Bianca Zussino Finds Purpose Through Advocacy
Published Monday, May 5, 2025
Bianca Zussino is a third-year Biology and Neuroscience student at Lakehead University with aspirations to pursue a career in medicine. In addition to her academic studies, she is currently a neurogastroenterology research intern with Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School. Bianca is also a dedicated volunteer in her community, working with organizations such as the Children's Aid Society, St. Joseph's Hospital, and the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC). Her volunteer role at TBRHSC involves serving as a Patient Family Advisor (PFA), where she advocates for the patient perspective to drive positive change within the institution.
Her motivation for volunteering in this capacity is rooted in her personal health challenges. During the spring of her grade 9 year in high school, Bianca suddenly became extremely ill. She experienced severe, uncontrollable nausea and vomiting, along with early satiety that never subsided. Over the course of several months, her condition worsened, and she required frequent ER visits and inpatient stays at 1B Pediatrics. Despite undergoing a variety of medical tests, none of the results indicated any clear cause for her symptoms. Many doctors dismissed her as having an eating disorder, though this was not the case. By the summer, she had lost over 40 pounds, and her health continued to decline. Unable to find answers locally, Bianca was airlifted to London, Ontario, where she spent over a month in the hospital, receiving Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) through a PICC line in an effort to regain her strength.
Although her symptoms temporarily improved after returning home, they eventually returned with greater severity. The doctors' prognosis was that she would have to live with the condition indefinitely, focusing only on managing her symptoms. Bianca and her family refused to accept this fate and continued to advocate for further investigation. This led to a gastric emptying scan at TBRHSC, which revealed significant food retention in her stomach after four hours, ultimately resulting in a diagnosis of idiopathic gastroparesis.
The following two years involved numerous diet changes and trials of motility medications, none of which provided lasting relief. Determined to find a more permanent solution, Bianca turned to the United States, where she found a skilled surgeon in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, who performed a pyloromyotomy surgery. This procedure provided her with significant relief, which has continued to improve over the past few years. While occasional flare-ups still occur, Bianca's condition is now manageable and far less debilitating than it had been.
Through her experiences, Bianca learned the importance of self-advocacy and the significant impact it can have on one's health journey. She witnessed both the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system and decided to pursue a role as a PFA in order to contribute to meaningful change. In her current position, Bianca serves on the Surgical and Surgical Services Board at TBRHSC, participates in monthly PFA council meetings, and shares her patient story during orientations for new staff. These opportunities have enabled her to engage in important policy discussions, contribute insights based on her personal experience, and advocate for improvements that prioritize patient-centered care.
Bianca believes that education is a powerful tool for driving change. By sharing her story, she helps new hospital staff understand the real impact of patient-centered care. Her experience highlights both the strengths and areas for improvement in the healthcare system, underscoring the need for empathy, effective communication, and strong advocacy in improving patient experiences.
As a PFA, Bianca is passionate about helping future patients navigate the healthcare system. Her own experience allows her to relate to the challenges patients face, and she believes her perspective can help improve the overall experience for others. For Bianca, the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others is incredibly rewarding. Through her involvement, she hopes to contribute to a more compassionate and efficient healthcare system for future patients.