s that simple” [Translation] (La Presse 2010). This is part of the philosophy I try to instill in my care.
I really want to cheat and mention several other titles, such as “à cinq ans, mon frère m’a dit je t’aime,” a tragic and deeply touching short story by Lise Vaillancourt.
Please come find me to continue the conversation and to share your artistic influences!
Your interests, hobbies or passions outside your work
I’m someone who thrives on wide open spaces. I find them high up in the mountains, whether hiking or off-piste skiing, in the blank page before I set down my pen or watercolour paint, and when I dive into expansive stories. I especially enjoy losing myself in the world of magical realism found in the books of Haruki Murakami.
Florence Godin
Education and career
I completed my family medicine training at GMF-U Notre-Dame (Université de Montréal). I had no formal work experience as an “autonomous” doctor before working at St. Raphael’s. I currently work in family medicine at the GMF-U Notre-Dame, where I see patients in the office, do walk-in consultations and home palliative care, and supervise residents and outpatients. I come to St. Raphael’s every five or six weeks.
Why St. Raphael’s ?
I fell in love with St. Raphael’s when I did my palliative care internship there during my advanced palliative care skills program. I was particularly moved by the whole team’s spirit of mutual aid, kindness and humanity.
Your greatest motivation for coming to work
I’m motivated by the people I come into contact with, whether that’s team members, patients or their families. I also like the time I have to talk to people, get to know them, care for them or work with them.
A book, film or other work that has affected you in how it approaches the theme of death
The first answer that comes to mind is the film The Blue Butterfly. I remember that it was one of the first films I saw that dealt with death and a child’s illness. I was a child myself at the time, so the film had a profound effect on me, making me realize that life doesn’t end only for old people who have lived a full life.
Your interests, hobbies or passions outside your work
My main hobbies outside of work are sports such as running, downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, hiking, tennis, soccer and canoe-camping, and travelling!
Krista Lawlor
Education and career
When I was a medical student i almost dropped out because i felt that i didn’t belong in medicine. I began volunteering on the palliative care unit of the Royal Victoria Hospital and found my tribe and my home.
After four years practicing family medicine in Chisasibi (James Bay) and two fellowships in palliative care (one adult and one pediatric), i joined the palliative care team at the MUHC where i practiced for 20 years.
And although i didn’t pursue a career in pediatric palliative care, it was at the Children’s hospital that i met my husband, so i have no regrets!
Why St. Raphael’s ?
I had always wanted to practice in a hospice, so when I heard that St. Raphael’s was about to open and looking for a medical director (and that Veronique Despres and Rosemary O’Grady were already here), I took the leap…and I got the job!
Your greatest motivation for coming to work
I have always said that the two places that I feel most privileged to be a doctor is at a birth and at the end of life…two sides of the same mysterious coin (and most days I feel like a midwife!). Those liminal places bring us closer to what matters most in life, to a sense of gratitude and to each other.
What greater gift could we possibly get than to learn from our patients and to experience this journey together? As Ram Dass said, “we are all just walking each other home”. Oh, and I also love that almost every day we laugh together. And cry together. And Adeline’s cookies. OK, mostly Adeline’s cookies.
A book, film or other work that has affected you in how it approaches the theme of death
I think there are too many to name, but recently I watched and loved the film “The Farewell” with Awkwafina. And any poem by Mary Oliver can make me cry with recognition and gratitude.
Your interests, hobbies or passions outside your work
I can never have enough time in the forest, or garden, or on the lake. I have started learning the cello and spinning again. And Adeline’s cookies.
