Intensive Caring: Voices from the ICU is a podcast that explores what happens after critical illness, bringing forward the voices of patients, families, and healthcare professionals who have experienced the ICU firsthand.

Hosted by Dr. David Hornstein, Director of the Critical Illness Recovery Center at the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC), the series focuses on the realities of recovery, physically, emotionally, and mentally, and the lasting impact of compassionate care.

In this episode, Dr. Hornstein sits down with Jack Rosenthal, who shares the story of a devastating cycling accident that changed the course of his life. After being struck by a truck while biking home in Montreal, Jack spent months in hospital and rehabilitation, facing severe injuries and an uncertain future. At one point, he was told he may never walk again.

Through a candid, thoughtful, and often surprisingly humorous conversation, Jack reflects on the long and complex process of recovery, from learning to accept help, to rebuilding his independence and identity after trauma. Together, he and Dr. Hornstein explore the emotional aftermath of critical illness, the importance of psychological support, and the powerful role community can play in healing.

This episode offers an honest look at resilience, acceptance, and what it means to move forward after life changes in an instant.

This podcast is presented by the MUHC Foundation, supporting patient care, research, and innovation across the McGill University Health Centre. To learn more or make a donation, visit muhcfoundation.com.

Soins attentifs, voie de l'après-USI est un balado qui explore ce qui se passe après une maladie critique, en donnant la parole aux patients, à leurs proches et aux professionnels de la santé qui ont vécu l’expérience des soins intensifs de près.

Animé par le Dr David Hornstein, directeur du Centre de rétablissement des maladies critiques au Centre universitaire de santé McGill (CUSM), le balado met en lumière les réalités du rétablissement, tant sur le plan physique qu’émotionnel et mental, ainsi que l’impact durable de soins empreints de compassion.

Dans cet épisode, le Dr Hornstein reçoit Gilles et Bruno, qui partagent un parcours marqué par un grave accident, un séjour prolongé aux soins intensifs et un long chemin vers le rétablissement. À travers un échange profondément humain, ils abordent les conséquences visibles et invisibles d’un traumatisme crânien, les défis du retour à la vie quotidienne, ainsi que les répercussions sur les proches.

Ensemble, ils explorent aussi des thèmes plus intimes, comme la vulnérabilité, la santé mentale, la dépendance et l’importance du soutien, qu’il vienne des équipes médicales, des proches ou d’une communauté qui comprend réellement ce que signifie survivre… et continuer à avancer.

Cet épisode met en lumière la complexité du rétablissement et rappelle que derrière chaque séjour aux soins intensifs se trouve une histoire qui se poursuit bien au-delà de l’hôpital.

Ce balado est présenté par la Fondation du CUSM, qui soutient les soins aux patients, la recherche et l’innovation au sein du Centre universitaire de santé McGill. Pour en savoir plus ou faire un don, visitez fondationcusm.com.

Intensive Caring: Voices from the ICU is a podcast that explores what happens after critical illness, bringing forward the voices of patients, families, and healthcare professionals who have experienced the ICU firsthand.

Hosted by Dr. David Hornstein, Director of the Critical Illness Recovery Center at the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC), the series focuses on the realities of recovery, physically, emotionally, and mentally, and the lasting impact of compassionate care.

In this episode, Dr. Hornstein sits down with Maia Masuda, a speech-language pathologist at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal. Shortly after the birth of her second child, Maia experienced a serious medical complication that led to an extended and unexpected journey through the ICU and hospital system, spending much of what was meant to be her maternity leave receiving care instead.

Through a candid and deeply honest conversation, Maia shares her experience from both sides of the healthcare system: as a clinician, and as a patient. Together, they explore the realities of navigating critical illness during a life stage that is typically defined by recovery, bonding, and new beginnings.

This episode offers a powerful look at vulnerability, identity, and the emotional complexity of being a healthcare professional in a patient’s position.

This podcast is presented by the MUHC Foundation, supporting patient care, research, and innovation across the McGill University Health Centre. To learn more or make a donation, visit muhcfoundation.com.

Welcome to the very first episode of Intensive Caring: Voices from the ICU, a podcast exploring what happens after critical illness, and the very human stories behind intensive care medicine.

Hosted by Dr. David Hornstein, Director of the Critical Illness Recovery Center at the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC), this series brings together former ICU patients, family members, and healthcare professionals to share honest conversations about survival, recovery, and the lasting impact of compassionate care. Through these discussions, the podcast aims to shed light on life beyond the ICU, an often overlooked chapter in the recovery journey.

In this debut episode, Dr. Hornstein is joined by Monique Chalifour, who experienced two separate ICU stays following serious cardiac health challenges. Together, they reflect on the emotional and physical realities of critical illness, the uncertainty patients and families face, and the long road back to everyday life after leaving intensive care.

Rather than focusing solely on medical outcomes, this conversation explores resilience, perspective, and the profound connections formed between patients and the teams who care for them during their most vulnerable moments.

This podcast is presented by the MUHC Foundation, supporting patient care, research, and innovation across the McGill University Health Centre. To learn more or make a donation, visit muhcfoundation.com.