Podcasts about fahad razak

Canada's national AI strategy puts healthcare on centre stage – and for good reason. If you ask Canadians about the healthcare system, many will say they value it deeply, but that they are frustrated by wait times. In this episode of Disruptors, John Stackhouse looks at what we need to do to make artificial intelligence move the needle for wait times and quality of care. Mara Lederman, co-founder and COO of Signal 1, explains the pressure inside hospitals: rising demand, constrained supply, long waits, and digital systems that often record care without helping the system move faster. She points to practical AI uses already emerging, including AI agents that call patients before procedures, reduce cancelled appointments and protect scarce clinical capacity. Dr. Amol Verma and Dr. Fahad Razak of Unity Health Toronto take the conversation to the national level. Their work on VITAL – a health data platform – is aimed at connecting more than 160 hospitals across Canada. The promise is larger than one AI tool: better clinical trials, safer AI validation, more Canadian data, stronger governance and a healthcare system that can learn in near-real time. Canada's healthcare system generates enormous amounts of data every day. Every hospital admission can produce hundreds of thousands – even millions – of data points, from lab tests and imaging to digital vital signs and outcomes. But too much of that data remains trapped inside hospitals, provinces and systems that were not built to learn from one another. The episode asks: if Canada has a public healthcare system, world-class research talent and hospitals generating hundreds of thousands of data points for every admitted patient, can AI finally help make the system work better for patients?   For more RBC Thought Leadership on AI, healthcare, productivity and Canada's innovation economy, visit RBC Thought Leadership Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What can a rare hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship tell us about broader public health risks, and are there warning signs closer to home that we may be overlooking? After a Dutch vessel was linked to the Andes strain, questions emerge about how such diseases spread, what makes them dangerous, and whether other threats, including tick-borne illnesses, are already taking hold. We examine what is known about hantavirus, how it compares to more familiar risks, and what it could signal about shifting patterns in human and environmental health. Dr. Fahad Razak, an internist and epidemiologist at St. Michael's Hospital, looks at the implications for surveillance, preparedness, and public awareness. We then turn to a different kind of signal: the ways animals respond to changing conditions. If animals are constantly communicating, what might humans be missing, and could those observations offer insight into environmental change? Amelia Thomas, journalist and author of "What Sheep Think About the Weather," explores how animals interpret their surroundings, what their behaviours might reveal, and whether learning to pay closer attention could deepen our understanding of the forces shaping both animal and human health.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What is possible if we unlock the full potential of health data in Canada? Across the digital health sector, organizations are striving to move us from silos to seamless systems. In today's conversation, two leaders share what excites them about this transformation, what's at stake, and what it means for our health – and our health systems. Guests:  Dr. Anderson Chuck, President & CEO, Canadian Institute for Health Information Dr. Fahad Razak, co-founder, GEMINI; Canada Research Chair in Healthcare Data and Analytics, University of Toronto  Learn More: Summary of CIHI's Transformation Plan GEMINI Artificial intelligence at Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada Episode Summary: 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 01:20 Dr. Anderson Chuck's Leadership Journey 03:23 Dr. Fahad Razak's Leadership Journey 07:26 The Culture Problem in Digital Health 10:28 CIHI's Transformation Agenda 15:19 Canada's Unique Strengths in Health Data 25:06 The Urgency of Innovation 27:35 Collaborations and Success Stories 37:22 Leadership and Vision for the Future Music: RetroFuture Clean and Breakdown, by Kevin MacLeod. Used under Creative Commons.

This week marks five years since Ontario declared an emergency to stop the spread of COVID-19. We hear how the pandemic still affects you and hear from Dr. Fahad Razak, former scientific director of Ontario's COVID-19 Science Advisory Table, about the lasting impacts on our health care system.

THE MEDICAL RECORD: NEW FERTILITY PRESERVATION METHOD GIVES YOUNG CANCER PATIENTS HOPE FOR HAVING CHILDREN LATER Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Fahad Razak, General Internist at Unity Health Toronto, Provincial Co-Lead General Medicine, Dr. Alisa Naiman, family doctor practicing comprehensive primary care in Toronto and Dr. Aaron Schimmer, Director of Research at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre as well as a staff physician and a senior scientist. Ontario Liberal leader Bonnie Crombie promises every resident will have a family doctor within four years, but is this feasible? Meanwhile, former Liberal health minister Jane Philpott is tasked with finding a solution for the PC government. In Alberta, innovative treatments help young cancer patients preserve fertility, and with Australia facing a record flu season, how will Canada respond? Plus, RFK Jr.'s anti-vaccine stance could impact public health policies across North America. MINISTER WHO WAS PRESENT SAYS TRUMP'S REMARK ABOUT CANADA BECOMING THE 51ST STATE WAS A JOKE Libby is joined by Bob Richardson, Public Affairs Consultant and Will Stewart, Conservative Strategist and Senior Vice President with Enterprise Canada. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump posted an AI-generated image of himself on a mountaintop beside a large Canadian flag, sparking buzz by suggesting Canada could become the 51st state. Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc, who attended the Mar-a-Lago dinner, downplays the image as a joke and hails it as a symbol of strong U.S.-Canada relations. BONNIE CROMBIE JOINS FIGHT BACK TO TALK ABOUT HER PRIMARY CARE PLAN Libby is joined by Ontario Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie. Ontario Liberal leader Bonnie Crombie has promised to ensure every resident in the province has a primary care doctor within four years if elected. This ambitious plan comes as Ontario faces a significant shortage, with 2.5 million people currently without a family doctor. Will it be enough to address the root cause of many healthcare issues?

THE MEDICAL RECORD: DO YOU CARE ABOUT CALORIE COUNTS? Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Fahad Razak, General Internist at Unity Health Toronto and Canada Research Chair in Healthcare Data and Analytics at the University of Toronto, Dr. Alisa Naiman, a family doctor practicing in Toronto, and Dr. Malcolm Moore, Medical Oncologist, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. Libby gives an update post-cataract procedure and we explore a study out of England that reveals the extent to which calorie counts actually influence our menu choices when we go to restaurants.  CALLS FOR PM TRUDEAU TO INCLUDE RETIREES IN HIS $250 REBATE Libby Znaimer is now joined by Will Stewart, a Conservative Strategist and Senior Vice President with Enterprise Canada, and Tom Parkin, a social Democratic commentator. PM Trudeau has excluded some very important groups from the $250 rebate cheques his government will be sending out to some 18.7 million Canadians. One of those important groups are pensioners who still pay tax! We've heard from our listeners who called in to express their disappointment about it. Opposition leaders in Ottawa are calling on Trudeau to make it so that they are included. HOW THE LOONIE'S DROP IN VALUE IS IMPACTING CANADIAN SHOPPERS + THOSE TRAVELLING TO U.S.  Libby Znaimer is joined by Moshe Lander, Senior Lecturer of Economics at Concordia University in Montreal and Stephen Fine, President & Managing Editor of SnowbirdAdvisor.ca. How are Canadian shoppers and those travelling to the U.S. being impacted by the drop in the value of the loonie? Our experts weigh in.

THE MEDICAL RECORD:  A MEASLES OUTBREAK & CATARACT PROCEDURES Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Malcolm Moore, Medical Oncologist, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and former head of BC Cancer, Dr. Iris Gorfinkel, a family doctor based in Toronto and Dr. Fahad Razak, Canada Research Chair in Data Informed Healthcare Improvement at the University of Toronto and a general internist at a Toronto hospital. We discuss a measles virus outbreak in New Brunswick, get reaction to Donald Trump nominating RFK Jr. to head the U.S. government Department of Health and Human Services and what to consider if you are undergoing a cataract procedure. IT'S WORLD COPD DAY Libby Znaimer is joined by Henry Roberts, Director and a co-founder of the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Canada. Today marks World COPD Day. COPD is a progressive lung disease with symptoms like shortness of breath and chest tightness to name just a few. It affects about 1.5 million Canadians and possibly about a million more who are undiagnosed. Henry is here to raise awareness and answers listeners' questions.

THE MEDICAL RECORD PANEL: ONTARIO LAUNCHING A NURSING PROGRAM & CANCER PATIENTS IN THE ER  Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Fahad Razak,  General Internist at Unity Health Toronto and Canada Research Chair in Healthcare Data and Analytics at the University of Toronto, Dr. Alisa Naiman, a family doctor practicing comprehensive primary care in Toronto, and Dr. Malcolm Moore, Medical Oncologist of Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. This week: there's an interesting study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal on people going to emergency rooms just before being diagnosed with cancer, or being diagnosed with cancer while there. On the positive side, the first new nursing program in 20 years was announced. It comes after the Ford government announced restrictions on medical school admission designed to boost the number of doctors here in Ontario. DONALD TRUMP HAS WON THE U.S. ELECTION Libby Znaimer is joined by Whitley Yates, a Republican strategist and founder and owner of The Niche Agency, as well as Dr. Chris Cooper, a Political Science Professor at Western Carolina University. After months of coverage and dramatic twists and turns in the U.S. Presidential contest, Donald Trump secured a decisive victory. We discuss that and analyze some of the promises he's made during the campaign. WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT THE UPDATED COVID-19 VACCINES AVAILABLE NOW Libby is joined by Pharmacist Molly Yang, Director of Pharmacy Innovation; Professional Affairs at Whole Health Pharmacy. Have you had the latest COVID-19 booster? What about the flu shot? The latest guidance is to take them together, but there are also other vaccines Zoomers should be getting to prevent difficult and possibly debilitating bouts of illness.

THE MEDICAL RECORD: AT-HOME PATIENTS IN ONTARIO ARE REPORTING DELAYS IN MEDICAL SUPPLIES Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Fahad Razak, General Internist at Unity Health Toronto and Canada Research Chair in Healthcare Data and Analytics at the University of Toronto, Dr. Alisa Naiman, a family doctor practicing comprehensive primary care in Toronto, and Dr. Jamie Spiegelman, an Internal medicine and critical care physician at Humber River Hospital. Why are at-home patients in Ontario reporting delays in medical supplies and drugs for their care? We also discuss the issue of the primary care shortage across the province. A STAGGERING NEW REPORT SHOWS HOW MUCH FOOD IS BEING WASTED (AND THE COST) BY CANADIANS Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Sylvain Charlebois, Senior Director, Agri-Food Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University and Dr. Mustafa Koç, Professor Emeritus of Sociology at Toronto Metropolitan University specializing in food security and food policy. A new report by Second Harvest shows the extent of our food waste, as well as the staggering cost of it among Canadians. Are we in need of rethinking our approach to the foods we buy and consume? IS THE PARTY OVER FOR PM JUSTIN TRUDEAU?  Libby Znaimer is joined by Bob Richardson, a Public Affairs Consultant and Jason Lietaer, Conservative Strategist and President at Enterprise. Will PM Justin Trudeau face a leadership challenge at today's federal Liberal caucus meeting? Our guests weigh in on the latest.

THE MEDICAL RECORD: REPORT ON DISEASE SURVEILLANCE Jane Brown is filling in for Libby Znaimer today. She is joined by Dr. Fahad Razak, General Internist at Unity Health Toronto who served as a Scientific Advisor of Ontario's COVID-19 Science Advisory Table, Dr. Aaron Schimmer, the Director of Research at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre as well as a staff physician and a senior scientist and Dr. Nadia Alam, a Georgetown, Ontario family doctor and anesthetist.  Even though it hasn't been long since we've been out of the COVID pandemic, according to a new report it's time to start preparing for the next global health crisis. COURT CHALLENGE AGAINST FORD GOV'T OVER ORCHARD VILLA LICENSE Jane Brown is joined by Natalie Mehra, Executive Director of the Ontario Health Coalition and Cathy Parkes, whose father passed away at Orchard Villa during the pandemic. Both Cathy and the Ontario Health Coalition are presenting a court challenge this week over the Ford government's decision to greenlight a new 30-year license to Orchard Villa. They want the lease quashed by the court. TORONTO'S ACTION PLAN TO KEEP ITS "ECONOMY THRIVING"  Jane Brown is joined by Toronto City Councillor Shelley Carroll (Don Valley North) who is also Chair of the Budget Committee and co-chair of the Economic Advisory Panel. Toronto's mayor and the city's budget chief have both just announced a new staff report and plan called Sidewalks to Skylines: An Action Plan for Toronto's economy. We get clarity on what it's all about.

THE MEDICAL RECORD:  SYNTHETIC BONES FOR CANCER AND TRAUMA PATIENTS? Libby Znaimer is now joined by Dr. Malcolm Moore, Medical Oncologist, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and a former head of BC Cancer, Dr. Fahad Razak, General Internist at Unity Health Toronto and Canada Research Chair in Healthcare Data and Analytics at the University of Toronto and former Scientific Director of the COVID-19 Ontario Science Table, and Dr. Alisa Naiman,  a family doctor practicing comprehensive primary care in Toronto. This week: we take a deep dive into the controversial Bill 7 here in Ontario (aka More Beds, Better Care Act) which is being challenged in court. And, a team out of the University of Waterloo is 3-D printing synthetic bone with the aim of helping cancer and trauma patients. SOME OF THE CANDIDATES RUNNING FOR DON VALLEY WEST COUNCILLOR Libby Znaimer is now joined by Anthony Furey, Rachel Chernos Lin and Dhruv Jain, all three of whom are among the candidates for City Councillor for Ward 15 Don Valley West. What are the priorities of some of the candidates running in the current Don Valley West municipal byelection in Toronto? ONTARIO EDUCATION MINISTER JILL DUNLOP LAUNCHES INVESTIGATION INTO TDSB  Libby Znaimer is now joined by Tamara Gotlieb, founding member of Jewish Educators and Family Association of Canada. Ontario's Education Minister Jill Dunlop has launched an investigation into the TDSB after students were taken to a demonstration about mercury poisoning within Grassy Nation First Nation that turned into an anti-Israel protest. And, the TDSB is holding a "special meeting" tonight. Will they be getting to the bottom of what happened?

THE MEDICAL RECORD: WHAT COMES AFTER CANCER TREATMENT? Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Fahad Razak, a Canada Research Chair in Healthcare Data and Analytics at the University of Toronto and General Internist at Unity Health Toronto, Dr. Alisa Naiman, a family doctor practicing comprehensive primary care in Toronto, and Dr. Keith Stewart, Vice President, Cancer and Director of Princess Margaret Cancer Program at the UHN. Today: a discussion about what comes next for cancer patients who complete treatment, a new guideline in the U.S. pertaining to mammogram results and, closer to home, Ontario Health is changing its guidelines on how iron deficiency is measured. THE PAINFUL REALITY OF ONLINE TRANSACTIONS Libby Znaimer is joined by Carmi Levy, Technology Analyst and Journalist based in London, Ontario. Why is making a transaction online such a hassle whether we purchase tickets for a concert or sports match or purchase something from a retailer? There's always a tedious process to follow including registration and providing personal details and even credit card info. Why are companies doing this, and what can we do as consumers to make the process less of an inconvenience?   REACTION TO THE TRUMP-HARRIS DEBATE Libby Znaimer is now joined by Brad Polumbo, a Conservative commentator and editor-in-chief  & Co-Founder of BASEDPolitics, Dr. Chris Cooper, Political Science Professor at Western Carolina University, and Lee Strickland, Toronto Chair of Democrats Abroad. Americans and the world got to watch the first ever debate between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris and it ventured into the absurd at times. Our panel of Americans weighs in on what was said and whether VP Harris or former President Trump won the debate.

