Julie Burnett is an Oncology Social Worker at the Odette Cancer Centre at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. She holds two undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Social Work and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Toronto. Julie has been with Sunnybrook since 2002 and with the Odette Cancer Centre since 2007. She provides psychosocial support to patients and their caregivers in the hematology and genitourinary programs at the Odette Cancer Centre. Julie has also previously facilitated support groups for patients and their caregivers at Wellspring Cancer Support Centre. In addition to her clinical work, Julie also continues to participate in Social Work student education and mentoring through the Factor Inwentash School Of Social Work at the University of Toronto. Julie is published and her areas of interest include advance care planning and patient/caregiver education and support.

Laurie serves as the Director of Equity & Social Accountability at Sunnybrook, working in her role to promote a community where health access and inclusivity are paramount. She spearheads sustainable change initiatives to prioritize equity, engagement, accessibility, and inclusion throughout all aspects of the organization, spanning care, education, research, and the workplace.

As co-lead of the Department of Equity & Social Accountability, co-chair of PART and the 2LGBTQIA+ Steering Committee, and facilitator of the Indigenous Community Advisory Committee, her focus in on reshaping the organization’s culture, strengthening its foundation, and empowering all teams to promote equity and inclusion within their own areas of responsibility.

With experience spanning 18 years in healthcare and research across Canada and Australia, Laurie brings expertise in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) strategy, community engagement, strategic communication, and change implementation.