When serious illness strikes, the world shifts beneath your feet. For one Vancouver family facing a difficult diagnosis, what could have been an overwhelming journey became a testament to what exceptional healthcare looks like.
The Power of Proactive Partnership
As professionals in their forties, this family understood that proactive health management wasn’t a luxury, it had become a worthwhile investment.
“We knew there was this health condition in the family, and we wanted to be entirely proactive,” the family shares. “We needed a source of guidance to help us manage our response. If you’re not a healthcare professional yourself, ‘you don’t know what you don’t know’, so we found someone who did.”
Their previous family doctor provided great care but was ultimately constrained by factors beyond their control. The system structure and access to specialists fell short in delivering the comprehensive support they needed. ‘We loved our family doctor—she gave 101% of herself. But the system just wasn’t designed to provide the kind of specialized support we were looking for,’ they explain.
Seamless International Care Coordination
When the surgical wait times in BC led them to Germany for specialized surgery, and they looked for more local support, Harrison’s role became even more critical. Managing healthcare across international borders presents unique challenges: different protocols, varying standards, and the risk of losing continuity in care plans.
After a successful experience in Germany, Harrison ensured the treatment plan was fully implemented upon their return to Canada. The team remains dedicated to following every detail of the ongoing, multifaceted care plan, which will continue for years as their client recovers.
“We seamlessly took over from the German team and are now exploring both public and private care options moving forward,” says Dr. Clem. “Our multidisciplinary team combines diverse expertise to ensure comprehensive diagnostics are available, to thoroughly review all options and address additional client needs, and to ultimately provide well-rounded care that covers all the bases.” This collaborative approach means that your care plan comes with a high level of accountability and expertise in your corner.
The family shared their gratitude: “They’ve made sure every aspect of the plan is followed, recommended additional care, and given us peace of mind during this recovery period.”
This level of coordination highlights Harrison’s dedication to serving as the central healthcare hub, keeping treatment on track no matter where it happens or how complex the journey becomes.
A Multifaceted Recovery Approach
In addition to standard care, the plan highlights fitness and nutrition as essential components of recovery, which Harrison is well-equipped to support and improve upon. With guidance from experienced Exercise Physiologists and Dietitians, Harrison can implement the plan effectively while providing tailored recommendations based on expert knowledge.
Exercise Physiologist, Aiden Conneely explains, “Our approach has been to focus on strength training, badminton, and walking. We’ve adjusted the intensity, steadily and safely building back up to previous activity levels.”
True healing involves optimizing the body’s natural recovery mechanisms. This holistic approach focuses on recovery and beyond.
No Genetic Stone Left Unturned
The family has established a solid foundation, but since some illnesses carry a genetic component, one of Harrison’s experienced Genetic Counsellors stepped in to reassure them that no stone had been left unturned. They began with thorough testing and carefully guided the family through their results, explaining the potential implications for the future.
“The key takeaway was that we didn’t need to take any action, but just knowing that gave us immense peace of mind,” the family shared.
This approach reflects one of Harrison’s core philosophies around prevention: knowledge is power, even when no action is required. The sense of comfort that comes from knowing you’ve explored every avenue cannot be overstated.
Science Meets Compassion
Finding a healthcare team that balances expertise, compassion, and efficient case management is no small task. For this family, their journey was shaped by two remarkable individuals who provided outstanding care and seamless coordination.
At the heart of their experience is Dr. James Clem, whose combination of scientific rigor and human compassion left a lasting impression. “It’s a privilege to be his patient,” the family reflects. “His ability to blend a meticulous scientific approach with a human touch is a rare combination.”
However, behind every exceptional healthcare experience is exceptional coordination. The family credits their care coordinator, Naadia Ghani, who manages everything from scheduling to planning to execution seamlessly.
“She’s always on top of things and serves as our conduit, making scheduling, planning, and execution seamless,” the family shares. This role highlights Harrison’s understanding that healthcare requires a dedicated team of professionals who have the time to provide necessary support and further empower clients.
Unmatched Convenience, Responsiveness & Peace of Mind
One standout feature of Harrison is their commitment to accessibility and rapid response, setting them apart from traditional Canadian healthcare experiences.
“We get email responses so quickly,” the family shares.” A lot of things we used to have to do ourselves ‒ such as specialist referral management and seemingly endless follow up ‒ but these are all managed for us. I trust that what can be done, will be done.”
For the family, their relationship with Harrison is an investment in peace of mind. “It’s like our anxiety medication,” they explain candidly, highlighting the emotional impact of knowing they have reliable, coordinated care.
This perspective reveals something important about the true value of exceptional healthcare. While medical expertise and advanced technology are crucial, the psychological benefits of knowing you have comprehensive, coordinated care cannot be quantified. The reduction in anxiety and stress that comes from having trusted healthcare partners contributes significantly to overall well-being.
“Harrison is not just marketing. It’s the real deal,” the family concludes. “Many make these promises, but few companies know how to maintain this level of service from reception to senior management. We have never had a single interaction that has left us dissatisfied.”
A Testament to Authentic Excellence
Perhaps the most powerful aspect of this family’s story is their transition from crisis management to health optimization.
“We are now in a position of health and looking forward to maintaining it,” they share. “We’re spending more time outdoors, enjoying the city and all the activities we loved before. Perhaps even more than ever.”
It demonstrates that exceptional healthcare is possible when the right elements come together: scientific expertise, genuine compassion, seamless coordination, and unwavering commitment to client well-being.
The family’s gratitude extends beyond their personal experience to recognition of the broader challenge of maintaining such exceptional service. “I know it’s not easy to maintain that level of service, but the promises Harrison makes are actually fulfilled.”