THE MEDICAL RECORD:  COVID-19 HASN'T GONE AWAY & WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT HYPERTENSION Jane Brown is filling in for Libby Znaimer today. She is joined by Dr. Malcolm Moore, a Medical Oncologist with Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and a former head of BC Cancer, Dr. Fahad Razak, a General Internist based in Toronto and Canada Research Chair in Healthcare Data and Analytics at the University of Toronto and Dr. Alisa Naiman, a family doctor practicing comprehensive primary care in Toronto. Do you know someone in your circles who currently has or is getting over COVID-19? Our doctors weigh in on the spike in cases, as well as the importance of keeping track of your blood pressure as you age. CALLS INTENSIFY FOR CUPE'S FRED HAHN TO RESIGN Jane Brown is now joined by Amir Epstein, Executive Director of Tafsik, a grassroots organization dedicated to combating antisemitism around the world, and Salman Sima, a former political prisoner from Iran who joined a protest this week calling for CUPE's Fred Hahn to resign. The calls for CUPE's Fred Hahn to step down are intensifying. This past Tuesday, a demonstration with a large turnout from the Jewish community took place outside of the CUPE office in Thornhill asking him to go. WHY SCHOOLS ARE FACING A TEACHER AND STAFF SHORTAGE Jane Brown is now joined by Annie Kidder, Executive Director, People for Public Education, and Karen Littlewood, President and CEO of the Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation (OSSTF). The return to school for our kids and grandkids is right around the corner, and as highlighted by The Peak this morning, schools across the country are grappling with a shortage of teachers and staff. So, what are the contributing factors and what are the potential solutions to address the problem?

THE MEDICAL RECORD: A CONCERNING STUDY ON ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Malcolm Moore, Medical Oncologist at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and a former head of the BC Cancer Agency, Dr. Fahad Razak, a Canada Research Chair in Healthcare Data and Analytics at the University of Toronto and General Internist based in Toronto, and Dr. Alisa Naiman, a family doctor practicing comprehensive primary care in Toronto. Today on the show: our experts weigh in on concerning research linking a certain artificial sweetener--erythritol-- to an increased risk of blood clots, heart attack and stroke. And, they explore an alternative treatment to the epipen when it comes to allergic reactions. CANADA'S POLICE CHIEFS CALL FOR HELP AMID A RISE IN PROTESTS Libby Znaimer is now joined by Thomas Carrique, Commissioner of the Ontario Provincial Police and President of The Canadian Association of Police Chiefs. Commissioner Carrique explains the call by the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police on all levels of government to provide additional "financial" and "moral" support as they face an increase in protests. And, he reacts to the news of bomb threats sent to Jewish organizations, synagogues and some hospitals across Canada this morning. MORE LOCAL TORONTO BUSINESSES HURTING DUE TO CONSTRUCTION Libby Znaimer is joined by Chris Theofanidis, Owner of Rise and Dine Eatery and Christine Fedirchuk, Owner of Urban Renewals, both of which are located in East York. Construction in East York is hurting local businesses--many of them mom and pop shops. And according to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), within the last five years, almost 75 percent of small businesses in the country say they've taken the hit from construction projects.

THE MEDICAL RECORD: UPTICK IN MPOX CASES, HEALTHCARE WORKER BURNOUT & CANCER PROJECTIONS FOR MEN Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Malcolm Moore, Medical Oncologist at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and a former head of the BC Cancer Agency; Dr. Fahad Razak, a Canada Research Chair in Healthcare Data and Analytics at the University of Toronto and General Internist at Unity Health Toronto; and Dr. Alisa Naiman, a family doctor practicing comprehensive primary care in Toronto, to discuss the medical news of the day. AMO SURVEY ON HOMELESS ENCAMPMENTS The Association of Municipalities of Ontario is asking the province for guidance on how to handle the growing number of homeless encampments in the province. Libby Znaimer is joined by Andrea Horwath, Mayor of Hamilton; and Cam Guthrie, Mayor of Guelph to discuss this issue. CANADA'S POLICE CHIEFS CALL FOR HELP AMID A RISE IN PROTESTS The frequency of protests linked to both domestic and global issues is creating an "unsustainable demand" on policing services across the country, and they are asking governments of all levels to provide the "moral and financial support" necessary to meet the demand for service. Canadian public affairs commentator, consultant, lawyer, policy analyst and writer Tasha Kheiriddin joins Libby Znaimer to drill down on this matter. IS CANADA'S FOREIGN WORKER PROGRAM A 'BREEDING GROUND' FOR MODERN SLAVERY? A recently released report by a United Nations special rapporteur says Canada's temporary foreign worker program is a “breeding ground” for contemporary slavery. Libby Znaimer is joined by Guidy Mamann, Toronto immigration lawyer and Partner at Mamann & Sandaluk LLP Immigration Lawyers to discuss this issue.

THE MEDICAL RECORD: WHY ARE MEN MORE RELUCTANT TO VISIT THE DOCTOR? Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Malcolm Moore, Medical Oncologist at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and a former head of the BC Cancer Agency, Dr. Fahad Razak, a Canada Research Chair in Healthcare Data and Analytics at the University of Toronto and General Internist at Unity Health Toronto, and Dr. Alisa Naiman, a family doctor practicing comprehensive primary care in Toronto. Today: a rural town in Ontario has a creative plan in an effort to attract family doctors to work there. And, why is it that men are more reluctant to pay a visit to the doctor? Meanwhile, last week we started the conversation about cracking down on for pay services that are in the gray zone - one of them being virtual visits with doctors in other areas - there's research which shows that virtual visits with a doctor who knows the patient are great but with someone who is unfamiliar - not so much. BYLAW CHARGES LAID AGAINST COMPANIES FOR BIN LEFT ON BIKE LANE WHERE CYCLIST WAS KILLED Libby Znaimer is now joined by Criminal Defense Lawyer Ari Goldkind. Ari reacts to the news that companies are facing bylaw charges after a garbage bin was illegally placed on a Bloor Street West bike lane where a 24 year old cyclist was killed a couple of weeks ago. And Libby has more questions about how and when police choose to lay charges. Yesterday we heard about yet another illegal protest - this one had about 40 people on Jarvis near the ramp and blocking the highway. OTTAWA UPDATES TRAVEL ADVISORY TO THE UK AMID RIOTS Libby Znaimer is now joined by Dr. Stephanie Carvin, Assistant Professor of International Affairs at Carleton University and an expert on national security issues, and Dr. Stephanie Baker, a sociologist at City University of London who researches the far right. Ottawa has updated a travel advisory cautioning those going to the UK to exercise caution amid riots. So, what is fueling those riots and what has happened there so far?

Ontario Today is joined by Dr. Fahad Razak, internal medicine physician at St. Michael's Hospital.

THE MEDICAL RECORD: WHAT THE CMA OUTLINES IN ITS LIST OF RECOMMENDATIONS Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Fahad Razak, General Internist at Unity Health Toronto and Canada Research Chair in Data Informed Healthcare Improvement at the University of Toronto, Dr. Aaron Schimmer,  the Director of Research at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre as well as a staff physician and a senior scientist and Dr. Iris Gorfinkel, Family Physician and Founder PrimeHealth Clinical Research. Today: our panel of doctors react to draft recommendations made by the Canadian Medical Association and also how doctors communicate with their patients about stress and managing it.  BANK OF CANADA CUTS KEY INTEREST RATE TO 4.5 PERCENT Libby Znaimer is now joined by Jim Stanford, Economist and Director, Centre for Future Work. We have learned this morning that the Bank of Canada has cut the key interest rate to 4.5 per cent. So, what are the implications of this on peoples' mortgages and more? PROVINCIAL FUNDING WILL MEAN 24/7 CONSTRUCTION WORK OF GARDINER EXPRESSWAY + SPEEDING UP TIMELINE OF EXPECTED COMPLETION Libby Znaimer is joined by Councillor Brad Bradford, Ward 19 Beaches-East York. The province is providing funding so that Gardiner Expressway construction can be done 24/7 and the expected timeline for completion can be moved up a year.

