2026 Call for Nominations - PFAC

Call for Nominations

Patient, Family, and Caregiver Partner Advisory Committee (PFAC)

Deadline to submit self-nomination: June 12, 2026

We are delighted to invite self-nominations for membership on the Patient, Family, and Caregiver Partner Advisory Committee (PFAC) at the Centre for Advancing Collaborative Healthcare & Education (CACHE).

As part of our commitment to committee growth and evolution, we will be welcoming four (4) new members to the PFAC for the upcoming term.

CACHE is opening nominations and voting to the broader community. We are excited to take this step toward a more transparent and community-informed process, and we recognize that this approach will continue to evolve. We welcome feedback and will use what we learn this year to strengthen future nomination cycles.

Who is the CACHE Patient/Family/Caregiver Partner Community?

The CACHE Patient, Family, and Caregiver Partner Community includes individuals with lived experience who have engaged in CACHE activities such as:

• Interprofessional Education (IPE) learning sessions (e.g., storytellers, facilitators, health mentors)
• Working groups or committees
• Workshops, events, and curriculum development
• Advisory, research, or co-creation initiatives

About the Advisory Committee (PFAC)

The PFAC plays a key role in shaping how patient, family, and caregiver perspectives are integrated across CACHE’s work.

Members collaborate with CACHE staff, faculty, and partners to:

• Inform the design, delivery, and evaluation of the IPE Curriculum
• Strengthen patient partnership and leadership across CACHE activities
• Advance inclusive, relationship-centred approaches to education
• Provide input on engagement, training, and program development

Responsibilities of PFAC Members:

• Participate in quarterly meetings (approx. 1.5 hours/meeting)
• Provide thoughtful input and feedback on initiatives
• Contribute to the development and evaluation of patient-partnered activities
• Support communication and follow-up on action items
• Act as ambassadors for patient partnership within and beyond CACHE
• Contribute to scholarship, knowledge-sharing, or community initiatives

PFAC participation is eligible for honoraria in alignment with CACHE’s Patient Partner Remuneration Guidelines.

Accessibility and Participation

PFAC meetings are held in a mix of virtual, in-person, and hybrid formats, depending on the needs of the group. In-person meetings are typically held in downtown Toronto. Opportunities for asynchronous participation are available when members are unable to attend live sessions.

We recognize there are many ways to contribute meaningfully to the committee. We are committed to supporting accessibility throughout this process.

We aim to support participation in ways that are accessible and workable for all members. Please contact us if an alternative format (e.g., video submission) or receiving the form in a different format is preferred.

Criteria for Membership

We are seeking individuals who:

• Can commit to a three-year term (Summer/Fall 2026 – Summer/Fall 2029), with the possibility of a two-year renewal
• Have previously actively participated in CACHE activities (see below)
• Are interested in shaping interprofessional education and patient partnership
• Can confirm participation in virtual and/or in person meetings and committee activities

Commitment to Equity and Inclusion

We strongly encourage nominations from individuals with diverse lived experiences, including those who have experienced barriers or inequities in the health and social care system (e.g., related to disability, race, gender, language, immigration status, or other social locations).

These perspectives are essential to shaping more equitable and inclusive approaches to education and care.

Nomination and Election Process

This year, PFAC members will be selected through a community voting process.

Step 1: Self-Nomination
Submit your nomination form, including a short biography.
Deadline to submit nomination: June 12, 2026

Step 2: Community Voting
Members of the CACHE Community will be invited to participate in the anonymous voting process.
The CACHE Community includes:

• Patient, family, and caregiver partners
• CACHE staff
• Interfaculty Curriculum Committee (IFCC) members
• IPE Leaders Network members
• Interprofessional Healthcare Students’ Association (IPHSA) members

Nominee biographies will be shared electronically with community members.

Each community member may vote anonymously for up to four (4) nominees.

This approach reflects the collaborative nature of CACHE, bringing together voices from across our education and practice community. While voting includes a broad group of community members, all nominees are patient, family, and caregiver partners, and we remain committed to ensuring these voices remain central to the committee.

Voting opens: June 22, 2026
Voting closes: July 10, 2026

Step 3: Selection and Notification

• The four nominees with the highest number of votes will be invited to join the PFAC.
• Successful nominees will be contacted by the PFAC Co-Chairs.
• In the case of a tie or other unforeseen circumstances, PFAC Co-Chairs and CACHE leadership may be consulted to support final selection.

Support for Nominees

We recognize that not everyone has had the same access to leadership or formal application processes.

If helpful, CACHE can provide:

• Guidance or examples for writing your biography
• 1:1 support (upon request)

Submit Your Nomination

Please submit your completed nomination form by:
Deadline: June 12, 2026
Submission Form: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2026PFACNOM 

If preferred, you can download a word file version of the form here: 2026 CACHE PFAC Self Nomination Form.docx

We encourage you to consider this opportunity to contribute your voice, experience, and leadership to shaping the future of interprofessional education.

Help ensure that patient, family, and caregiver perspectives remain at the heart of health and social care education.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who can self-nominate?
Any patient, family member, or caregiver who has actively participated in CACHE activities within the past 1–2 years.

What does it mean to be a PFAC member?
PFAC members help guide and shape how patient, family, and caregiver perspectives are integrated into CACHE’s work. This includes providing input, shaping curriculum and engagement, and supporting patient partnership at CACHE.

How much time is required?
PFAC members are expected to attend quarterly meetings (approximately 1.5 hours each). Additional opportunities to contribute (e.g., working groups, consultations) may arise throughout your term, based on your interest and availability.

Will PFAC members be compensated?
Yes. PFAC participation is eligible for honoraria in alignment with CACHE’s Patient Partner Remuneration Guidelines.

Who can vote?
Members of the CACHE Community, including patient, family, and caregiver partners, CACHE staff, IFCC members, IPE Leaders Network members, and IPHSA members will be invited to vote anonymously. This approach reflects the collaborative nature of CACHE, bringing together voices from across our education and practice community.

How are members selected?
Members will be selected through a community voting process. Nominee biographies will be shared with the CACHE Patient, Family, and Caregiver Partner Community, and community members will vote for up to four (4) nominees.

What information will be shared publicly?
Your full name and biography (up to 400 words) will be shared with the CACHE community for voting purposes. No other personal information will be shared.

Can I nominate someone else?
At this time, we are accepting self-nominations only to ensure that all nominees have provided consent and are interested in the role.

Can I apply again in the future if I am not selected?
Yes. We encourage you to apply again in future nomination cycles.

What if I need support completing the nomination form?
We are happy to support you. Please reach out to Elizabeth (Eli) Cadavid, eli.cadavid@uhn.ca

What if there is a tie in the voting process?
In the case of a tie or other unforeseen circumstances, the PFAC Co-Chairs and CACHE leadership may be consulted to support final selection.

Contact for Questions

If you have any questions about the nomination process or would like support completing your submission, please contact:
Elizabeth (Eli) Cadavid
Centre for Advancing Collaborative Healthcare & Education (CACHE)
eli.cadavid@uhn.ca