Joanne Hum’s path to palliative care is anything but linear- and that’s exactly what makes it so compelling. From business school to massage therapy to nursing, her journey has been shaped by curiosity, courage, and a willingness to keep searching for meaningful work. Along the way, a series of pivotal moments – both challenging and deeply human- guided her toward a career centered on compassion, connection, and purpose. In this spotlight, Joanne reflects on the experiences that shaped her, the values she carries into her work, and the small joys that keep her grounded.
1. What inspired you to choose palliative care/family medicine?
Nursing is my 3rd profession, so be prepared for a long story… I would go as far as to say Palliative Care kind of chose me, not the other way around:
My initial degree is from UBC Sauder School of Business in Accounting/Business Management. I knew early on in the program that it really wasn’t a good fit, but I didn’t want to put my life on hold while I figured things out. Instead, I graduated, got a job, met my now husband, and always kept my eyes and ears open for something that would better suit me. After an unfortunate car accident, I met an amazing physiotherapist – the experience of working with her is what inspired me to do something related to health care. A few years later, the company I worked for was bought out and I was given the option of staying or leaving. I jumped at the chance and used my severance to finance my training to become a Registered Massage Therapist [RMT]. About 10 years into a successful career, I started to feel bored and restless, struggling to see the meaning in the work I was doing (mainly with upper-middle class clients who could afford expensive RMT treatments). Then one Thanksgiving day, I had a walk-in patient whose face was disfigured from cancer and had significant discomfort/dysmobility in her neck from the cancer treatment. Treating her was the most profoundly meaningful moment in my RMT career and felt like a sign that I needed to look at yet another career change. I decided to become an RN in hopes of making a difference within the public healthcare system. However, nursing school was tough! I frequently struggled with whether I had made the right decision, especially since I had 2 young children at home and didn’t feel inspired during any of the clinical rotations the way I had with that RMT treatment. This all changed during my rotation in Home Health: on the 1st day, I went on a home visit with a community nurse for a palliative patient with pain from an extensive sacral wound. Everything about that visit confirmed my beliefs of what health care could and should look like and highlighted the role I could play in facilitating compassionate, competent, and goal-concordant care. I was very fortunate to be hired as a home care nurse right after graduation, especially since at that time, most home care nurses had at least 5-10 year of prior experience working in the hospital. I loved the challenge of working independently and having to think critically/problem-solve, especially in the context of caring for palliative patients and their families at home. When a position as a Palliative Clinician became available, it was clear to me that all these seemingly random moments in my life had actually led me right where I needed to be. I will forever be grateful to the manager that hired me (knowing that she took a risk on someone so green) and to everyone on the team I work with who has supported me along the way.
2. If you weren’t in medicine, what career might you have chosen?
I love stories – whether it’s in written or audiovisual form – so I think I may have liked being a writer, either of movies or novels.
3. What’s something outside of medicine that brings you joy?
Family, music, travel.
4. A podcast, show, or movie you’d recommend right now:
Is it cheating if I mention a book I recently finished that I think should be made into a movie? Into the Magic Shop by James Doty, which I recommend to everyone. I am also a huge fan of Brene Brown, so I would recommend her Unlocking Us podcast. Even though the podcast ended in 2024, I still go back and listen to episodes on days I’m feeling particularly dejected about the state of the world and need to restore my faith in humanity.
5. Where’s your favourite place to relax or recharge?
Honestly, anywhere quiet with a comfy couch or chair where I can read. Ideally with some sun and a beach.
6. One thing you’ve learned recently (inside or outside medicine):
Let them and let me. This is from The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins. The entire book is gold, full of simple but life-changing advice.
7. What do you hope patients, families, or colleagues remember most about you?
I have a tattoo on my arm that says “Stay awkward, brave, and kind” (Brene Brown’s podcast signoff) and is a reminder to myself of the kind of person I strive to be. I hope this is the impression I leave and that I have made a positive difference in their lives.
8. Favourite comfort food:
I’m Korean, so it has to be spicy and soupy: it’s a tie between yukgaejang (spicy beef soup) or Sundubu jjigae (spicy tofu soup).
9. Favourite way to spend a day off:
It’s a tie between spending time with my family and dog or spending the entire day at Scandinave Spa in Whistler.
10. A small thing that always makes you smile:
My dog! She’s a Wheaten Terrier and the biggest goofball ever. Totally a 4-legged version of me 😊
Joanne and her husband at one of their sons’ sports games
Honey, Joanne’s wheaten terrier
Joanne’s family showing off their eats at a baseball game (Nat Bailey)
Joanne and her family at puppy yoga