THE MEDICAL RECORD: WHY PREMIER DOUG FORD WANTS TO SPEED UP THE APPROVAL PROCESS FOR PHARMACEUTICAL DRUGS  Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Malcolm Moore, Medical Oncologist, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Dr. Fahad Razak, General Internist at Unity Health Toronto and Canada Research Chair in Data Informed Healthcare Improvement at the University of Toronto, and Dr. Jamie Spiegelman, Internal Medicine and Critical Care Physician at Humber River Hospital. Ontario Premier Doug Ford wants the approval process for life-saving pharmaceutical drugs to be sped up. And a new study out of the American Cancer Society indicates that nearly half of cancer cases could be prevented by better lifestyle choices. WAS TORONTO TRULY PREPARED TO HANDLE THE SEVERE RAIN STORM   Libby Znaimer is joined by Toronto City Councillor Brad Bradford,  Ward 19 Beaches-East York and Constable Scott Stratton of the  OPP Highway Safety Division. Yesterday's epic rain dumped about a month's worth on Toronto in just a few hours. How prepared was the City of Toronto for the storm, what kind of service disruptions did we see, how many calls did emergency services respond to and how were residents and drivers impacted? Our guests react to the latest. HOW THE MAJOR TORONTO RAIN STORM IS IMPACTING RESIDENTS' INSURANCE Libby Znaimer is joined by Anne Marie Thomas, Director, Consumer & Industry Relations at the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC). In the aftermath of the major rain storm from yesterday, some residents faced flooding and damage to their basements and vehicles. Our guest details what you should consider based on insurance coverage.

THE MEDICAL RECORD:  HOW DOCTORS COMMUNICATE CANCER DIAGNOSES TO PATIENTS  Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Aaron Schimmer, the Director of Research at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre as well as a staff physician and a senior scientist and Dr. Fahad Razak, Canada Research Chair in Data Informed Healthcare Improvement at the University of Toronto and a general internist at a Toronto hospital, as well as Dr. Alisa Naiman, a family doctor practicing comprehensive primary care in Toronto. Today: a conversation about how doctors communicate cancer diagnoses to their patients. We also explore ways to keep cool during the heat waves this summer. THE NUMBER OF INDIVIDUALS CHARGED WITH HOMICIDE WHILE ON BAIL Libby Znaimer is now joined by Frank Caputo, a Conservative MP for Kamloops—Thompson—Cariboo, followed by Kim Schofield, Criminal Defense Lawyer with Kim Schofield & Associates. Just how many individuals have been charged for homicide while out on bail or some other form of release? It was a question Conservative Deputy Leader Melissa Lantsman posed to the government and was brought to light in a column by the Toronto Sun's Brian Lilley. THE TARNISHED LEGACY OF ALICE MUNRO Libby Znaimer is now joined by Stephen Marche, a Canadian novelist and essayist. She was one of Canada's iconic and celebrated short story writers and was even awarded a Nobel prize. Now, the legacy of the late Alice Munro is tarnished: this past Sunday, a bombshell story written by her very own daughter, Andrea Robin Skinner, and published in the Toronto Star detailed her experience of being sexually assaulted by her stepfather. When she told her mother Alice about it, she did nothing. Stephen reacts to the latest.

THE MEDICAL RECORD: THE ROLE THAT REGULAR WALKING HAS ON REDUCING OUR LOWER BACK PAIN   Liz West is filling in for Libby Znaimer today. She is joined by Dr. Alisa Naiman, a family doctor practicing comprehensive primary care in Toronto, and Dr. Fahad Razak, Canada Research Chair in Data Informed Healthcare Improvement at the University of Toronto and a general internist at a Toronto hospital. This week: a discussion about the role that regular walking has in helping to reduce lower back pain and what a new study says about loneliness and risk of stroke. CANADIANS' ATTITUDES TOWARDS TIPPING AT RESTAURANTS Liz West is now joined by Barry Choi, Personal Finance Expert, and David Neinstein, Owner of Barque Smokehouse in Toronto. So, what are Canadians' attitudes regarding tipping lately? We look at a survey that gives us a sense about that and we hear from a restaurant owner about why he got rid of tipping and how it's been working out. A 14 YEAR-OLD-BOY IS CHARGED IN SHOOTING OF ZOOMERS IN ETOBICOKE Liz West is now joined by Kim Schofield, Criminal Defense Lawyer with Kim Schofield & Associates. Remember how earlier this month there was a shooting at an Etobicoke high school parking lot in which two adults--a 61 year old and 46 year old--died shortly after? Well this week we learned that an individual was charged for it...and they are only 14-years-old.

THE MEDICAL RECORD: FDA ADVISORY PANEL BACKS EXPERIMENTAL ALZHEIMER'S DRUG Jane Brown is filling in for Libby Znaimer today. She is joined by Dr. Malcolm Moore, Medical Oncologist, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Dr. Fahad Razak, Canada Research Chair in Data Informed Healthcare Improvement at the University of Toronto and a general internist at a Toronto hospital, and Dr. Alisa Naiman, a family doctor practicing comprehensive primary care in Toronto. In the news: Why an FDA advisory panel supports an experimental Alzheimer's drug, and Moderna is working on a two-in-one flu and COVID-19 vaccine. THE LEGAL BATTLE OVER ONTARIO PLACE'S FUTURE Jane Brown is now joined by Norm Di Pasquale, Co-Chair of Ontario Place for All, and Chris Glover, NDP MPP for Spadina – Fort York. Today we hear why judges threw out a legal challenge against the Ford government pertaining to its Ontario Place redevelopment plans and what comes next.  TORONTO MAYOR OLIVIA CHOW'S MISSION REGARDING AFFORDABLE HOUSING  Jane Brown is now joined by Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow. Mayor Olivia Chow sets the record straight with us on why she met with CEOs of Canada's major banks and her thoughts regarding the hybrid work model for workers in Toronto's financial district. 

Dr. Fahad Razak joins Ontario Today and takes your calls. Razak is an internal Medicine Physician at St. Michael's Hospital. He's also the former scientific director of Ontario's COVID-19 Science Advisory Table

