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Witness to Yesterday (The Champlain Society Podcast on Canadian History)
Larry Ostola speaks with Richard Harris about his book, The Rise of the Neighbourhood in Canada, 1880s–2020s. The Rise of the Neighbourhood in Canada, 1880s–2020s by Richard Harris traces the evolution of Canadian neighbourhoods from the 1880s to the 2020s, highlighting their growing importance amid rising social inequality and immigration. While neighbourhoods now foster fewer social connections, they have become crucial for homeowner investment and children's educational opportunities. The book examines how neighbourhoods, especially in urban areas, impact the lives of the least mobile groups—workers, low-income households, immigrants, women, children, and the elderly—by shaping public health, crime, social capital, and job prospects. It explores the influence of physical and social characteristics, long-term trends, and communications technology on neighbourhood life. As homeownership increased, neighbourhoods became central to financial investment, leading to greater financialization and reduced affordability. Drawing on examples from cities across Canada, the book argues that neighbourhoods' significance will endure, continuing to shape Canadian society and individual life chances in the face of ongoing change. Richard Harris is a professor emeritus of urban geography at McMaster University. Image Credit: University of Toronto Press If you like our work, please consider supporting it: bit.ly/support_WTY. Your support contributes to the Champlain Society's mission of opening new windows to directly explore and experience Canada's past.
JAMAevidence Users' Guide to the Medical Literature: Using Evidence to Improve Care
Thomas Agoritsas, MD, PhD, Geneva University Hospitals, Switzerland discusses Users' Guides to the Medical Literature about patient management recommendations with author Gordon H. Guyatt, MD, MSc, McMaster University. Related Content: How to Interpret and Use a Clinical Practice Guideline or Recommendation Platelet Transfusion Caring for Patients With Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Jim’s got a few. Plus – Does ‘selling out’ exist any more? GUESTS: Veldon Coburn - Associate Professor and Faculty Chair with the Indigenous Relations Initiative at McGill Marvin Ryder - associate professor of marketing at McMaster University
September 30th is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada, a day to honour the lost children and survivors of residential schools, their families and communities. Host Rick Zamperin speaks with Dr. Vanessa Watts, Associate Professor and Acting Chair of Indigenous Studies at McMaster University about how Canadians should commemorate the day.
Sept. 25, 2025: Guest host Robin Gill in for Jas Johal Canada Post workers back on strike (0:00) Guest: Jennifer Savage, CUPW's National Director for the Pacific Region (Canadian Union of Postal Workers) Canada Post to make sweeping changes, ending door-to-door delivery (7:13) Guest: Marvin Ryder, Associate professor at McMaster University's DeGroote School of Business John Rustad plans to change Metro Vancouver…can he deliver? (15:14) Guest: Daniel Fontaine, New Westminster City councillor New Patullo Bridge completed by Christmas 2025; what took so long? (22:21) Guest: Chris Gardner, President and CEO of the Independent Contractors and Businesses Association From more closures to layoffs: Is Starbucks losing its appeal? (31:22) Guest: David Ian Gray, Instructor of Retail Studies at the Capilano Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week's episode will be with Dr. Bijaj Patel a nephrologist who has done amazing work developing transitional dialysis centers.DISCLAMER >>>>>> The Ditch Lab Coat podcast serves solely for general informational purposes and does not serve as a substitute for professional medical services such as medicine or nursing. It does not establish a doctor/patient relationship, and the use of information from the podcast or linked materials is at the user's own risk. The content does not aim to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and users should promptly seek guidance from healthcare professionals for any medical conditions. >>>>>> The expressed opinions belong solely to the hosts and guests, and they do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the Hospitals, Clinics, Universities, or any other organization associated with the host or guests. Disclosures: Ditch The Lab Coat podcast is produced by (Podkind.co) and is independent of Dr. Bonta's teaching and research roles at McMaster University, Temerty Faculty of Medicine and Queens University.
This podcast discusses primary ciliary dyskinesia. The episode was developed by Sahaj Puri, a third-year medical student at the McMaster University, in collaboration with Dr. Kevan Mehta, a pediatric respirologist from McMaster University. Together, they define primary ciliary dyskinesia and explain the pathophysiology underlying this condition, list key symptoms that a child with primary ciliary dyskinesia may present with, describe an approach to diagnosing primary ciliary dyskinesia, describe a differential diagnosis for a child with with recurrent pulmonary infections, and lastly describe key management principles of primary ciliary dyskinesia. There are no conflicts of interest to disclose by the authors.
In this episode, Dr Tsen Vei Lim speaks to Dr Wei Deng, an assistant professor from McMaster University and St Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Canada. The interview covers the research article Wei led examining externalising as a common genetic influence for a broad spectrum of substance use and behavioural conditions using a large UK longitudinal dataset.‘Externalising' is a type of outward-directed behavioural expression, such as risky substance use, aggression, and hyperactivity. ‘Polygenic risk scores' are numbers that estimate a person's inherited risk for a disease, trait, or condition (in this case, addiction) based on the presence of many genetic variants. · Why studying genetics is important for addiction [01:12]· How we study the genetics of addiction [01:57]· Polygenic risk scores and their importance in addiction [3:49]· The origin of Wei's research questions [05:32]· The headline findings of the paper [08:06]· How the findings affect the way we currently think about addiction [09:22]· Common genetic components shared between behavioral and substances addictions [11:11]· The importance of the environment in the genetic risks of addiction [13:15]· How the findings can contribute to clinical practice [13:37]· How big data and artificial intelligence (AI) can help us understand addiction [14:42]· The exploration of whether genetic factors are the root cause of addiction [18:06]About Tsen Vei Lim: Dr Lim is an academic fellow supported by the Society for the Study of Addiction, currently based at the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Cambridge. His research integrates computational modelling, experimental psychology, and neuroimaging to understand the neuropsychological basis of addictive behaviours. He holds a PhD in Psychiatry from the University of Cambridge (UK) and a BSc in Psychology from the University of Bath (UK).About Wei Q Deng: Dr Deng is a statistical scientist who investigates how genes, brain function, and environment shape long-term health risks. Her research focuses on delay discounting and related self-regulation processes that influence decisions about health, substance use, and long-term planning. She studies how these traits contribute to addiction and chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease. Using large-scale data and molecular tools, she uncovers why some people are more vulnerable and how those risks can be reduced. Based at McMaster University and St Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, she leads interdisciplinary projects bridging genomics, behavior, and public health.Original article: Externalizing as a common genetic influence for a broad spectrum of substance use and behavioural conditions: a development perspective from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children. https://doi.org/10.1111/add.70163The opinions expressed in this podcast reflect the views of the host and interviewees and do not necessarily represent the opinions or official positions of the SSA or Addiction journal.The SSA does not endorse or guarantee the accuracy of the information in external sources or links and accepts no responsibility or liability for any consequences arising from the use of such information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
McMaster University's Director of Athletics & Recreation Keenan Lewis Jeppesen spoke with Sportsline Podcast host Bubba O'Neil about a number of life experiences, including meeting President Obama, playing basketball at an Ivy League school, working at Black Entertainment Television and how he views his role at MAC.
Other Episodes You Might Like: Previous Episode - Riding Tandem: One Couple, One Mission, One Bike From Mexico to Alaska Next Episode - 5 Ways to Measure & Improve Your Menopause Fitness At Home Right Now More Like This - What They Don't Teach Women About Strength Training and should Resources: Join the Hot, Not Bothered! Challenge to learn why timing matters and why what works for others is not working for you. Use Flipping 50 Scorecard & Guide to measure what matters with easy at-home self-assessment test you can do in minutes. Don't know where to start? Book your Discovery Call with Debra. Leave this session with insight into exactly what to do right now to make small changes, smart decisions about your exercise time and energy. Scrolling through social media, it can be a challenge to understand the truth about muscle and menopause. This episode evidence-based menopause fitness programming on how to build muscle in menopause, why you're losing muscle in menopause, whether hormone therapy prevents muscle loss, and what research exists on menopause muscle research. We answer questions by someone who isn't just “doing his research,” but has and continues to conduct studies to find the truth about muscle and menopause. My Guest: Dr. Stuart Phillips is a Distinguished University Professor in the Department of Kinesiology and a member of the School of Medicine at McMaster University. He is a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Skeletal Muscle Health. Dr. Phillips' work centers on the interaction of exercise/physical activity, aging, and nutrition in skeletal muscle and body composition. Dr. Phillips is a fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, the American College of Sports Medicine and the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences. Connect with Dr. Stuart: Instagram - @mackinprof Facebook - Stuart Phillips, Ph.D. X - @mackinprof LinkedIn - Dr. Stuart Phillips TikTok: @mackinprof Questions We Answer in This Episode: [00:10:18] Does lifting heavier or lighter weights work best for women in menopause? [00:16:34] When do women reach adrenal fatigue? [00:19:39] Does use of Hormone Therapy prevent or mitigate muscle loss during menopause? [00:21:55] Do women lose more muscle during menopause than expected based on age? [00:24:22] How is Zone 2 exercise specifically beneficial for women, in menopause or otherwise? [00:29:00] Are weighted vests useful for women, in perimenopause or otherwise? [00:42:20] What is the best timing for protein intake? [00:48:10] What's true about pre-exercise vs. post-exercise nutrition for women and supporting their goals? What are your thoughts on women who are under-eating and are training?
Saving Elephants | Millennials defending & expressing conservative values
Is Trump correct that Canada is destined to be America's 51st state? Or is there simply too much distinction between Canada and the United States to collapse us both into one homogenous mess? If conservatives in the U.S. are trying to conserve the American revolution, what are Canadian conservatives hoping to conserve? How might these two liberty-loving nations help each other better understand each other through comparison? Joining Saving Elephants host Josh Lewis is Shawn Whatley to make sense of it all. About Shawn Whatley Shawn Whatley hosts Concepts with Shawn Whatley, a weekly podcast focusing on political ideas, culture, and news. Shawn, MD, is a seasoned physician leader with experience in emergency medicine and primary care and extensive experience in health care administration and medical politics. Dr. Whatley contributes articles regularly to The Medical Post and serves on the Post's Physician Advisory Committee. Dr. Whatley has served on the board of the Ontario Medical Association and more recently on the board of the Canadian Medical Association, as well as on numerous hospital and provincial planning committees. He is a Lecturer for the University of Toronto, Department of Family and Community Medicine, and an Assistant Clinical Professor (Adjunct) in McMaster University's department of Family Medicine, Hamilton, Ontario. Dr. Whatley is the author of the two books, When Politics Comes Before Patients – Why and how Canadian Medicare is failing and the highly praised book on how to fix emergency wait times in Canada, No More Lethal Waits. Combating Political Violence Roundtable Join another Saving Elephants livestream on Thursday, September 18 at 7:00PM CST for a roundtable discussion on the assassination of Charlie Kirk and how we might combat political violence: https://www.youtube.com/@savingelephants
About This Episode: This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby is joined by Liz Buchanan, a Hamilton-based actor, writer, and director who is also the artistic director of 9M Theatre. Liz shares her journey as a playwright and performer, focusing on her two Hamilton Fringe shows Gnomes A Traumatic Comedy (2023) and Liz A Traumatic Comedy (2024). She discusses her long-standing fascination with gnomes, how she uses humour and absurdity to explore personal trauma on stage, and more. This episode explores: The creative process behind Liz's two fringe shows, which use comedy to explore themes of trauma and healing. The personal and surprising history of her fascination with gnomes, stemming from her childhood and the show Fraggle Rock. The decision to transition from a multi-cast show (Gnomes) to a solo performance (Liz) to tell a more personal story. The unique pressures and catharsis of performing a solo show, especially when the material is autobiographical. The founding of her theatre company 9M Theatre, and its focus on a mix of original work and small-scale, intimate productions of Shakespeare Guest:
Jerry discusses the surprising truth about the recycling slot on the city of Toronto's street litter bins. @SabrinaNanji from @theqpobserver speaks with Jerry about Ontario Liberal leader Bonnie Crombie's resignation. Mark Carney says Build Canada Homes will build 4000 housing units on federal land. Jim Dunn from McMaster University weighs in on this.
