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COVID variants: Evolution at work

Why are the new variants of the coronavirus so contagious and how can I protect myself from them?

‘This is a fight worth fighting’: Pushing back against misinformation

We are not hyper-rational beings who make decisions based on facts. Instead, we too often fall prey to misinformation from innumerable cultural, social and psychological forces that shape the decisions we make. 

Joy in work on a COVID Unit? Yes, Really

The leadership team knew that without creating a safe environment for our healthcare workers – both physical and psychological – we would not achieve the goals we had set for the newly implemented COVID wards

Pandemic, winter taking toll on Canadians’ mental health

Despite winter’s darkest days shortening, the vaccine rollout underway and restrictions lowering daily COVID-19 case counts, the pandemic is taking an ever-increasing toll on Canadians’ mental health.

Pandemic fears overshadowing need for primary care

The illness and the outcomes may differ between cases but the issue is ultimately the same – people are waiting too long to seek medical attention.

Proposed B.C. med school will crowd out learning opportunities, students say

University of British Columbia medical students are voicing concerns about how a second medical school in BC might negatively affect their education and careers.

Searching for silver linings during a global pandemic

Negative feelings and psychological distress are exacerbated during challenging times such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Travel restrictions limit opportunities for personal and professional growth for medical trainees

Due to health and travel restrictions related to COVID-19 and policies by Canadian medical training programs to suspend or discourage international opportunities at this time, a cohort of medical trainees is at risk of missing out on valuable experiences.

‘Ripe for burnout:’ Pandemic adds to ‘longstanding’ challenges for mental-health workers

“Bell Let’s Talk Day,” an annual event that takes place today, has brought much-needed attention to the stigma of mental health and the funding gaps in our system. But the conversation has yet to include the state of mental-health workers.

The fascinating history of Trump’s ‘game-changing’ COVID cure

Hydroxychloroquine was touted as a miracle cure for COVID-19 by Trump, then finished 2020 plagued with concerns about adverse cardiac events. But HCQ is a remarkable medication with a fascinating history.

‘Already it was hard. Now, it’s become impossible’: Pandemic highlights barriers to healthcare for migrant workers

Contributing to the easy spread of the virus among migrant workers were significant social issues. The result was outbreaks, illness, and sadly, the deaths of three migrant workers.  

The pandemic paradox: The crisis of loneliness

With the second wave forcing more people into isolation, we are now facing another public health crisis with deadly consequences: loneliness. 

‘It’s not too bad to miss Canadian winter:’ Voluntourism adapting to pandemic

The pandemic forced the shutdown of the $2.6-billion voluntourism industry, but some organizations later reopened with safety protocols that go beyond the bare minimum. However, that’s not always the case.

It’s time to get moving, Canada

Canada recently allocated $100 billion over 3 years to kickstarting the economy - but it is not investing in promoting exercise, which can improve our health, healthcare system and the economy.

Snowbirds complicate vaccine rollout

Snowbirds receiving the COVID-19 vaccine in the US could cause practical and ethical problems for the vaccine rollout in Canada that we need to prepare for now.

Innovative models pave the way for safe, high-quality long-term care homes

COVID-19 has exposed huge issues in Ontario's LTC homes. It's time we reimagine LTC entirely. Let's start by surveying the other LTC models already out there.

Ethics are critical in the move to digital health

Digital health is playing a pivotal role in transforming how care is delivered during this pandemic. While its benefits may be vast, we must pay attention to the unintended consequences.

The challenges of health privacy: From the ER to virtual care

Though health privacy is now a larger focus in training, it can be hard to put into practice, causing systemic privacy breaches.

CANZUK: A cure for our healthcare challenges?

CANZUK—a theoretical alliance between Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK—could greatly improve our healthcare.

Africa’s early success in fighting pandemic now at risk

COVID-19 cases in Africa have been increasing rapidly, imperiling its early successes in keeping the pandemic at bay and underscoring its need for the vaccines that it is having trouble procuring.