And now for something completely indifferent

In episode 31, host David Willows invites returning pharmacy strategy guests Ned Pojskic (aka GSC's “Outspoken Evangelist”) and super-pharmacist Leila Mandlsohn to discuss a topic near and dear to our hearts… Canada's progress with biosimilar adoption. They discuss provincial drug plan movement, the ongoing (and curious) hesitancy from private payors, the patient experience, and the biosimilars pipeline.

In episode 30, host David Willows chats with returning guest Chris Bonnett, Principal Consultant at H3 Consulting, and first-time contributor Helen Stevenson, Founder and CEO of Reformulary Group, about (…to be blunt…) why the pharmacare debate never advances and what collaborative and practical approaches could help “fill the gaps” for Canadians without adequate drug coverage.

In this episode, host David Willows once again interviews Dr. Carlos Quiñonez, associate professor and program director at the Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto. They re-visit the state of oral health care and talk about the Green Door Project – the largest-ever dental public health service and research program in Canadian history.

In this episode, GSC’s David Willows interviews CLHIA president and CEO Stephen Frank to reminisce about 2020 and forecast what 2021 will bring, namely a possible federal election, the pharmacare debate revisited and more Covid-19.

In episode 27, we invite GSC’s Ned Pojskic and Mike Sullivan of Cubic Health Inc. to kick off 2021 with a look at where MC has been and where it might be headed.

In episode 26 of GSC’s podcast, we bring back pharmacist and researcher John Papastergiou, as well as Ned Pojskic, GSC’s leader of pharmacy and health provider relations, to talk about their research project that studied the impact of pharmacogenomics testing on patient outcomes.

In episode 26, host David Willows and producer Sarah Murphy chat about recording during a heatwave (@1:15) before introducing the topic at hand – pharmacogenomics – and their two (virtual) guests: GSC’s leader of pharmacy and health provider relations, Ned Pojskic, and pharmacist/keen researcher, John Papastergiou (@2:28). To start, Ned re-visits why GSC initiated a research project to study the impact of pharmacogenomics testing on patient outcomes (@3:57). John explains the profile of the patients that participated in the study (@5:27), describes the course of treatment (@7:10), and talks about the experience interacting with physicians (@8:53). David then asks if East York is now the world’s epicenter of pharmacogenomics testing and John explains why the answer is yes (@12:00). The conversation shifts to Ned who explains the study results in layperson terms (@13:17). Then David asks how this technology (optimistically) can spread and gain traction, and what systemic changes in healthcare might be needed (@18:23). Ned leaves us with thoughts around how to integrate pharmacogenomics testing into benefits plans (@21:07). David closes off the discussion (@22:47) by extending his congratulations to Ned and John for their groundbreaking research that proves pharmacogenomics testing can work in a real world setting with patients.

In episode 25, host David Willows and producer Sarah Murphy chat with two guests (virtually) to talk about pharmacare – Chris Bonnett, Principal Consultant at H3 Consulting (and recent PhD recipient) and regular contributor Stephen Frank, CLHIA President and CEO.

In episode 25, host David Willows and producer Sarah Murphy chat about wardrobe options while recording from home (@1:20) before introducing the topic at hand – pharmacare – and their two (virtual) guests (@2:06). First up, David asks first-time guest Chris Bonnett, Principal Consultant at H3 Consulting, about his PhD research topic (@4:34) and the importance of the pharmacare discussion (@9:11). They then talk about what surprised Chris in his research (@12:54), why it appears universal pharmacare isn’t happening (@21:04), and what can be learned from other jurisdictions (@26:36). The discussion wraps with Chris predicting how COVID-19 will impact the pharmacare debate and future public policy (@31:55). Next, David welcomes regular contributor Stephen Frank, CLHIA President and CEO, for a timely check in about the industry (@36:44). David asks Stephen for his views on pharmacare during a COVID, and eventually post-COVID, landscape (@38:37). Stephen then shares why he thinks insurers have fared well from a PR perspective during the pandemic (@45:20) and wraps with thoughts about industry opportunities that have been brought to the foreground (@48:37).

In episode 24, host David Willows and producer Sarah Murphy invite Dr. Carlos Quinonez to the podcast studio to talk about the state of dentistry in Canada in 2020 and how it impacts benefits plans.