In this episode of the Cancer Assist Podcast, Dr. Bill Evans sits down with Dr. Jonathan Sussman, Professor and Chair, Department of Oncology, McMaster University, Scientific Director, Program in Evidence-Based Care (PEBC), McMaster University, and Carolyn Zwaal, Managing Director of Program in Evidence-Based Care (PEBC), to unpack how evidence-based guidelines in cancer care are developed. From defining what “evidence” truly means, to exploring how systematic reviews and analyses shape clinical decisions, the conversation shines a light on the process behind cancer treatment recommendations. Listeners will hear how Ontario's PEBC has produced over 500 guidelines, the global reach of this work, and the role of patients in shaping recommendations. - The Cancer Assist Show and its content represent the opinions of Dr. Bill Evans and guests to the podcast. Any views and opinions expressed by Dr. Bill Evans and guests are their own and do not represent those of their places of work. The content of The Cancer Assist Show is provided for informational, educational and entertainment purposes only, and is not intended as professional medical, legal or any other advice, or as a substitute or replacement for any such advice. The Cancer Assist Program, Dr. Bill Evans and guests make no representations or warranties with respect to the accuracy or validity of any information or content offered or provided by The Cancer Assist Show. For any medical needs or concerns, please consult a qualified medical professional. No part of The Cancer Assist Show or its content is intended to establish a doctor-patient or any other professional relationship. This podcast is owned and produced by the Cancer Assistance Program.
Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk was assassinated while speaking on stage at a Utah university campus event. Civil liberties advocates say an Election Canada investigation into Juno News co-founder and journalist Keann Bexte's election reporting could lead to a chill on journalism in Canada. Ontario Premier Doug Ford told unemployed youth in Ontario that they “aren't looking hard enough.” A McMaster University professor is emphatically denying he ever said gender treatment for minors was medically necessary despite co-signing a letter saying otherwise. Tune into The Daily Brief with Cosmin Dzsurdzsa and Alex Zoltan! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Welcome to this episode of Ditch the Lab Coat, hosted by Dr. Mark Bonta—a show where curiosity meets science and skepticism, all in the name of practical healthcare innovation.This week, we tackle a problem plaguing healthcare systems across Canada (and beyond): the painfully long wait times to see a dermatologist, especially when it comes to skin cancer. Our guest is Mike Druhan, President of Dermatology Services at MedX Health. Mike is on a mission to save lives by closing the gap between a suspicious mole and a potentially life-saving diagnosis.Together, Dr. Bonta and Mike explore the bottlenecks of Canadian healthcare, the trust required for new technologies to be accepted, and the real-world journey of bringing evidence-based digital solutions—like secure skin imaging and teledermatology—to market. You'll hear the candid realities behind innovation in medicine, the hurdles of building clinician confidence, and why access—not just technology—can be the biggest lifesaver of all.Plus, Mike shares eye-opening stories from the field, including how a routine golf outing and a sharp eye led to an early melanoma diagnosis that made all the difference for a patient. If you've ever wondered why game-changing ideas in medicine can take so long to become reality—or how technology can help us fight diseases hiding in plain sight—this conversation is for you.Plug in, enjoy, and get ready for a deep dive into the art and science of making innovation practical, trustworthy, and patient-centered.Episode HighlightsTrust Drives Healthcare Adoption — Healthcare innovation only moves as fast as stakeholders trust new systems and tech, making trust central to successful adoption.Early Detection Saves Lives — Catching skin cancer at the earliest stage dramatically improves outcomes and reduces treatment costs and patient suffering.Access Is a Critical Barrier — Long wait times to see specialists like dermatologists can be deadly; smart solutions must address these systemic access issues.Tech Complements, Not Replaces — Innovative tools are designed to support, not substitute, specialists—helping prioritize urgent cases and manage the patient queue.Design for Clinical Reality — Successful tools require clinician input, regulatory compliance, and clear workflow integration to earn real-world adoption.Iterate with Frontline Feedback — Regular collaboration with diverse healthcare professionals refines questions, workflows, and builds essential clinical buy-in.Evidence First, Hype Later — Robust evidence and pilot programs—rather than flashy promises—pave the path for credible healthcare innovation.AI Is an Assistant, Not Judge — AI is best used as a double-check for clinicians, enhancing accuracy but not replacing expert human decision-making.Economic Incentives Matter — Insurers and employers increasingly see the financial sense in proactive screening and early intervention for high-risk groups.Human Factor Still Critical — Even with tech, “right place, right time” expert intervention can make the difference between early cure and late-stage tragedy.Episode Timestamp03:59 – Canadian Healthcare Access Challenges 09:40 – Dermatology Digital Patient Platform Development 13:25 – Trust Barriers in Healthcare Innovation 15:57 – Dermatology Investment Collaboration Insights 19:05 – Prioritizing Urgent Pathology Reports 22:54 – Dermatology: Ownership and Patient Insights 24:19 – Dynamic Approach to Skin Cancer Tracking 28:38 – Early Detection through Stool Testing 32:56 – Canada's Dermatology Shortage and Insurance Solutions 33:38 – Predictive Analytics in Workplace Safety 37:07 – AI-Assisted Skin Cancer Detection 42:15 – Human Error vs. AI Expectations 45:47 – AI Enhancing Medical Diagnostics 46:46 – Trusting Emerging Healthcare Technologies DISCLAMER >>>>>> The Ditch Lab Coat podcast serves solely for general informational purposes and does not serve as a substitute for professional medical services such as medicine or nursing. It does not establish a doctor/patient relationship, and the use of information from the podcast or linked materials is at the user's own risk. The content does not aim to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and users should promptly seek guidance from healthcare professionals for any medical conditions. >>>>>> The expressed opinions belong solely to the hosts and guests, and they do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the Hospitals, Clinics, Universities, or any other organization associated with the host or guests. Disclosures: Ditch The Lab Coat podcast is produced by (Podkind.co) and is independent of Dr. Bonta's teaching and research roles at McMaster University, Temerty Faculty of Medicine and Queens University.
