A Patient’s Journey - Part 2: Social • Stigma • Relationships • Work

Karen Firus
Karen is a charismatic and empowering educator, public speaker, and advocate who has lived with myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS) for 43 years. Her background as an award-winning filmmaker, artist, and on-air television journalist, brings a special flair and unique POV to her presentations on invisible complex chronic illness, interprofessional collaboration and healthcare issues.
Karen’s experience, personal insights, and passion as a UBC Health Mentor and patient partner /educator / facilitator for workshops on Collaborative Decision Making for UBC Health Sciences students have inspired many. Her presentations include the Nexus Summit, CHES Day Celebration of Scholarship, Guest Speaker for the PHSA Board of Directors on behalf of BC Women’s Hospital, Opening Speaker with a rallying cry to action for BCWH Research strategy day, and Honoured Guest at an annual BCWH Foundation Illuminations Gala.
Karen is the writer / presenter of a 20-minute video (PHSA, CCDP) giving hope to others living with chronic illness. She received her MFA and BA (film production, UBC) and was the recipient of Graduate Fellowships. Karen is a master of the pep talk and believes ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE!