Presentation at the In Sickness and in Health Conference, Odense, Denmark
Thank you supporting my travel to the In Sickness and in Health Conference (Odense, Denmark) held May 2011. The purpose of the 4th International In Sickness and In Health Conference was to critically examine social and healthcare related issues of power, ethics and professional practice and to explore the potential for crafting social change. The main objective of this conference is to create a focused opportunity for a diverse group of international researchers and graduate students who share an interest in studying contemporary issues of power, ethics and policy in relation to health care and social practice, to engage in dialogue together.
To this end, I was privileged to present as a doctoral student with both my dissertation supervisor and research internship supervisor from the BC Cancer Agency (Vancouver Island Centre). In addition, as a co-investigator on a nursing research project with both of these supervisors, I was able to present as their colleague. While their mentorship has been (and continues to be) a vital aspect of my doctoral studies, it is also wonderful to have opportunities to interact with academics in an international setting as a colleague during this time of my transition out of the doctoral program over the next several months.
It was also an excellent opportunity to meet and forge professional relationships with other doctoral students from various backgrounds and countries. The majority of students I met share my philosophical perspective and it was great to spend so much time in a setting where so many of us ‘speak’ the same language. There are several of us who plan to meet again at the 5th In Sickness and In Health Conference being held in Montreal (2013).
Most importantly, I was able to listen to several academics who I am considering as an external examiner for my dissertation defence. It is informative to hear someone in person and watch them ‘in action’ as well as reading their publications. It is also no small feat to choose someone that has experience with both my substantive area and methodology and has not previously worked with my supervisor! This conference gave me the opportunity to confidently narrow the list to a few people for my supervisor to consider.
The Dorothy Kergin funds were used to pay for food and incidental expenses of the trip. Denmark is lovely but it is extremely expensive to travel there. This is particularly true for me because I am allergic to milk. Denmark is a dairy-intensive travel destination and it was expensive to find non-alcoholic and non-dairy alternatives with my meals. I was a bit shocked to find that my jet lagged self paid $10 for a soy latte my first day and subsequently, $7.50 for a diet cola at another meal! Thank you again for supporting my travel. This was truly a wonderful experience for me to meet new people in my area of interest, to spend time with like-minded students as well as to interact with academics in an international setting as my doctoral studies are winding down.
—Lorelei Newton
From 2011 Summer Communiqué
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