Gurinder and Ravinder Sidhu were excited to welcome their third baby in June. That excitement turned to fear and then grief after Ravinder died from sepsis shortly after her son's birth. Gurinder joins us to talk about how he believes the nurses and doctors didn't act fast enough to treat his wife — and even ignored their pleas for help. And why he's calling for better sepsis care so no other family has to go through what he is enduring. Then two experts talk about why Canada desperately needs a sepsis strategy. An estimated one in eighteen deaths in Canada are from sepsis, many of which Fatima Sheikh, a PhD candidate at McMaster University, and Dr Kali Barrett, a critical care physician and affiliate scientist with the Health Systems and Policy Research Collaborative Centre at UHN, say are preventable.
On this episode, we are joined by Tara Packham, an occupational therapist who has worked for many years in upper extremity rehabilitation and is now educating the next generation of occupational therapists. Tara recognizes the impact social media has had on knowledge mobilization and she shares with us how clinicians, researchers and educators are utilizing social media and other digital platforms to educate their colleagues, patients and students. Guest Bio: Tara Packham, PhD, OTReg(Ont) is an occupational therapist with over 25 years of clinical experience in hand and upper limb rehabilitation, and an associate professor in the School of Rehabilitation Sciences at McMaster University in Hamilton Ontario Canada. Tara's program of research focuses on assessing and addressing persistent pain, and continuing to advance the global field of hand rehabilitation. She is passionate about moving evidence into practice and helping therapists to adopt and apply new research to advance clinical care. Tara has published and presented extensively for both hand rehabilitation and pain management audiences on persistent pain conditions impacting the upper extremity. She currently serves on the executive committee of the Special Interest Group for CRPS at the International Association for the Study of Pain, on the editorial board of the Journal of Hand Therapy, and as Editor-in-Chief at Hand Therapy (official journal of the British Association for Hand Therapists and European Federation of Societies for Hand Therapy). The views and opinions expressed in the Hands in Motion podcast are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of ASHT. Appearance on the podcast does not imply endorsement of any products, services or viewpoints discussed.
Every summer, Canadian scientists leave their labs and classrooms and fan out across the planet to do research in the field. This week, we're sharing some of their adventures.Camping out on a remote island with thousands of screaming, pooping, barfing birdsAbby Eaton and Flynn O'Dacre spent their summer on Middleton Island, a remote, uninhabited island that lies 130 kilometers off the coast of Alaska. They were there to study seabirds, in particular the rhinoceros auklet and the black-legged kittiwake, as a part of a long-term research project that monitors the health of the birds to help understand the health of the world's oceans. Eaton and O'Dacre are graduate students working under Emily Choy at McMaster University in Hamilton, OntarioDodging lions and mongooses to monitor what wild dogs are eating in MozambiquePhD student Nick Wright spent his summer in Gorongosa National Park in Mozambique. After a brutal civil war wiped out 95 per cent of the large mammals in the park, much work has been done to bring back a healthy wildlife population, to mixed success. Nick was monitoring wild dogs this summer to learn what they're eating, and what effects their recent re-introduction has had on the other animals. Wright is in the Gaynor lab at the University of British Columbia.Saving ancient silk road graffiti from dam-inundationThe legendary silk road is a network of trade routes stretching from Eastern China to Europe and Africa, used by traders from the second century BCE to the fifteenth century CE. Travelers often left their marks, in the form of graffiti and other markings on stone surfaces along the route. Construction of a dam in Pakistan is threatening some of these petroglyphs, and an international team is working to document them online while there is still time. Jason Neelis, of the Religion and Culture Department, and Ali Zaidi, from the Department of Global Studies, both at Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, Ontario, are part of the team.Prospecting for World War II bombs in an Ottawa bogPablo Arzate's tests of sensor-equipped drones developed for mining uncovered 80-year-old relics leftover from World War II bomber pilot training in the Mer Bleue bog southeast of Ottawa. Arzate, the founder of 3XMAG Technologies from Carleton University, says his newly-developed technology revealed a trove of unexploded ordnance lurking beneath the bog's surface. Technology allows examination of Inca mummies without disturbing themAndrew Nelson and his team spent the summer in Peru devising new methods of non-invasively scanning Peruvian mummies dating to the Inca period – so they can study them without unwrapping them. In Peru, ancient human remains were wrapped in large bundles along with other objects. Nelson is a professor and chair of the Department of Anthropology at Western University in London, Ontario. This work is done in conjunction with the Ministry of Culture of Peru.Eavesdropping on chatty snapping turtles in Algonquin ParkSince 1972, scientists have been spending their summers at the Algonquin Park research station to monitor the turtles living in the area. In recent years, the researchers discovered that these turtles vocalise –– both as adults, and as hatchlings still in the egg. So this summer, Njal Rollinson and his students set out to record these vocalisations to try and understand what the turtles are saying. Rollinson is an associate professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and the School of the Environment at the University of Toronto.