In episode 24, host David Willows and producer Sarah Murphy share their last “sick room”/studio-recorded, pre-pandemic podcast (@1:16) and invite Dr. Carlos Quinonez to talk about the state of dentistry in Canada in 2020 (@2:34). First, David asks Carlos to share his thoughts on what it is like to be a dentist in Canada in 2020, both clinically and in running a small business (@5:05). Carlos then talks about changes that are coming for dentists (@9:03) and the increasing pressures on the business of dentistry in the next decade (@11:01). They explore whether dentistry is poised to embrace change/technology more than other parts of the health care system (@17:12) and then discuss how schools of dentistry are changing their approach to prepare students for a different landscape (@23:15). Finally, David asks if Carlos has advice for health and dental plan managers on where to find more value in their dental spend (@25:54)

In episode 23, host David Willows and producer Sarah Murphy bring back GSC writer Carley Parekh to discuss her latest edition of g(sc) TALK, which offers some practical (and evidence-based) advice on how to best adjust to pandemic life.

In episode 23, host David Willows and producer Sarah Murphy record their first, pandemic-approved, socially-distanced video podcast episode, starting with a behind-the-scenes look at Sarah’s uncharacteristically cheerful reading of the show’s legal disclaimers (@1:45). They then move on to the only topic anyone is talking about today (spoiler alert: it’s COVID-19) and bring back GSC writer Carley Parekh to discuss her latest edition of g(sc) TALK, which offers some practical (and evidence-based) advice on how to adjust to pandemic life (@3:35). After a brief overview of the article, David asks Carley about her own experience trying to follow the advice she wrote about, and whether she has learned anything new after a month in quarantine (@13:15). David then asks Sarah and Carley – who both have school-age children at home – what it has been like to parent (and home-school) their kids during this shutdown. (@14:45).

In episode 22, host David Willows and producer Sarah Murphy bring back GSC writer Carley Parekh to discuss her recent edition of g(sc) TALK which takes a critical look at the world of diets and diet culture.

In episode 22, host David Willows surprises producer Sarah Murphy with an exchange of “feedback” on the other’s “food issues” that have surfaced over many years of working (and eating) together (@2:00). With that off of their chests, they bring back GSC writer Carley Parekh to discuss her recent edition of g(sc) TALK which takes a critical look at the world of diets and diet culture. David takes a moment to vent about his social circle’s recent obsession with fasting, and then asks Carley to walk us through both her research and her own experience with this diet craze. (spoiler alert: fasting causes hunger.) (@5:18) She then walks us through her attempt to figure out which diet is best for your health, and shares a simple mantra to guide us toward healthy eating (@10:15). The episode wraps with a more personal conversation around why we diet, and how writing this article has led Carley examine her own relationship with food. (@14:28)

In episode 21, producer Sarah Murphy and host David Willows welcome (for the third time) CLHIA’s President and CEO Stephen Frank to talk about industry happenings – pharmacare, CCIR, fraud, and more.

In episode 21, producer Sarah Murphy and host David Willows explain their disappointment in not being asked to advertise GSC’s own SureHealth product on the podcast (@1:09) before welcoming (for the third time) CLHIA’s President and CEO Stephen Frank to talk about industry happenings, starting with National Pharmacare and post-election predictions (@4:00). Stephen and David then segue into the important topic of the CCIR and their focus on the “Fair Treatment of Customers”, as well as touch on one of the most talked about industry initiatives, CLHIA's G19 (@15:10). Stephen gives an overview of the successful CLHIA “Fraud = Fraud” campaign, and discusses the industry’s continuing focus on better managing fraud (22:28). The discussion wraps with a quick chat about progress being made in the area of drug cost reform (30:41).

In episode 20, producer Sarah Murphy and host David Willows welcome back GSC writer Carley Parekh to the podcast studio to share the research behind her “Gut feelings” article in (g)sc TALK.

In episode 20, producer Sarah Murphy and host David Willows pat themselves on the back for reaching the 20th episode milestone (@1:15) and spend too much time discussing the word “poop” before introducing the somewhat related topic of the pod – “gut stuff” – and welcoming back GSC writer Carley Parekh to the studio (@2:57). Carley shares the research behind her article in (g)sc TALK and explains, in the simplest terms possible, the “microbiome” (@4:23). She then walks us through the ways that gut health can impact almost all parts of our health (@7:21). Carley and David then discuss how can we be healthier in everyday lives and in our guts (@10:29). The episode wraps with a highly relevant “poop story” that didn’t make the cut into the article, thankfully to some…(@15:51).  

In Episode 19, producer Sarah Murphy and host David Willows welcome Dr. Danielle Martin to the podcast studio to discuss better approaches to health care.

In Episode 19, producer Sarah Murphy and host David Willows introduce Dr. Danielle Martin – family physician, author, Chief Medical Executive at Women’s College Hospital and YouTube star (@1:13). David welcomes Danielle (@3:43) and asks about her book – “Better Now: 6 Big Ideas to Improve the Health of all Canadians” – and where she sees progress since it was published in 2017 (@6:16). They discuss what is meant by “unnecessary medicine” and why tests/procedures/prescribing patterns exist in the face of contrary evidence (@9:25). Danielle shares why the system is not good at rooting out this problem (@12:51) and how we can more broadly influence physician behaviour in the current Canadian model (@16:27). Finally, David asks for her view of insurance companies in her role as an everyday family physician, and her role as an agent of change in the broader system (@23:00).  

In episode 18, producer Sarah Murphy and host David Willows welcome GSC writer Carley Parekh to the podcast studio to share the research behind her “Health by the numbers” article in (g)sc TALK.

In episode 18, producer Sarah Murphy lets the host, Raptors superfan David Willows, publicly celebrate their world championship (@1:14) but mercifully cuts him off to get to the topic at hand – “health myths” that thrive in our culture (@2:53). GSC writer Carley Parekh shares the research behind her article in (g)sc TALK (@4:00) and walks us through famous health myths including eight glasses of water a day (@5:24), habit-forming in 21 days (@7:06), and a more recent one – 10,000 steps a day (@8:34). Carley and David then discuss whether our online culture has fueled these and other myths – both innocent and dangerous – in modern society (@12:49).

In episode 17, producer Sarah Murphy and host David Willows welcome special guest Dr. Luca Pani from the University of Miami and Ned Pojskic, GSC’s leader of pharmacy & health provider relations, to discuss the promise and challenging financial impact of gene therapy.

In episode 17, producer Sarah Murphy and host David Willows welcome special guest Dr. Luca Pani from the University of Miami and Ned Pojskic, GSC’s leader of pharmacy & health provider relations, to discuss the promise and challenging financial impact of gene therapy. Dr. Pani defines gene and CAR T therapy for listeners and their emergence in medicine over the past decade as well as gives us a view of the diagnostic categories that will be impacted (@4:06). Ned jumps in to explain why managers of Benefits plans need to get up to speed on this topic due to the hefty price tags (@7:45). Dr. Pani shares how other jurisdictions have addressed funding for the therapies (@9:54). Ned joins in with new funding model concepts (@13:32) and Dr. Pani warns time is running out to address the dollars and cents challenge (@17:31).

In episode 16, host David Willows welcomes Faizel Alladina from People Corporation and Mike McClenahan from BBD. From the advisor/TPA perspective, they discuss the changing benefits environment, the emerging focus on technology and customer experience, and their perspectives on G19 compensation disclosure.

In episode 16, producer Sarah Murphy and host David Willows recall the tension filled day when this podcast – dedicated to Johnny in our IT department – almost didn’t happen (@1:08). David welcomes Faizel Alladina from People Corporation and Mike McClenahan from BBD to the podcast studio, and we get to learn about their companies and backgrounds in the industry (@2:56). Faizel and Mike describe how the environment has changed for advisors, administrators and group benefits over the past 20 years (@6:54). David asks about changing plan sponsor expectations (@13:06) and the broad industry challenges that keep them up at night including G19/compensation disclosure (@20:44). Finally, Faizel and Mike share their thoughts on what they see in the next five to 10 years for the health benefits world (@28:12).

In episode 15 (yes, it’s been a while!), host David Willows speaks with Globe & Mail contributors Wayne MacPhail and Paul Benedetti about the schism that exists in the Canadian chiropractic community. It is a cautionary tale on the limits of self-regulation.