THE MEDICAL RECORD: CANNABIS CONSUMPTION & SUNSCREEN MISINFORMATION ON SOCIAL MEDIA Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Nadia Alam, family doctor and anesthetist in Georgetown, Ontario, Dr. Aaron Schimmer, the Director of Research at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre as well as a staff physician and a senior scientist, and Dr. Fahad Razak, Canada Research Chair in Data Informed Healthcare Improvement at the University of Toronto and a general internist at a Toronto hospital. Today: our panel reacts to the latest dangerous social media trend trying to push misinformation about sunscreen...our doctors debunk that. And, in the States, daily cannabis consumption has jumped ahead of daily alcohol consumption. WHY ARE UNIONS DEFENDING ANTI-ISRAEL PROTESTERS? Libby Znaimer is joined, first, by tech reporter Carmi Levy, followed by Howard Levitt, Senior Partner at Levitt Sheikh Employment | Labour Law and Michael Teper of Save Our Schools. We've just been talking about the latest piece of health misinformation purveyed on social media and consumed mostly by young people on Tik Tok. Here at home, five additional school boards in Ontario are joining  a lawsuit against social media giants including Tik Tok, Meta, and Snapchat, in which they allege that these social media apps are harming the well-being of students and hurting their academic growth. AND: Powerful unions have been expressing their support for anti-Israel protesters at the UofT encampment. From CUPE's President Fred Hahn to the President of the Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL) to the Ontario Public Service Employees' Union (OPSEU) and other groups who showed up to the UofT campus to show support. One union leader even said: "“If the police come, we will be your human shields. We will be your line of defense. And I promise you that we will be here for as long as it takes to make sure that you are safe.” What rights do they have? Meanwhile some groups are calling on the TDSB to keep politics out of the classroom amid the Israeli-Hamas war. A motion being led by school board trustee Weidong Pei includes guidelines to prevent TDSB resources from being used for political activism. WHAT A NEW REPORT TELLS US ABOUT CANADIANS AND DEBT Libby Znaimer is now joined by Lesley-Anne Scorgie, founder of MeVest, a leading-edge financial education company specializing in money coaching for Canadians. According to a TransUnion report, more Canadians are seeing very high credit card balances amid inflation and the high cost of living.

THE MEDICAL RECORD: HIP FRACTURES AMONG OLDER ADULTS Jane Brown is filling in for Libby Znaimer today. She is joined by Dr. Alisa Naiman, Family Physician and Medical Director of The Medical Station in Toronto and Dr. Fahad Razak, Canada Research Chair in Data Informed Healthcare Improvement at the University of Toronto as well as a General Internist.  Today we take a deep dive into hip fractures and other bone fractures among older adults, and best practices while in the recovery process of healing from a fracture. We also heard from listeners about their own experiences dealing with this. MARRYING LATER IN LIFE OR IS IT A SECOND MARRIAGE? WHY MORE COUPLES ARE LOOKING AT PRENUPS Jane Brown is joined by John Schuman of  Devry Smith Frank LLP who specializes in family law.  Getting married later in life or entering a second marriage? There's growing interest for couples to sign a prenuptial agreement before making a union…especially when there are separate assets involved. Our expert on family law weighs in. PARKS CANADA'S NEW JOHN A MACDONALD TOUR HAS PEOPLE SCRATCHING THEIR HEADS Jane Brown is now joined by Dr. Patrice Dutil, a Senior Fellow at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute and Professor of Politics and Public Administration at Toronto Metropolitan University. After 6 years of restoration, Parks Canada has reopened the Bellevue House National Historic Site in Kingston, Ontario--which was briefly home to John A. Macdonald. But it's sparking controversy for the way it is portraying the late icon of Canadian history. Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

Dr. Fahad Razak joins Ontario Today and takes your calls. Razak is an internal Medicine Physician at St. Michael's Hospital. He's also the former scientific director of Ontario's COVID-19 Science Advisory Table.

THE MEDICAL RECORD: BC SHIFTS ITS DRUG POLICY Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Malcolm Moore, Medical Oncologist at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and a former head of the BC Cancer Agency, Dr. Fahad Razak, Canada Research Chair in Data Informed Healthcare Improvement at the University of Toronto and Dr. Alisa Naiman, Family Physician and Medical Director of The Medical Station in Toronto. We get the doctors' take on BC's move to roll back decriminalization of drug use at least when it comes to using in public places. WHAT POLICE ARE AND ARE NOT LEGALLY ALLOWED TO DO DURING A HIGH-SPEED CHASE Libby is now joined by Joseph Neuberger, a Criminal Defence Lawyer with Neuberger and Partners LLP. Why were police on that dangerous and ultimately deadly high- speed chase on the 401 that killed an infant and his grandparents as well as the suspect? It was apparently the result of an armed robbery. An investigation is underway into this horrific tragedy. What are police legally and not legally allowed to do during a high-speed chase? TWO KEY BY-ELECTIONS ARE FAST APPROACHING: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Libby is now joined by Bob Richardson, Senior Council to National Public Relations, and John Mykytyshyn, Conservative Activist, Political Consultant, and President of Bradgate Research Group. Two provincial bi-elections are taking place tomorrow in two ridings currently held by PC's - Lambton-Kent-Middlesex, which was the riding of Ford government Minister Monte McNaughton, and Milton, which was Parm Gill's riding before he resigned.

THE MEDICAL RECORD:THE POTENTIAL RISK OF MICROPLASTICS ON CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH Jane Brown is filling in for Libby Znaimer today. She is joined by Dr. Malcolm Moore, Medical Oncologist, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Dr. Fahad Razak, Canada Research Chair in Data Informed Healthcare Improvement at the University of Toronto and Dr. Nadia Alam, family doctor and anesthetist in Georgetown, Ontario. What a study says about the care provided by female doctors compared to male doctors, and what medical schools in Ontario want to see happen so that more students pursue family medicine. WHAT AND WHO IS BEHIND THE "STEAL FROM LOBLAWS DAY" CAMPAIGN Jane Brown is joined by Sylvain Charlebois,  Senior Director, Agri-Food Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University. Sylvain reacts to the ongoing issue that consumers have with grocery giant Loblaws and revisits the discussion about "Shrinkflation". WHAT MAKES A TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS FAN...A TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS FAN? Jane Brown is now joined by Wally Rigobon, Co-host of the Naz and Wally Sports Hour on Zoomer Radio. It's that time of the year...the Toronto Maple Leafs have made it once again into the playoffs. Currently, they face the Boston Bruins. Will this be the year they win the Stanley Cup?

THE MEDICAL RECORD: CANCER SCREENING GUIDELINES  Libby Znaimer today is joined by Dr. Malcolm Moore, Medical Oncologist, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Dr. Fahad Razak, Canada Research Chair in Data Informed Healthcare Improvement at the University of Toronto, and Dr. Alisa Naiman, Family Physician and Founder and Medical Director of The Medical Station in Toronto. It's Wednesday, time to talk about your health. We'll begin with the latest cancer screening controversy: a federally appointed body called The Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health issues the guidelines that another group of medical experts are now calling dangerous and outdated.   REACTION TO THE FEDERAL BUDGET RELEASED IN OTTAWA THIS WEEK Libby Znaimer today is joined by Taylor Scollon, Co-Founder of The Peak, Muhammad Ali, Liberal Strategist and Senior Consultant at Crestview Strategy in Ottawa, John Mykytyshyn, Conservative Activist, Political Consultant and President of Bradgate Research Group. Canadian Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland released the federal budget this week. The budget is largely aimed at Gen Zs and Millennials as they face an affordability crisis. The budget also includes a disability benefit program that will see $6.1 billion in funding but payouts won't start until July 2025. THE LATEST ON DONALD TRUMP'S LEGAL TROUBLES  Libby Znaimer today is joined by Dr. Chris Cooper, a Political Science Professor at Western Carolina University.  Donald Trump continues to make headlines for his legal troubles…he is currently facing the hush money trial. The question is: will this complicate his political campaign?   

THE MEDICAL RECORD: GUIDELINES FOR ATRIAL FIBRILLATION HAVE BEEN UPDATED Libby Znaimer today is joined by Dr. Malcolm Moore, Medical Oncologist, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Dr. Fahad Razak, Canada Research Chair in Data Informed Healthcare Improvement at the University of Toronto, and Dr. Alisa Naiman, Family Physician and Founder and Medical Director of The Medical Station in Toronto. There have been a number of cases of bird flu among dairy cows in the US and the concern is that there could be spread of the virus into the human population. We ask our doctors if this is something we should be worried about here in Canada. Meanwhile, various medical authorities in the US including The American College of Cardiology and The American College of Chest physicians have introduced an updated guideline for atrial fibrillation. VACCINES FOR PNEUMONIA & OTHER TYPES OF PNEUMOCOCCAL DISEASE: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Libby Znaimer is now joined by Dr. Jia Hu is a family physician from Calgary who is also an expert in health policy, public health and preventive medicine. Dr. Hu discusses what you need to know about pneumonia and other types of pneumococcal disease and the important role of vaccination for older adults.