Welcome back to Ditch the Lab Coat! In this episode, host Dr. Mark Bonta sits down with Dr. William Cherniak, an emergency physician, global health leader, and CEO of Rocket Doctor—a Canadian tech company on a mission to shake up how we access healthcare. As the world continues to grapple with the lessons learned from COVID-19, Dr. Cherniak and Dr. Bonta dive deep into the evolution of virtual care and its role in both episodic and chronic healthcare.Together, they challenge the misconceptions around virtual medicine, exploring how digital innovation is not just a convenient alternative but often a superior solution for patients who need fast, efficient, and ongoing medical attention. From navigating Canada's complex healthcare policies to leveraging AI and Bluetooth-enabled devices, Dr. Cherniak shares his journey as a physician-entrepreneur working to make healthcare more accessible—whether you're managing blood pressure from your living room or urgently treating poison ivy without a trip across town.Tune in as we unravel the myths of hands-on-only healthcare, the future possibilities of remote diagnostics and procedures, and what it will take for medicine to truly enter the 21st century. If you're curious about how virtual care is changing the patient-doctor relationship, cutting through red tape, and building a compassionate, tech-savvy future, this is an episode you can't miss.(https://www.linkedin.com)(http://rocketdoctor.io/)Episode Lessons 1 – Virtual Care Is Effective – Virtual healthcare can match or even surpass in-person care for many conditions, especially when accessibility is an issue.2 – Breaking Down Healthcare Barriers – Virtual care improves access for patients struggling with long waits or limited transportation to clinics.3 – Episodic vs. Chronic Care Needs – Healthcare isn't just for chronic patients; episodic care can be efficiently managed through modern virtual models.4 – Innovation Born From Necessity – Rocket Doctor's creation was driven by gaps in primary care, especially for those without family doctors.5 – Team-Based Medical Support – Virtual platforms enable teams of physicians to support each other, ensuring continuity even when one doctor is away.6 – Navigating Bureaucracy and Policy – Different provinces and health systems determine how virtual care can be provided and reimbursed, affecting implementation.7 – Seeing Beyond Clinic Walls – Virtual visits provide unique insights into patients' home and social environments, revealing valuable context for care.8 – Tech Empowers Doctors and Patients – Electronic records, AI tools, and Bluetooth devices streamline tasks, allowing more focus on patient care and faster follow-up.9 – Busting Medical Tradition Myths – Not every visit needs physical examination; much required care can be accurately delivered without in-person touch.10 – Envisioning Healthcare's Future – Real integration of AI, seamless records sharing, and patient-driven portals will further revolutionize how care is delivered virtually.Want me to bold all the lesson titles for consistency, or keep only the last one bold as the highlight?Episode Timestamps00:00 – Medical Podcast Disclaimer 05:28 – Reimagining Virtual Care in Canada 08:04 – Canadian Tech-Driven Medical Practice 11:54 – Bureaucratic Challenges in Healthcare 13:39 – Embracing Virtual Healthcare 19:53 – Virtual Care: Beneficial vs. In-Person 20:54 – Canada's Acute vs. Preventative Care 26:14 – Virtual Care Evolution 2019 30:08 – Healthcare Innovation and Streamlining 32:59 – Home Ultrasound Study for Pneumonia 35:40 – Virtual Care: Medicine's Evolution 37:42 – Science Skepticism Podcast Promo DISCLAMER >>>>>> The Ditch Lab Coat podcast serves solely for general informational purposes and does not serve as a substitute for professional medical services such as medicine or nursing. It does not establish a doctor/patient relationship, and the use of information from the podcast or linked materials is at the user's own risk. The content does not aim to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and users should promptly seek guidance from healthcare professionals for any medical conditions. >>>>>> The expressed opinions belong solely to the hosts and guests, and they do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the Hospitals, Clinics, Universities, or any other organization associated with the host or guests. Disclosures: Ditch The Lab Coat podcast is produced by (Podkind.co) and is independent of Dr. Bonta's teaching and research roles at McMaster University, Temerty Faculty of Medicine and Queens University.
Discover why muscle power—not just strength—is the key predictor of healthy aging and longevity. Exercise physiologist Dr. Stuart Phillips reveals groundbreaking research showing that older adults can safely engage in power training, challenging decades of conventional wisdom about senior fitness.In this interview renowned exercise physiologist and gerontology expert Dr. Stuart Phillips from McMaster University shares cutting-edge insights into optimizing exercise and nutrition for healthy aging. Dr. Phillips, who has spent decades researching muscle physiology and aging, breaks down the science behind successful aging and reveals why most people are focusing on the wrong metrics.
It's In the News.. a look at the top headlines and stories in the diabetes community. This week's top stories: CRISPR modified cell transplant for type 1, risk of T1D if parent has a different type of diabetes, Metformin and the brain, oral GLP-1, and more! Find out more about Moms' Night Out Please visit our Sponsors & Partners - they help make the show possible! Learn more about Gvoke Glucagon Gvoke HypoPen® (glucagon injection): Glucagon Injection For Very Low Blood Sugar (gvokeglucagon.com) Omnipod - Simplify Life Learn about Dexcom Check out VIVI Cap to protect your insulin from extreme temperatures The best way to keep up with Stacey and the show is by signing up for our weekly newsletter: Sign up for our newsletter here Here's where to find us: Facebook (Group) Facebook (Page) Instagram Twitter Check out Stacey's books! Learn more about everything at our home page www.diabetes-connections.com Reach out with questions or comments: info@diabetes-connections.com Episode transcription with links: Hello and welcome to Diabetes Connections In the News! I'm Stacey Simms and every other Friday I bring you a short episode with the top diabetes stories and headlines happening now. XX A 42-year-old man who has lived most of his life with type 1 diabetes has become the first human to receive a transplant of genetically modified insulin-producing cells. This marks the first pancreatic cell transplant in a human to sidestep the need for immunosuppressant drugs. “This is the most exciting moment of my scientific career,” says cell biologist Per-Ola Carlsson of Uppsala University in Sweden, who helped develop the procedure. The new treatment, he says, “opens the future possibility of treating not only diabetes but other autoimmune diseases.” This procedure uses the gene editing technique, CRISPR, to discourage the auto immune attack on the donor cells. Before the transplant, the participant had no measurable naturally produced insulin and was receiving daily doses of the hormone. But