Ivy Lynn Bourgeault
Ivy Lynn Bourgeault, PhD is a Professor at the University of Ottawa. Her area of research relates to policy and professional relations. Dr. Bourgeault began doing research on CAM for her Master’s thesis, exploring physicians’ views of their patients using alternative cancer treatments. Part of this research was published in the CMAJ and it has since become her most cited article. Dr. Bourgeault continued to examine topics in this area through her exploration of midwifery - as it was still considered an alternative form of health care in the Canadian context in the early 1990s, despite being a widely accepted practice all over the world. More recently, her interest in CAM has expanded to encompass a variety of practice and policy issues.
Interview with Dr. Bourgeault
Q: If you had not entered your current profession, what would you have liked to do?
ILB: Farming.
Q: What advice would you give to someone going into CAM research or practice?
ILB: Keep an open mind.
Q: What is the greatest danger to CAM?
ILB: Not being open to evaluation but at the same time becoming more standardized.
Q: What makes a good researcher?
ILB: A thirst for knowledge and patience, patience, patience.
Q: What part of your work gives you the most pleasure?
ILB: Working with students.
Q: How would you like to be remembered?
ILB: As a good teacher, mentor and mother.
Q: If you had a motto what would it be?
ILB: Practice random acts of kindness.
Q: What do you deplore in others?
ILB: Hypocrisy.
Q: What do you deplore in yourself?
ILB: Procrastination.
Q: What do you value most in a friend?
ILB: Truth.
Q: What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
ILB: Value your friends.
Q: What is the most treasured possession in your life?
ILB: Nothing of value in life can ever be possessed.
Q: What is your biggest regret?
ILB: Professionally, turning down a job to work with Morris Barer. Personally, not spending more time with my children.
Q: What is your favourite book/film?
ILB: Just one? Most recently, North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell.
Q: Which is your favourite quote?
ILB: “Never retract, never explain, never apologize; get things done and let them howl.” Nellie McClung
Q: Who do you admire the most?
ILB: Thankfully, too many to mention.
Q: How did you become involved in CAM research or practice?
ILB: I have always been interested in things that challenge the mainstream.
Q: What is the biggest challenge to practicing or researching in the field of CAM?
ILB: Lack of funding.
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