THE BIG SYSTEM OUTAGE AT THE UHN If you have an appointment today at any of the University Health Network hospitals, you have likely been made to wait even longer than usual due to a system outage caused by the spring storm. Then on the program, the ability of artificial intelligence to detect tumor cells could be key to more accurate bone cancer prognoses. Jane Brown is joined by Dr. Malcolm Moore, a Medical Oncologist at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Dr. Fahad Razak, Canada Research Chair in Data Informed Healthcare Improvement at the University of Toronto, and Dr. Jamie Spiegelman, is an Internal medicine and critical care physician at Humber River Hospital. AN ONTARIO/QUEBEC AUTO THEFT CRACKDOWN SHOWS PROMISING RESULTS IN THE FIGHT AGAINST THIS KIND OF CRIME Everyone is talking about auto theft especially if your insurance rates have gone up because you drive a car that is on the list of most stolen vehicles. And, of course you're talking about it, if you actually have had your vehicle stolen, possibly from your own driveway. Some people in Toronto aren't waiting for it to happen and have hired private security to make sure their vehicles aren't stolen. That's where Tom Doyle comes in.  He's the Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice President of Corporate Protection and Investigative Services which provides security for those who want to pay for it. Joining him to discuss the results of the OPP's Project Vector is Detective Inspector Scott Wade with OPP Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau. AN UPDATE ON TORONTO'S HOUSING MARKET Jane Brown is now joined by Jason Mercer, Chief Market Analyst & Director of the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TREB) and Karen Yolevski, COO, Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd. A new report from the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board says there was enough competition among buyers that the average home price rose moderately from March of last year to March of this year to 1.12 million dollars. But overall sales were down 4.5 percent year over year.

THE MEDICAL RECORD: COVID-19'S FOURTH ANNIVERSARY Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Alisa Naiman, family physician and founder and Medical Director of The Medical Station in Toronto; Dr. Fahad Razak, Canada Research Chair in Healthcare Data and Analytics at the University of Toronto; and Dr. Malcolm Moore, Medical Oncologist, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre to discuss COVID-19's fourth anniversary, giving birth mid-flight and more. LOBLAW FACING BACKLASH FOR TESTING RECEIPT SCANNERS AT SELF-CHECKOUT  In an attempt to combat theft at its stores, Loblaw is testing receipt scanners at four of its locations, and they're catching heat for it. Libby Znaimer is joined by consumer advocate and journalist Ellen Roseman to discuss this matter. AI: USING THE TECH TO HELP DEMENTIA PATIENTS  Researchers in Australia have developed an artificial intelligence companion named VIV, who offers conversation and compassion at a seniors' facility in Sydney. Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Adriana Shnall, Program Director, Koschitzky Centre for Innovations in Caregiving; and technology analyst and journalist Carmi Levy, to discuss this development.

THE MEDICAL RECORD: OVER A BILLION PEOPLE ARE OBESE GLOBALLY ACCORDING TO WHO Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Alisa Naiman, Family Physician and Founder and Medical Director of The Medical Station in Toronto, Dr. Malcolm Moore, Medical Oncologist with the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, and Dr. Fahad Razak, Canada Research Chair in Healthcare Data and Analytics at the University of Toronto. This week: according to the World Health Organization (WHO), over a billion people globally are obese. So, what are the contributing factors of obesity and why has it become so widespread? Meanwhile, is Ontario at risk of a measles outbreak? Recently, a number of individuals contracted the highly contagious disease after travelling overseas. And then on February 19, York Region health officials diagnosed a man in his thirties even though he did not travel anywhere recently leaving the door open to the possibility that it was the result of community transmission. ETOBICOKE TO GET RID OF ITS COAT OF ARMS + TORONTO TURNS 190 Libby Znaimer is now joined by Councillor Stephen Holyday for Ward 2 Etobicoke Centre and Deputy Mayor for the west area of the City, and Dr. Patrice Dutil, Professor in the Department of Politics and Public Administration at Toronto Metropolitan University. We have just learned that the Etobicoke's coat of arms has been quietly removed. And, Toronto is celebrating its sesquicentennial today; the city turns 190 years old! Our guests react to the latest. THE AFTERMATH OF SUPER TUESDAY AND NIKKI HALEY BOWS OUT Libby Znaimer is now joined by Dr. Chris Cooper, Political Science Professor at Western Carolina University and Brad Polumbo,  a conservative commentator and editor-in-chief  & Co-Founder of BASEDPolitics. Both U.S. President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump won big this past Super Tuesday. And, Trump has a new advantage now that his adversary Nikki Haley has decided to bow out from the race. So are we about to see a Biden-Trump rematch?

THE MEDICAL RECORD: A CLOSER LOOK AT A MAJOR STUDY ON ACCESS TO PRIMARY CARE Tasha Kheiriddin is filling in for Libby Znaimer today. She is joined by Dr. Alisa Naiman, Family Physician and Founder and Medical Director of The Medical Station in Toronto, Dr. Malcolm Moore, Medical Oncologist with the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, and  Dr. Fahad Razak, Canada Research Chair in Healthcare Data and Analytics at the University of Toronto. Together they discuss the a major study about the challenges of access to primary healthcare and other medical news of the week! LISA LEVIN CALLS ON FORD GOVERNMENT TO DO MORE FOR SENIORS IN THE NEXT BUDGET Tasha Kheiriddin is joined by Lisa Levin, Chief Executive Officer, AdvantAge Ontario Lisa Levin is calling on the Ford government to consider 21 recommendations to address the needs of residents of long term care in its next provincial budget...whenever that comes out. THE BILL THAT TORONTO TAXPAYERS ARE FOOTING FOR THE WORLD CUP 2026 GAMES KEEPS CLIMBING Tasha Kheiriddin is joined by Carson Binda, BC Director of The Canadian Taxpayers Federation. Any excitement about Toronto hosting the FIFA World Cup Games in 2026 is being overshadowed by the rising cost of the bill and a lot of that will be footed by the taxpayers. Today, the overall price tag to host the games has surged to $380 million.

THE MEDICAL RECORD: ONTARIANS ARE COMPLAINING ABOUT CATARACT SURGERY BILLING Jane Brown is filling in for Libby Znaimer today. She is joined by Dr. Alisa Naiman, Family Physician and Founder and Medical Director of The Medical Station in Toronto, Dr. Malcolm Moore, Medical Oncologist with the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and  Dr. Fahad Razak. Today: a discussion about cataract surgeries at private healthcare clinics in Ontario. TIPS AHEAD OF TAX SEASON! Jane Brown is now joined by Barry Choi, a Personal Finance Expert. Tax season is upon us! The deadline to file is on April 30. So, what do you need to know? Barry weighs in. NORTH YORK SHOOTINGS LEAVE RESIDENTS CONCERNED Jane Brown is now joined by Toronto Police Services Superintendent Andy Singh and Marcell Wilson, Founder of The One By One Movement. Residents of North York have been rocked by the shooting of two innocent pedestrians waiting at bus stops near the Jane Street and Driftwood Avenue intersection over the weekend. We hear the latest on the Toronto Police investigation and what community supports are being provided to residents of the neighbourhood.