within four to 12 weeks following the transplant, his levels rose slightly on their own after meals—showing that the new beta cells were releasing some insulin in response to glucose. even though the new study is promising, it involved just one participant and is therefore preliminary. And longer-term monitoring is needed to confirm the therapy's safety before it can be offered to more people. She also notes that the injected cells produced only 7 percent of the insulin needed for a person to be fully independent of additional medication. The researchers supplied the recipient with insulin doses to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. While Herold thinks it's still too early to consider this approach for a cure, “these options are now here to change the disease in ways that have never been possible before,” he says. “There's tremendous hope.” https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/type-1-diabetes-patients-insulin-production-restored-with-new-cell/ XX This one is interesting… a recent study shows that children of mothers with gestational diabetes or fathers with type 2 diabetes have higher chances of developing type 1 diabetes than kids whose parents do not have any type of diabetes. Specifically, the study found that children whose mothers had gestational diabetes during pregnancy were 94% more likely to develop type 1 diabetes compared to children of mothers without diabetes. Similarly, having a father with type 2 diabetes was linked to a 77% higher risk. The study also suggests a possible link between maternal type 2 diabetes and type 1 diabetes in children, although more data are needed to confirm whether the risk is real. "What is interesting is that type 1 diabetes is a disease of lack of the hormone insulin while gestational diabetes and type 2 diabetes stem mostly from the body's resistance to the hormone. What may be happening is that genes, environments and behaviors that create insulin resistance may also, in some cases, trigger the immune reactions that lead to type 1 diabetes," adds Dr. Dasgupta. A 2019 meta-analysis by researchers at Soochow University in China found that gestational diabetes was linked to a 66% higher risk of type 1 diabetes in children. This new study, which includes more than twice as many studies, offers a robust synthesis of current evidence and shows the risk is even greater than previously estimated. It is also the first meta-analysis to examine the link between paternal type 2 diabetes and type 1 diabetes in offspring. "Several mechanisms may be at play. Families often share lifestyle and eating habits, which can raise the likelihood that children will be affected. But beyond that, high blood sugar levels may also cause biological changes in parents that could increase their children's risk of developing type 1 diabetes," explains Laura Rendon, co-first author of the study, who completed an MSc in experimental medicine at The Institute and, as someone living with type 1 diabetes herself, finds deep personal meaning in conducting this research. For instance, the authors suggest that high blood sugar during pregnancy may stress the fetus's insulin-producing beta cells, reducing their number at birth or making them more vulnerable to damage later in life. It may also trigger epigenetic changes—modifications to proteins and molecules attached to DNA—that increase the risk. Likewise, high blood sugar in fathers with type 2 diabetes may cause epigenetic changes in their sperm, potentially influencing their child's risk of developing type 1 diabetes. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-08-diabetes-children-linked-parents.html XX Can a CGM help you lose weight? The company Signos is banking on it – the just got FDA approval for their system, which uses the over the counter Dexcom Stelo. The claim here is that the system will help track how food choices, activity, stress and sleep can all affect metabolism. Signos also works in partnership with the digital nutrition counseling startup Nourish. It currently offers a quarterly subscription plan, including six CGM sensors, for $139 per month. And they tell you don't take any medical actions based on the app's output without consulting a physician. https://www.fiercebiotech.com/medtech/fda-clears-signos-over-counter-cgm-powered-weight-loss-app XX Good news for T1D1, a free mobile app that helps people calculate insulin doses, track daily data, and share insights with healthcare providers. After being pulled off the market with similar apps a few years ago, it's now back and FDA approved. Drew Mendelow created the app after his diagnosis at age 13. He came on the show last year and I'll link his story up in the show notes. Diabetes Center Berne provided the initial funding to support the T1D1 efforts to redesign the app per FDA standards. Comerge AG , the registered manufacturer, enlisted a team of software engineers, regulatory experts, and design professionals to ensure T1D1 was FDA-ready. Dexcom graciously conducted the Human Factors study to ensure safety and accuracy. T1D1 is now FDA-cleared as a Class II medical device and is the first over-the-counter insulin calculator cleared for individuals aged 2 and older. T1D1 is expected to be live in the AppStore and Google Play Store by October 2025. https://diabetes-connections.com/the-fda-took-down-this-teens-free-bolus-calculator-he-needs-your-help-to-bring-it-back/ XX Metformin has been the standard treatment for type 2 diabetes for more than six decades, yet scientists still do not fully understand how it works. A team from Baylor College of Medicine, working with international collaborators, has now identified an unexpected factor in its effectiveness: the brain. Their findings reveal a brain pathway involved in metformin's glucose-lowering action, pointing to new strategies for treating diabetes with greater precision. The study was published in Science Advances. The researchers concentrated on a small protein called Rap1, located in a region of the brain known as the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH). They discovered that metformin's ability to lower blood sugar at clinically relevant doses depends on suppressing Rap1 activity in this brain area. “This discovery changes how we think about metformin,” Fukuda said. “It's not just working in the liver or the gut, it's also acting in the brain. We found that while the liver and intestines need high concentrations of the drug to respond, the brain reacts to much lower levels.” https://scitechdaily.com/after-60-years-scientists-uncover-hidden-brain-pathway-behind-diabetes-drug-metformin/ XX Looks like GLP-1 pills are moving ahead. Lilly says it's version helped overweight adults with type 2 lose 10% of their body weights and lower A1C. Just two weeks ago, we were talking about how the same drug in people without diabetes had less than the stellar expected results. Orforglipron is a small-molecule pill that is easier to manufacture and package than wildly popular injectable drugs for obesity, such as Lilly's Zepbound and Novo Nordisk's NOVOb.CO rival treatment Wegovy, which are peptide mimics of the appetite-controlling GLP-1 hormone. In the 72-week study of more than 1,600 overweight or obese adults with type 2 diabetes, those who received the 36-milligram highest dose of orforglipron on average shed 10.5% of their weight, or about 23 pounds (10.43 kg), versus 2.2% for those who received a placebo, achieving the main goal of the trial. Patients on the lowest 6 mg dose of the Lilly drug lost 5.5% of their weight. