Research

Droplet or airborne? WHO says it’s ‘through the air’ 

The WHO is slowly moving forward on airborne transmission. But language changes seem forced, unnecessary and only seem to benefit those who were unable to use the word "airborne" early in the pandemic.

Simple finger-prick blood test could help women with debilitating condition

A Canadian company is working to perfect a simple, finger-prick blood test that would revolutionize the diagnosis of endometriosis.

Why every Canadian hospital should be a ‘research’ hospital

By embedding research into clinical practice we can achieve a “learning health system” and advance quality health care for all Canadians.

Patient partners add value to health research

Involving patients and caregivers in research can make research more relevant. So, how can patients and caregivers partner on a project?

‘Just a pinch’: Women frustrated as medical community downplays pain of IUD insertion

Thousands of TikTok rants, viral tweets, petitions and peer-reviewed studies have documented the insufficient pain relief offered for IUD insertions. So, what is the response from Canadian medicine to this outcry? Practically nothing.

Students call for improved refugee health education in Ontario medical schools

While Canada accepts thousands of refugees each year, refugee health care falls short. Improved education on refugee health in medical schools can help bridge the gap.

Setting the record straight: Medical experts debunk the biggest myths in their field

These days, it's hard to know what to believe. We polled a panel of health experts on the most pervasive misinformation in their specialty and asked them to set the record straight.

Introducing the Canadian Covid Society – because we need it

It’s time for Canadians to organize and advocate for patients, for ourselves and for our kids. It’s time for better COVID-19 policies from our health authorities and politicians.

‘That Women Will Have the Same Opportunities as Men’

What the life stories of pioneering female physicians teach us about Canadian medical culture today

Why screening guideline committees should not include ‘experts’ as voting members

The challenge to those who do not like the Canadian Task Force recommendations is this: Can you provide or research the new evidence required to show how a different policy is better?

A call for 365 days of action against gender-based violence

Gender-Based Violence (GBV) inflicts our society all year round. While a focus on the prevention of GBV must remain a top priority, ensuring an integrated and sustainable framework of support is essential for surviving and thriving.

OurCare Manitoba: System is nearing collapse but we have faith it can be changed

The Manitoban primary care system is at risk. We cannot just stand to the side watching as issues mount. We need change now, while we can still turn things around. Here's how we fix it.

Financial toxicity: The relationship between cancer and poverty

Beating cancer doesn't always mean patients will lead healthy and fulfilling lives. They also face the challenge of staying out of the poverty cycle and debt traps throughout the course of their treatment.

Protecting pregnancy in clinical trials poses risks

Historically pregnant people have been largely excluded from clinical trials. But in the long-term, better representation in research will promote maternal and fetal well-being.

Vanessa’s Law expansion puts natural health products in their place

Vanessa’s Law,” mandates hospitals to report serious adverse events that may have originated from medications and medical devices. This year it was expanded to include Natural Health Products, a move that should have been made long ago.

Anxiety vs. stress: The right definition will lead to better mental-health care

Conflating stress and anxiety in medical settings can have serious implications for patients. New research on "social prescribing" could pave the way for more effective treatment.

There is no quick fix for chronic pain but there is a path forward

Patients need to be at the centre of their own care, and they need to manage their pain for what it is, a chronic disease. The time to reimagine chronic pain care is now – we can’t afford not to and the millions of suffering Canadians can’t afford to wait.

Beyond birth control: The benefits of universal contraception don’t end at pregnancy prevention

Contraceptives are a key part of health care for half of Canada's population and their benefits extend beyond family planning alone. It is time to expand universal contraception to the entire country.

Mushrooms, nuts and collard greens: Nutrition and how to lower the odds of breast cancer

Breast cancer is the product of many factors over a lifetime. While some of those factors are out of our control, others like diet offer opportunities to mitigate risk.

Health-care lessons from the field: Think bottom-up and local, not sexy

An ER physician recalls how a junkyard of broken donated medical devices behind a Ugandan hospital illustrates a key issue in existing global health initiatives.