Rachel Koven

My name is Rachel Koven, and I am proud to serve as a Patient and Family Advisor—and Co-Chair of the Patient and Family Advisory Committee—for the South East Regional Cancer Care Program. My commitment to this work is rooted in my personal experience supporting my late husband, Ken, through his cancer journey. That experience shaped how I see health care and motivated me to help improve the system for others. I am especially passionate about encouraging patients to ask questions so they can better understand the benefits and risks of treating—or not treating—their cancer.
In my role as Co-Chair of the Patient and Family Advisory Committee, I help guide discussions and priorities that ensure the patient and family voice is meaningfully included in system-level planning and decision-making. As an advisor, I have contributed to a range of initiatives focused on strengthening patient- and family-centred care, always with an emphasis on improving communication, clarity, and the overall experience of navigating the cancer system.
I am also a founding member of Common Sense Oncology, where I have been involved in advancing conversations promoting more thoughtful, evidence-informed decision-making. I’ve had the opportunity to contribute to published research, helping ensure that patient and family perspectives are reflected in academic work and used to shape more meaningful outcomes. In addition, I have supported the review of patient education materials and participated in quality improvement initiatives, sharing practical insights about navigating the system and the importance of clear, compassionate communication.
What matters most to me is helping create a health care experience where patients and families feel informed, respected, and supported. I hope to contribute to a continued shift in oncology toward more patient-centred, well-informed decision-making throughout the cancer journey.