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2025/08/26/lilly-glp-1-pill-weight-loss/85830686007/ XX An intervention that combined a low-calorie Mediterranean diet and exercise led to less diabetes incidence in older adults. Men had a greater diabetes risk reduction with the intervention than women. The study was based in Spain, and the diet may not be as easy to adhere to in the U.S. Among nearly 5,000 adults with metabolic syndrome and overweight or obesity in the PREDIMED-Plus trial, those who followed this intervention had a 31% lower risk for type 2 diabetes over 6 years relative to those who received only ad libitum Mediterranean diet advice (aHR 0.69, 95% CI 0.59-0.82). the Mediterranean diet focuses on high intake of plant-based foods, moderate consumption of fish, poultry, and dairy with optional red wine, and low intake of red meats, sweets, and sugar-sweetened beverages. Common foods featured in the diet include extra-virgin olive oil, fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and whole grains. However, Sharon Herring, MD, MPH, and Gina Tripicchio, PhD, MSEd, both of Temple University in Philadelphia, pointed out that this study was conducted solely in Spain, and sticking to this type of diet may be more challenging in countries like the U.S. "Participants in the study received extra-virgin olive oil to support adherence and retention; in the United States, prices of extra-virgin olive oil have nearly doubled since 2021 due to a combination of factors including climate change, rising production costs, supply chain disruptions, and now tariffs," they noted in an accompanying editorial. "[T]he large number of dietitian contacts during the study may prove difficult to scale broadly in the United States given challenges with health care access and reimbursement for prevention services." https://www.medpagetoday.com/primarycare/diabetes/117151 XX A group of Canadian researchers has identified an unexpected way to lower blood sugar and protect the liver: by capturing a little-known fuel produced by gut bacteria before it enters the body and causes harm. The findings, published in Cell Metabolism, could open the door to new therapies to treat metabolic diseases like type 2 diabetes and fatty liver disease. Scientists from McMaster University, Université Laval, and the University of Ottawa discovered that a molecule generated by gut microbes can cross into the bloodstream, where it drives the liver to overproduce glucose and fat. By designing a method to trap this molecule in the gut before it reaches circulation, they achieved striking improvements in blood sugar regulation and fatty liver disease in obese mice. https://scitechdaily.com/scientists-discover-a-surprising-new-way-to-fight-diabetes/ XX Dexcom, which specializes in technology for glucose biosensing, will lay off 350 workers, with nearly 200 of them in San Diego, according to the San Diego Union Tribune. The bulk of the local jobs being lost are focused on Dexcom operations and manufacturing. The Dexcom development follows cutbacks to Verily, a life sciences company that is a subsidiary of Alphabet, Google's corporate parent. Verily's work included a project with Dexcom on wearable glucose sensors. CEO Stephen Gillett, in a memo obtained by the publication, said there will be “workforce reductions across Verily.” A representative for Verily confirmed to Business Insider that “we have made the difficult decision to discontinue manufacturing medical devices and will no longer be supporting them going forward.” https://timesofsandiego.com/business/2025/08/27/report-life-sciences-firm-dexcom-lay-off-200-san-diego-workers/ XX Front office changes at Insulet. Eric Benjamin, former chief product and customer experience officer, will take the role of chief operating officer, effective immediately. Manoj Raghunandanan Mu-NOHJ Rug-a-nun-da-nun to the position of chief growth officer, leading Insulet's new growth organization. The appointments are some of CEO Ashley McEvoy's first changes since she was hired in April. The appointments come after McEvoy outlined four priorities for Insulet on an August earnings call: enhancing the company's commercial capabilities, building Insulet's brand and direct-to-consumer capabilities, driving growth outside of the U.S. and accelerating the pace of innovation. https://www.medtechdive.com/news/insulet-eric-benjamin-manoj-raghunandanan-appointments/758668/ XX XX Want to highlight The Children's Diabetes Foundation in Colorado – they held a medal ceremony for patients of the Barbara Davis Center who've lived with Type 1 diabetes for 50 years or more. There were 87 medal recipients in the ceremony including Dana Davis, Executive Director of the Children's Diabetes Foundation and the daughter of the founders of the Barbara Davis Center. Davis shared: "When you got Type1 diabetes in the 70s, they thought you shouldn't have children. They thought you weren't going to live past 30 or 40. It was definitely very different," Davis said. https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/barbara-davis-center-celebrates-colorado-type-1-diabetes-patients-milestone/
Which Type of Patient Are You?In this week's episode, Dr. Jordan Robertson explores the three types of patients: Health Hobbyists, the General Population, and those Backed Into a Corner, and what each group can teach us about how we approach our health. Whether you find yourself just “getting by,” experimenting endlessly, or facing a health wake-up call, there are lessons (and warnings) in every category. Jordan unpacks the pros and cons of each approach and how borrowing from other camps can help you thrive instead of settling for mediocrity.----Dr. Jordan Robertson is a leader in naturopathic and integrative medicine. She is dedicated to evidence-based healthcare and founded The Confident Clinician, which empowers practitioners with up-to-date research and practical tools. With over 15 years in clinical practice and experience teaching at McMaster University's Health Sciences program, she bridges the gap between research and real-world application.Follow Dr. Jordan on Instagram----Do you ever wish there were a knowledge base built just for you?Have you searched for a resource that supported you so you could focus on what really matters for your business?The Confident Clinician is the ONLY medical knowledge base built for integrative practitioners.Over 750 clinician members have simplified their patient care by using our knowledge base and exclusive members-only education.Our knowledge base and clinical topics are updated on an ongoing basis and, and we offer exclusive members-only courses that support you, whatever your clinical focus.Ready to be supported in your work?Learn More About The Confident Clinician HereDiscover The Confident Clinician's 5-Day AI Smart-Search ChallengeWant to dive deeper? Explore the latest research breakdowns and practical tools on our blog----Thank you for listening. Please subscribe and share!