THE MEDICAL RECORD: ONTARIO AND OTTAWA SIGN HEALTHCARE AGREEMENT Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Malcolm Moore, Medical Oncologist with the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and Dr. Fahad Razak, Canada Research Chair in Healthcare Data and Analytics at the University of Toronto and Dr. Jamie Spiegelman, Internal medicine and critical care physician at Humber River Hospital In the news: An anti-Israel protest took place in front of Mount Sinai Hospital on Monday night in yet another development making Toronto's Jewish community feel safe. Meanwhile, the Ford government has signed the $3.1 billion healthcare agreement with the federal government. How will the money be spent? Our doctors weigh in. REACTION TO THE ANTI-ISRAEL PROTEST AT MOUNT SINAI HOSPITAL Libby Znaimer is joined by Richard Robertson, Director of Research and Advocacy at B'nai Brith Canada. It's a protest that never should have happened. Both Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Ontario Premier Doug Ford condemned the pro-Palestinian mob that formed in front of Mount Sinai Hospital on Toronto's Hospital row on University Avenue on Monday night. Why did they have to protest at that specific hospital? Is this yet another attempt to intimidate Toronto's Jewish community? Since the event, Toronto Police have been increasing their presence in the area, but is this too little too late? Our Jewish advocacy organizations react. AG KAREN HOGAN REPORTS ON IMMENSE COST OF ARRIVECAN APP (PRE-TAPED) Libby Znaimer is joined by federal Auditor General Karen Hogan to discuss her damning report on the ArriveCAN app. The bottom line: Canadian taxpayers paid too darn much for it: an estimated cost of nearly $60 million! Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

THE MEDICAL RECORD: STUDY SHOWS SMOKING CAN INCREASE RISK OF HAIR LOSS FOR MEN Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Alisa Naiman, Family Physician and Founder and Medical Director of The Medical Station in Toronto, Dr. Malcolm Moore, Medical Oncologist with the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and  Dr. Fahad Razak, Canada Research Chair in Healthcare Data and Analytics at the University of Toronto. Today: a conversation about food poisoning, how smoking can increase the risk of hair loss in men and also World Cancer Day.  COURT GIVES GREENLIGHT TO CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT AGAINST FORMER LTC MINISTER Libby Znaimer is joined by Melissa Miller, Partner at Howie, Sacks & Henry LLP. This week, the Ontario Court of Appeal has greenlit a class-action lawsuit against the provincial long-term care ministry for alleged negligence in the way that the government dealt with the COVID-19 crisis. Melissa reacts to the news. IS THE HIGH COST OF LIVING FORCING YOU TO SACRIFICE YOUR RETIREMENT SAVINGS? Libby Znaimer is now joined by Andrew Fung, Acting Executive Vice President, Pensions at the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario. A new poll by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario shows that a majority of Ontarians (81 per cent) are more worried about paying their increasingly costly food, mortgage and rent bills than saving for retirement. 

THE MEDICAL RECORD: CANADIAN CENTENARIANS & AN ALZHEIMER'S BLOOD TEST Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Malcolm Moore, Medical Oncologist at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and former head of the BC Cancer Agency, Dr. Fahad Razak, Canada Research Chair in Healthcare Data and Analytics at the University of Toronto and Dr. Alisa Naiman, Family Physician, Founder and Medical Director of The Medical Station in Toronto. A research study shows promise in a blood test that could be a quicker and more affordable alternative way to diagnose Alzheimer's disease in patients. Also this week, ZoomerMedia celebrated iconic General Richard Rohmer who turned 100 years old. Our guests weigh in on centenarians-- the fastest growing demographic. TRUMP SCORES ANOTHER VICTORY...THIS TIME IN NEW HAMPSHIRE Libby Znaimer is now joined by Dr. Patrice Dutil, Professor in the Department of Politics and Public Administration, and Toronto Metropolitan University Professor Michael Flamm with the department of history at Ohio Wesleyan University. U.S. President Donald Trump is one step closer to the Presidential race after his latest win--this time in New Hampshire. Despite his strong performance, rival Republican candidate Nikki Haley is still in the race putting up a fight. Others, including Vivek Ramaswamy and Florida governor Ron DeSantis have since dropped out and have officially announced their backing of Trump. So, what does this all mean? And Ottawa is already planning for any outcome of the U.S. Presidential election. THE EMERGENCIES ACT VIOLATED CANADIANS' CHARTER RIGHTS Libby Znaimer is joined by Andrew House, Counsel and Co-lead for the National Security Group at Fasken Law, and Noa Mendelson Aviv, Executive Director & General Counsel of the Canadian Civil Liberties Association. Yesterday: the federal court ruled that the Trudeau government violated Canadians' Charter rights when it initiated the Emergencies Act in response to the Freedom Trucker Convoy protests.

Dr. Fahad Razak joins Ontario Today and takes your calls. Razak is an internal Medicine Physician at St. Michael's Hospital. He's also the former scientific director of Ontario's COVID-19 Science Advisory Table.

THE MEDICAL RECORD:  AN APP TO ALLEVIATE TINNITUS AND THE END OF THE PAP SMEAR? It's Wednesday and it is time to talk about your health. And we begin with an example of technology helping a common condition: Tinnitus - a ringing in the ears- affects about 10% of the adult population. It ranges from mild to debilitating.Well now there's a new app that has shown promise in dealing with it. Also it is January and so we have the annual list of best and worst diets. And the top spot goes to the same eating plan that has been recognized for 7 years in a row - the Mediterranean Diet. Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Alisa Naiman,  Family Physician and Founder and Medical Director of The Medical Station in Toronto,  Dr. Fahad Razak, Canada Research Chair in Healthcare Data and Analytics at the University of Toronto and  Dr. Malcolm Moore, Medical Oncologist, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. PAY UP! RESTAURANTS ARE STRUGGLING TO PAY BACK THEIR PANDEMIC LOANS: SURVEY A big deadline for small businesses is coming up next week. On Januray 18, those that took out pandemic related CEBA loans must pay them back if they want to take advantage of the portion of the loan that will be forgiven. Many businesses- especially in the restaurant sector-are still struggling and they say this requirement will push them into bankruptcy. Libby is joined by Anita Thomson, Founder and owner of Zitto Zitto, an Italian restaurant on College Street in Toronto and Erik Joyal,  president of Ascari Group, which owns three restaurants. JOURNALIST ARRESTED FOR ASKING DEP. PM FREELAND THE TOUGH QUESTIONS Asking questions - tough ones - is what Rebel News reporter Dave Menzies was trying to do when he was roughed up and arrested by Deputy PM Chrystia Freeland's security detail this week. Libby is joined by Joseph Neuberger, Criminal Defence Lawyer with Neuberger and Partners LLP and Dave Menzies reporter with Rebel News to talk about it.

THE MEDICAL RECORD:   HOW EFFECTIVE WERE OVER THE COUNTER COVID-19 RAPID TEST KITS? Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Malcolm Moore, Medical Oncologist at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre,  Dr. Fahad Razak, Canada Research Chair in Healthcare Data and Analytics at the University of Toronto and Dr. Sohail Gandhi, an Ontario based family physician and a past President of the Ontario Medical Association. It's Wednesday time to talk about your health. And there was a huge uptick in Covid cases before the holidays which I am sure is spiking even more after all the Christmas gatherings and the shopping in crowds. Meanwhile, a new report says those ubiquitous home test kits aren't as accurate as we thought and the company behind them fudged some of the results in order to get the multi million dollar contract. And there's a new study on physician burnout - again some of that must be related to the holidays. And two of our panelists were working over Christmas. So did a young emergency doctor who was a guest at our home. She left early to start her overnight shift on the 25th. OTTAWA'S SETTLEMENT FOR THE TWO MICHAELS Libby Znaimer is joined by Bob Richardson, Senior Council, National Public Relations and Phil Gurski, President of Borealis Threat and Risk Consulting, and a former senior strategic analyst at CSIS Ottawa is ready to finalize a settlement with the two Michaels who were detained in China for nearly three years. The feds will reportedly provide each of them with around $3 million in compensation though Michael Spavor's lawyer is seeking $10.5 from Ottawa. Our panel weighs in. ONLINE PETITION WANTS TO REVERSE YONGE-DUNDAS NAME CHANGE Libby Znaimer is joined by Daniel Tate and Jonny Pottins--both concerned citizens, taxpayers and co-organizers of an online petition to reverse the name change of Yonge-Dundas Square. Toronto City Council has made the decision to rename Yonge-Dundas square to Sankofa Square--a decision that will cost taxpayers millions. But now there is an online petition written by Jonny Pottins and Dan Tate which is going strong with a target of reaching 100,000 signatures. The petition right now has reached just over 15,000 signatures. Both Dan and Jonny say this isn't just a matter of saving our hard earned money; it is also very much about preserving our history. If you wish to visit the online petition go to change.org/p/stop-the-renaming-of-dundas-in-toronto

