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.