Silke Léonard

What do you think is the strength of The Symphony of Us?

‘We are four ambitious and caring women who want to make a difference. We have very different mindsets but the same goal: to focus on the person who is the patient. We are ready to take the next step in this project thanks to the framework created by the King Baudouin Foundation.’

What drew you to the project?

‘I’ve worked as an oncology nurse for six years supporting patients right from diagnosis and throughout the process. Even giving your heart and soul, the system can create obstacles. The project’s ambition to focus on the individual and really listen to the patient intrigues me. Unlike many patient-centred projects, this initiative actively involves everyone and brings together diverse backgrounds and perspectives. I believe that diversity makes the project exceptionally powerful.’

How does your expertise contribute to this research?

‘My experience in primary care allows me to share first-hand experiences. As a nurse, I’m often the patient’s eyes and ears trying to understand the nuances between what they say and what they really mean. I consider myself the most pragmatic member of the team and believe this trait contributes greatly to the value of our team.’

What insight from your field would you like to share with the world?

‘As a nurse, I want to stress the importance of listening. You must not only hear the words, but understand the meaning behind them. Patients often feel less than assertive. As a nurse, it’s crucial to ensure they are heard and not just heard, but listened to and receive the attention they deserve. The main aim of the project is simple: empower patients to stand up for themselves, even when talking to doctors. Putting patients in charge is at the heart of what we do.’

How do you see the future of cancer research?

‘In an ideal scenario, I see a perfect synergy between what patients want and what is possible in terms of research. I hope patients will actively participate and feel empowered to influence the direction that research projects take. For instance, testing each initiative in a cancer-related project with a group of patients is a great first step in achieving that perfect synergy between researchers and patients.’

What song does The Symphony of Us symbolise for you?

‘I’m a big hip-hop fan. For me, “Stronger'” by Kanye West is like a patient talking to the system. The chorus goes as follows: ‘What doesn’t kill me can only make me stronger. I need you to hurry up now, ’cause I can’t wait much longer.’ For me, it’s about the patient needing the system. Yet at the same time, the system should be happy that patients come to consultations and take the time to see the doctor. Fate made sure we’re here now and taking care of this together.’

What has recently touched you deeply? And why?

‘I have a weakness for well-told stories. Recently, I watched “The Hate U Give”. It’s a film related to Black Lives Matter but takes a step beyond that social movement. It’s about a teenage girl with African roots facing deep-rooted racism in society. Her struggles with her identity trying to find a place in a predominantly white culture touched me. I live in Borgerhout and, being a blond white girl, have never been stopped by the police. That disparity bothers me. I resist it and at the same time I realise that I am part of this system.’