THE MEDICAL RECORD: HEALTH AND THE HOLIDAYS It's time to talk about your health, and there are some holiday related issues we should be aware of. The latest numbers show that less than 15% of us have the updated Covid vaccine - this as we are gathering with friends and family in the midst of the viral soup of Covid, RSV and influenza - which is already clogging hospital emergency rooms. Also, there is an annual spike in heart attacks around the holidays. Why is that and what can you do to protect yourself? And what time are you having your Christmas feast? There's new work that tries to answer the question: is it bad to eat late at night? Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Alisa Naiman, Family Physician and Founder and Medical Director of The Medical Station in Toronto; Dr. Malcolm Moore, Medical Oncologist at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre; and  Dr. Fahad Razak, General Internist at Unity Health Toronto to discuss. MIDDLE-EAST PROTESTS TARGETING MALLS AND A SPIKE IN ANTI-SEMITISM There was a very disturbing incident at the Eaton Centre last weekend when masked kaffiyeh wearing protesters stormed the shopping mall to protest an ad from the Spanish clothing chain Zara, wwhen a shopper took issue with that one of them uttered a death threat. It happened right in front of a police officer but nothing was done. This comes amid the spike in anti-Semitic hate crimes we have been reporting in our news. And they aren't just targeting Jews. Some pro-Palestinian protesters are calling on their supporters to...quote...Shut down Christmas. Libby is joined by Noah Shack, Vice President, Countering Antisemitism & Hate at UJA Federation Of Greater Toronto; and Councillor James Pasternak, Ward 6 York Centre to unpack all this. A LOOK AT PERSONAL FINANCES IN THE NEW YEAR Dropping mortgage rates and other interest rates are generally good news, but for Zoomers who are in saving mode, not so much. This is probably a good time to lock in some excellent GIC rates, and we may have to hurry before they fall. Libby Znaimer is joined by personal finance expert Barry Choi for a conversation about personal finances ahead of the New Year. Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

THE MEDICAL RECORD: NURSES HAVE ADDITIONAL PRESCRIBING POWERS NOW 12-12:30 PM Marissa Lennox is joined by Dr. Alisa Naiman, Family Physician and Founder and Medical Director of The Medical Station in Toronto, Dr. Malcolm Moore, Medical Oncologist, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, and Dr. Fahad Razak, General Internist at Unity Health Toronto. Ontario registered nurses will now be able to independently prescribe medications including birth control and topical antibiotics. It's all part of a strategy by the province for patients to get certain prescriptions faster. The Ontario Medical Association (OMA), however, believes that this is the wrong approach because it won't give patients “the comprehensive care that a primary care physician offers”. Do our panelists agree? Meanwhile, according to leaked documents that were made public by the Alberta NDP, the Alberta government under Premier Danielle Smith plans to make big changes to its healthcare system including dismantling its province wide healthcare provider and potentially selling off its continuing care facilities. But why? An official announcement by Alberta's government is expected to come out today on that.  And, a new study led by Canadian researchers shows us that one third of the world's population may be at high risk of smart phone addiction. So what are the negative health implications of that? And, finally, our panel reacts to a study about the connection between our sleeping habits and cardiovascular health. IT'S LUNG CANCER AWARENESS MONTH 12:30-1 PM Marissa Lennox is now joined by Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser, Legendary former Canadian hockey player who won five Olympic medals with Canada women's national ice hockey team. Hayley retired from hockey in 2017 and the IOC in 2022. She is currently serving as the Assistant General Manager of Player Development for the Toronto Maple Leafs and is a practicing Family and Emergency medicine doctor. It's Lung Cancer Awareness Month. To mark the occasion, Dr. Wickenheiser has partnered with the Be the MVP – Change the Odds campaign aims to empower Canadians to take charge of their own health by increasing their awareness of lung cancer, including the related risk factors, signs and symptoms, and the importance of early detection. In this special one-on-one conversation with Marissa, Dr. Wickenheiser details what the campaign is all about, how meaningful of an experience it has been for Hayley to be a part of this wonderful initiative and  why early detection of lung cancer is so important. If you have questions or a personal lung cancer story that you want to share, call now and join the conversation.

With COVID on the rise in Ontario, Dr. Fahad Razak, former scientific director of the now-disbanded Ontario COVID-19 Science Advisory Table and internist and epidemiologist at St. Michael's Hospital, answers your questions.

Guest: Dr. Fahad Razak, internist at St. Michael's Hospital After more than three years, the World Health Organization has declared that COVID-19 is over as a global health emergency. However, the organization also said the virus remains a threat and can still get people very sick. For many people, the pandemic has been “over” for a while but there are also plenty of people for whom the effects linger and that's something to remember as we navigate this next phase. This episode was produced by Brian Bradley, Paulo Marques and Raju Mudhar. Audio Sources: CBC and ABC

Jim starts the show by comparing the leaders' overuse of the word wokeDan Laxer and Andrew Pinsent discuss and debate some of the big stories of the day.On the Deep Dive, Dr. Fahad Razak explains what the WHO announcement on COVID really means

Guest: Dr. Fahad Razak, internist at St Michael's Hospital The XBB.1.5, known by the nickname “Kraken,” is the latest COVID-19 subvariant of concern. Found to be highly transmissible, health experts are already seeing surges in other parts of the world like Europe and the United States, where there are higher case counts and hospitalizations. The same effect is likely to happen here. Dr. Fahad Razak, an internist at St Michael's Hospital and a professor at the University of Toronto who served as the head of the province's COVID-19 Science Advisory Table, joins “This Matters” to share what we know. This episode was produced by Alexis Green, Paulo Marques and Raju Mudhar. Audio sources: BBC, PBS, Euronews

Pediatric ICU capacity is at or beyond its limits, and parents aren't far behind. Why is illness on the rise for kids across the province? For insight we welcome: Dr. Rod Lim, Site-Chief of the Paediatric Emergency Department at the Children's Hospital at London Health Sciences Centre, and an associate professor at Western University; and former director of the COVID-19 Science Advisory Table, Dr. Fahad Razak, who is an internist at St Michael's Hospital and assistant professor at the University of Toronto.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As summer winds down and we head into fall and a new school year, we talk to Dr. Fahad Razak, the new scientific director of the COVID-19 Science Advisory Table to look at where Ontario is in its attempts to deal with the pandemic, how much natural immunity is present in communities, what modelling is suggested for the months ahead, and what to expect in the next round of vaccinations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ontario has officially entered its seventh wave of COVID-19, driven this time by the Omicron BA.5 subvariant. Guest host Rosemary Barton discusses this new wave with Dr. Fahad Razak, the head of Ontario's COVID-19 science advisory table, UBC professor Sally Otto, and immunologist Jennifer Gommerman.