In episode 15 (yes, it’s been a while!), producer Sarah Murphy and host David Willows discuss the controversial nature of this podcast (@1:16). David welcomes Globe & Mail contributors Wayne MacPhail and Paul Benedetti, as well as a GSC’s leader Pharmacy and Health Provider Strategy, Ned Pojskic (now a familiar voice), to the podcast studio (@3:28). Wayne and Paul discuss their research findings that led to a book and articles for the Globe & Mail (@4:55) and the schism that exists in the Canadian chiropractic community (@21:10). Ned, Wayne and Paul share their views about the need for quality evidence from the broader paramedical community (@27:23). Then the trio discuss the potential need for government regulation versus self-regulation, and the obvious limits of self-regulation (@34:37). The conversation wraps with a look to the future of health care practice regulation (@39:30).

In episode 14, hosts Sarah and David welcome two guests to the studio – Ben Harrison, Partner at Portag3 Ventures, and GSC’s Director of Strategic Innovation, Erin Crump. They discuss the world of Fintech/Insurtech start-ups/new ventures, the emerging focus on the customer experience, and whether the word “disruption” is a meaningful one.

In Episode 13, hosts Sarah Murphy and David Willows sit down with the CLHIA’s President and CEO Stephen Frank to talk about a wide range of meaty industry topics, including one of the most talked about industry initiatives, CLHIA’s G(uideline)19.

In episode 12, hosts Sarah and David, along with guests Erin Crump (GSC’s Leader of Strategic Innovation) and Ned Pojskic (GSC’s Leader of Pharmacy and Health Provider Strategy), discuss why private health benefits plans have been so static for so long, and why measuring value (health outcomes) for spend has not been made a priority in Canada.

In episode 11, hosts Sarah and David welcome guest Steve Mast, President and Chief Innovation Officer at Delvinia. Steve defines the concept of “customer experience” and how employee engagement contributes to it.

In episode 10, hosts Sarah and David celebrate the recording of the tenth podcast and discuss the topic of value-based benefits with guests Ned Pojskic, GSC’s Leader of Pharmacy and Health Provider Relations, and William Chung, Shoppers Drug Mart’s Senior Vice President of Payor Partnerships and Pricing.

In Episode 9, hosts Sarah and David welcome friend and colleague Peter Gove back into the studio along with Founder and CEO of ManagingLife, Tahir Janmohamed, to discuss the complex topic of chronic pain.

In episode 8 of GSC’s podcast, we talk to pharmacist and researcher John Papastergiou, as well as Ned Pojskic, our pharmacy strategy leader, about the research project GSC is currently sponsoring, looking at pharmacogenomics testing and patient outcomes in a community pharmacy.

In episode 7, hosts Sarah Murphy and David Willows welcome guests Ned Pojskic, GSC’s Leader, Pharmacy and Health Provider Relations, and Cheryl Koehn, the Founder and President of patient organization Arthritis Consumer Experts into the studio to talk biosimilars.

In episode 6, hosts Sarah Murphy and David Willows invite GSC’s health innovation leader Peter Gove back to the studio to discuss financial health and its impact on broader mental health. Sarah and David also introduce the first edition of the Ask the Pharmacist podcast, this one addressing the quality of care in Canadian pharmacies and what the average patient can do to maximize the experience. 

In episode 5, hosts Sarah Murphy and David Willows welcome to the studio Stephen Frank, President and CEO of the Canadian Life and Health Association (CLHIA).

Hosts Sarah Murphy and David Willows invite guests Amos Adler and Bill Simpson from MEMOTEXT to explore the world of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning and its potential relevance in the health benefits space.

Episode 3 of “And Now for Something Completely Indifferent…” is all about medical marijuana, and it features GSC experts and special guest Mike Sullivan of Cubic Health Inc.

In episode 2, David Willows (GSC's chief innovation & marketing officer) interviews Dr. Peter Farvolden (clinical director of CBT Associates and BEACON) about his insider take on mental health treatment in Canada and then challenges Peter Gove (GSC’s health innovation leader) to define Mindfulness and defend the science behind it.

In this first episode of “And Now For Something Completely Indifferent”, David Willows talks with Peter Gove and Erin Crump about highlights from the 2017 GSC health study, “Come Health or High Water”…