Katherine Cullihall has been a bedside nurse in emergency, intensive care, acute medical and palliative care units, as well as in cancer treatment clinics. She counts it a privilege to have learned from colleagues, students and perhaps the best teachers – patients and family members. “Listen to the patient” were the most important words she heard from a patient. In 1998 she became a research nurse in the Manitoba Palliative Care Research Unit and interviewed patients, family members and healthcare providers about concerns related to dignity and quality of life.
In October 2013, Katherine became a community moderator for the Virtual Hospice Discussion Forum., and took on the wonderful challenge of learning to communicate virtually and with meaning, with families, volunteers and people who are patients. She has a particular interest in raising awareness about the Discussion Forum community so that it can continue to grow and ensure that people who need support and information find this warm and safe community.