Sangeeta Chopra-Charron came to Ontario Health's Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC) with a background in transformational change and a genuine belief that Ontario Health was sincere about partnering with patients and families in system transformation. Four years later, she resigned from the co-Chair role, publicly, with a letter that resonated across the health care sector.
Emily sat down with Sangeeta to talk about what she found, what she tried, and why she eventually concluded the council was implemented more for optics than for impact. It seems Ontario Health had built its PFAC around the language of patient-centred design and genuine partnership, and had provided just enough structure to signal commitment... without the governance, accountability, or shared decision-making to back it up.
Her experience isn't unique to Ontario Health. It's a pattern that shows up at every level of the health care system.
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We reference Sangeeta's resignation letter in this episode, here's the full reprint:
"November 14, 2025
Hello Matt,
I am writing to resign as Co-Chair and member of the CEO Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC), effective December 31, 2025. By providing this notice well in advance, I hope to support a smooth transition and allow time to identify a suitable successor.
This decision follows careful reflection on PFAC’s purpose and its alignment with Ontario Health’s mandate to deliver connected, patient/person-centred care. It has been a privilege to serve alongside individuals dedicated to improving patient and family experiences. As both a patient and caregiver, I have been committed to advancing genuine partnership in care and contributing my professional expertise in transformational change.