Research

OurCare survey highlights lack of access to primary care

A nation-wide survey on the state of primary care in Canada illuminates pressing issues facing our health system. Dr. Tara Kiran and a team of collaborators with the OurCare project have launched an online dashboard with the findings.

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.

The Treadmill

"Now the treadmill makes my steps uneven. One foot moves faster or slower than the other, and I stagger like a would-be dancer who wasn’t taught the choreography before the show."

Woefully inadequate: Dearth of funding for biomedical health research reflects our environmental racism

Biomedical research policy needs to begin addressing environmental racism and justice and expand funded research for climate change, environmental and planetary health.

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?

Antimicrobial resistance: ‘Slow-moving tsunami’ now coming fast and furious

Antimicrobial resistance long has been described as a “slow-moving tsunami,” suggesting its only likely to occur in some far-distant future. It may seem that we do not need to take immediate action because there is still time … but is there?

A low carbohydrate diet can treat diabetes better … and save us money

The key to the diabetes crisis is well within our reach. We can win the fight against diabetes by embracing a low-carbohydrate diet as the first-line medical nutrition treatment.

Research into rare diseases ‘touches everyone’

Research into rare diseases can hold the key to unlocking the secrets of far more common ailments.

Unlocking the potential of non-coding RNAs as therapeutic targets

Ongoing studies in molecular medicine continue to discover new non-coding RNAs and unravel their key roles in gene expression control. The story of ncRNAs and their relevance to medicine is only beginning.

‘It’s not easy to be a start-up in health care’: Family doctor’s AI tool aims to ease burnout

Artificial intelligence (AI)-based tools are being used to ease administrative burdens on family physicians in clinics across the province. But there are still a number of risks and benefits to weigh when it comes to new AI technology.

The Faces & Phases of COVID-19

The Faces/Phases Project is a portrait of the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada. Through a series of data visualizations, we cover the first two years of the pandemic.

Long COVID – a common problem in need of a solution

Long COVID continues to affect millions worldwide, yet there are no tangible solutions to address this emerging disease. A new study is underway that aims to help reduce and eliminate brain fog and fatigue in those experiencing long COVID.

Join the conversation and help shape the future of family medicine

We know the family doctor shortage is a problem that's only going to get worse. But there's one solution that comes up time and again: We need to expand interprofessional teams.

Youth engagement essential for healthy school environments

Despite the adoption of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Children, in Canada and across the globe children and youth too often do not have their voices heard, or their perspectives adequately considered. Issues related to child and youth health are no exception.

Take the survey: What are your priorities for primary care?

What trade-offs are acceptable to you? Do you currently have a family doctor or nurse practitioner? How important is it that every person living in Canada has a relationship with a family doctor? These are some of the questions we ask in the OurCare/NosSoins nation-wide survey.

The Nobel Prize, and representation in science

The Nobel Prize is one of the most coveted accolades in academia, but diverse individuals are being left out as awardees. We hope that scientists from underrepresented communities also will feel as if their work will be recognized fairly.

Medicine vs. Journalism? Navigating the tension between two fields

It’s no secret that medicine and journalism are often at odds. But what happens when the doctor is a journalist? Physician-journalists Anthony Fong and Monica Kidd discuss navigating the tensions between medicine and journalism.

Sharing is caring – app aims to fill gaps in health-data infrastructure

Vaccination records in Canada have long been fragmented and decentralized, dragging the country's pandemic response capabilities with it. The digital immunization records sharing app, CANImmunize, takes a stab at filling these vital gaps in Canada's health data infrastructure.

Overdiagnosis: Good intentions gone bad

Overdiagnosis is a problem that's been recognized for decades, but in the last 10 years research has proven that early detection does not always mean better outcomes. Overdiagnosis can sometimes cause physical, psychological or financial harm. But there are things that both physicians and patients can do to help prevent it.

Medical benefits from cannabis? Still waiting for proof

Today may be April 20, a renowned cannabis counterculture holiday, but four years into legalization we still don't have reliable data about the medical benefits of marijuana.