Burnout

There is no miracle cure to the health crisis – but here’s where to start  

Dr. Alika Lafontaine, president of the Canadian Medical Association, reflects on the problems and solutions facing a health-care system in crisis.

#codePink: Canada must protect mental health of our children and youth

The effects of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic are still being felt, particularly for youth. There are 8 million children who deserve better access to mental health care in this country. It's time we did better.

A polarized society unified by complex trauma

While we move into another phase of the pandemic, we need to attempt to heal our society by realizing that everyone is dealing with a similar complex trauma.

Shopping for care. Is medical tourism a benefit or risk to our health-care system?

Medical tourism (MT) is a fast-growing global market and it’s not going away. But while some argue that MT might alleviate the Canadian health-care system's wait times, it also comes at a price.

Dear family doc: We’re all in this together

During these challenging times – just like during the height of the pandemic – we need every health-care provider doing his or her part. Ontario pharmacists are here to help.

Will the first cut be the deepest? The debate on for-profit surgeries

As Ontario moves to fund private centres for select surgical procedures, will the province see a reduction in backlogs? Or is it a slippery slope towards further privatization of the provincial healthcare system? Our experts weigh in.

Nursing and medical students agree: drop Bill 124

The provincial government has long ignored the needs of nurses and the passing of Bill 124 by the Ford government rubbed more salt in the wound. Nursing and medical students call to end its bad faith efforts to revive Bill 124.

The case for mature medical students

Many professional programs in Canada have long touted values that promote diversity of experience. But when it comes to medical schools - little consideration is made for older, more experienced candidates.

Smiling to death: The hidden dangers of being ‘Nice’

Gabor Maté's new book, The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness and Healing in a Toxic Culture, explores how pushing down our anger and prioritizing the needs of others before our own are leading causes of chronic illness.

Ontario taxpayers bearing the burden of ‘OHIP for all’ policy

Ten days into the COVID-19 pandemic, Ontario's public health insurance policy was expanded to include all uninsured patients, like temporary workers and tourists. But more sustainable solutions are needed in place of “OHIP for All.”

Why social impact matters: Reflections from a nursing leader

Investing in social impact is something organizations in the health-care field are uniquely positioned to do. We need to remind people of the “why” behind what we do and consider ways we can use our considerable economic and social power to be a force for good.

The ongoing race in health care. Who will win?

In the race to change health care, there are two participants: Health-care improvement and burnout. Who will win?

What are we waiting for? Nurse Practitioners can fill gaps in our ailing health-care system

Nov. 13 to 19 marks Nurse Practitioner (NP) Week in Ontario. NP's are a key, underused resource that have the potential to alleviate many challenges currently facing the health-care system.

I saw first-hand how the nursing shortage is squeezing smaller centres

As the nursing shortage worsens, we must remain cautious about privatization further creeping into the Canadian health-care system, especially given its potential effects on smaller and rural centres.

The Plan to Stay Open: Relief for our beleaguered health-care system or a move to further privatization?

Ontario’s Plan to Stay Open, a five-point strategy aimed at “health-care system stability and recovery,” has been the subject of much debate since its final release in August. We asked a panel of experts what they thought about the plan. Here's what they had to say.

Cross-country project gives patients a say in solving primary-care crisis

Dr. Tara Kiran and a team of collaborators are launching OurCare, a three-phase research project that aims to provide much-needed answers to Canada’s primary care woes. The project kicks off with a national survey of patients' experience.

A day in a life of a family physician

Family medicine has been in the news lately, with accounts of shortages and medical graduates shunning the practice. Many believe family medicine is about infections, prescription renewals and referrals to specialists. Perhaps by sharing the details of a day in a life in family medicine, then my colleagues can either substantiate, educate or commiserate with my experience.

Episode 41 – Module Madness