In this episode Dani and Marion talk about Pulmonary Hypertension (PH), about the care Marion has received, about advocacy in our medical system. Lisa Kolkman, Nurse Practitioner (NP) in the Pulmonary Hypertension Clinic at Vancouver General Hospital. She supported Marion’s sister, who had PH, and takes incredible care of Marion today, helping her and her family navigate this illness. Lisa talks with Dani and Marion about her role as an NP, sharing her insights into advocacy and its importance, as well as self-care techniques, and advice for families supporting a loved one. Thanks for listening. Please take care of yourselves and if you need to, make use of the resources listed on our podcast main page.
ABOUT LISA KOLKMAN:
Lisa Kolkman spent 13 years working as a registered nurse on inpatient units throughout Canada and the United States. Her training and certifications as an RN focused on neurology, neurosurgery, trauma and intensive care. She completed her Master of Nursing in 2012 at the University of British Columbia. Lisa joined the Pulmonary Hypertension Clinic as a Nurse Practitioner in 2012 and is the manager of the prostacyclin program for the province of BC and Yukon Territory.
She developed and continues to coordinate the genetic testing program for Familial PH, Idiopathic PAH and Pulmonary Veno-Occlusive Disease. Lisa is a member of the Canadian Pulmonary Hypertension Registry Steering Committee and is responsible for overseeing the clinic's database. In addition to being a member of the Canadian Pulmonary Hypertension Professional Network since its inception and repeat member of the executive, Lisa is a regular contributor to the efforts of PHA Canada, the national patient advocacy association.
Episode-Relevant Links:
https://www.cna-aiic.ca/en/nursing/advanced-nursing-practice/nurse-practitioners
*****CONTENT WARNING*****
Each episode of this podcast touches on subjects related to trauma, misogyny, racism, medical racism, sexual misconduct, Residential Schools, as well as many aspects of death and dying. Self-care is our priority, and we ask that you please take care as you listen, step away for a break when you need to, and use the resources below for support.
Mental Health Support Resources:
https://www.hopeforwellness.ca/ , 24/7 telephone: 1-855-242-3310, Online chat
NIHB Mental Health Services regional office
First Nations Health Authority (BC), Toll-free: 1-866-913-0033, info@fnha.ca
MAiD Resources:
https://www.fnha.ca/what-we-do/healthy-living/end-of-life-journey/medical-assistance-in-dying
Centre for Education and Research on Aging
https://endoflifedoulaassociation.org/doula-list-maid/
https://abo-peoples.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/CAP-2024-FinalReport-PEOLC-MAID_WEB_EN-.pdf
Grief & Loss Support Resources:
https://www.beendigen.com/programs/talk4healing/
https://www.hospicenorthwest.ca/services/outreach-program/
https://lumarasociety.org/indigenouswellness/ , 1-866-9LUMARA, info@lumarasociety.org
Indigenous Books on Grief and Loss:https://www.strongnations.com/store/item_list.php?it=1&cat=3027
Residential School Support Resources:
https://www.irsss.ca/ , 1-800-721-0066 for Survivors and Their Families
https://nctr.ca/contact/survivors/ , The National Residential School Crisis Line 1-866-925-4419