Welcome back to Ditch the Labcoat. Today's episode dives deep into a topic that's been quietly reshaping lives and families across the globe: gambling addiction. Host Dr. Mark Bonta sits down with Dr. Daniela Lobo, a leading expert in addiction psychiatry, to explore just how dramatically gambling—especially online and sports betting—has surged in prevalence, fueled by intensive marketing and made even more accessible by the pandemic's isolation.Together, Dr. Bonta and Dr. Lobo break down the reality behind those flashy ads and glossy casino images, peeling back the curtain on the true costs of problem gambling. They explore not just the personal financial and mental fallout, but the ripple effects that devastate families, drive up debt, worsen mental health struggles, and even intersect with substance use disorders. As gambling apps, sports betting, and even crypto-trading continue to blur the lines between entertainment and addiction, the doctors unpack why so many young adults—and increasingly, teens—find themselves hooked.Dr. Lobo shares practical insights for recognizing gambling problems, supporting loved ones, and opening honest conversations with kids. Most importantly, they question whether the billions gained in gambling revenue are truly worth the social and health costs we're only beginning to acknowledge.If you've ever wondered what really drives gambling addiction, how to spot it, or what responsible action looks like for individuals and society, you won't want to miss this eye-opening, evidence-based conversation. Let's ditch the lab coat and get real about gambling in our modern age.Episode LessonsGambling Addiction: Not a Choice — A medical disorder with devastating consequences, not a weakness or bad habit.Online Gambling's Rapid Expansion — Pandemic and marketing fueled a surge, making betting more accessible than ever.Marketing Drives Gambling Behaviors — Aggressive ads and sports integration normalize betting, increasing risks across all ages.Health Impact Beyond Money — Gambling harms mental, emotional, and even physical health, adding layers of stress.Younger Generations at Risk — Sports and digital platforms expose youth to gambling without proper safeguards.Overlap With Other Addictions — Gambling often co-occurs with mental health and substance use disorders.Paths to Treatment and Recovery — Counseling, family support, financial planning, and early intervention provide hope.Financial Ruin and Family Toll — Hidden gambling devastates households, with debt triggering further destructive cycles.Policy and Regulation Matter — Weak oversight allows profit-driven expansion while shifting costs to families.Prevention Through Education — Open dialogue and awareness reduce risks, counter marketing, and build resilience.Episode Timestamps03:21 – Addiction's Evolving Forms: Gambling Alert 07:08 – COVID-19's Impact on Gambling Behavior 11:56 – Gambling's Mental and Physical Toll 13:48 – Accessibility Fuels Gambling Issues 18:03 – Teens, Gambling, and Sports Obsession 22:25 – Problem Gambling's Significant Impact 25:36 – Gambling Disorders and Mental Health 29:18 – iGaming Self-Exclusion & Support 30:30 – Supporting Families with Addicted Loved Ones 36:00 – Modern Gambling: Signs and Challenges 39:02 – Gambling and Risk Awareness Conversation 42:33 – Understanding Moderation and Gambling Risks 45:23 – Ethics of Gambling Expansion 47:03 – Cautionary Insights on Gambling AppsDISCLAMER >>>>>> The Ditch Lab Coat podcast serves solely for general informational purposes and does not serve as a substitute for professional medical services such as medicine or nursing. It does not establish a doctor/patient relationship, and the use of information from the podcast or linked materials is at the user's own risk. The content does not aim to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and users should promptly seek guidance from healthcare professionals for any medical conditions. >>>>>> The expressed opinions belong solely to the hosts and guests, and they do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the Hospitals, Clinics, Universities, or any other organization associated with the host or guests. Disclosures: Ditch The Lab Coat podcast is produced by (Podkind.co) and is independent of Dr. Bonta's teaching and research roles at McMaster University, Temerty Faculty of Medicine and Queens University.
What's the truth about protein, strength training, and women's health past 40?Michelle MacDonald is joined by world-renowned muscle metabolism expert, Dr. Stuart Phillips, a leading researcher from McMaster University. They dive deep into what women over 40 need to know about muscle loss, optimal protein intake, and the truth about strength training. Dr.Phillips shares the science behind aging and metabolism, dispels persistent fitness myths, and explains how to actually preserve muscle and stay powerful into your fifties and beyond. The duo share tips for anyone serious about cultivating a healthy mindset, building a fitness mindset, and pursuing sustainable personal growth through evidence-based training and nutrition. Favorite Moments:0:12 Why most women aren't lifting — and why that's a bigger problem6:43 The real recommended protein intake for women over 4013:56 What the research actually says about 40g of protein post-workout33:11 The quality of life case for building strength and power after 40 "I'm more afraid of women not lifting weights at all than I am of them lifting the wrong way."GUEST: DR. STUART PHILLIPS McMaster University | X | Linktree | Instagram Dr. Stuart Phillips is a distinguished professor and Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Skeletal Muscle Health at McMaster University. His research focuses on how nutrition and exercise impact skeletal muscle protein turnover, especially in the context of aging and sarcopenia. He is also the director of the Physical Activity Centre of Excellence (PACE) and the McMaster Centre for Nutrition, Exercise, and Health Research.CONNECT WITH MICHELLEWebsite | Instagram | YouTube | Facebook | XMichelle MacDonald is the creator of the FITNESS MODEL BLUEPRINT™ and host of the Stronger By Design™ podcast. Known globally for her transformation programs, Michelle empowers women to redefine aging through evidence-based strength training, nutrition, and mindset practices. Since 2012, she has coached thousands of women online, leveraging her expertise as a Physique Champion and ISSA Strength and Conditioning Specialist. She co-founded Tulum Strength Club and established The Wonder Women (TWW), inspiring countless transformations including her mother, Joan MacDonald (Train With Joan™). Michelle continues to lead the charge in women's fitness, launching the Stronger by Design™ fitness app in fall 2024.Where to Watch/Listen:WebsiteApple PodcastsSpotifyYouTubeLeave a rating for this podcast with one click https://ratethispodcast.com/michellemacdonald
I always wondered if my workaholic dad's habits were healthy. Or if he was driven by the urge to be a dedicated provider? Turns out there's a big difference between working hard and being a workaholic - and workaholics could be costing organizations.Dr. Catherine Connelly from McMaster University is shared more eye-opening research on an HR topics - this time workaholism and the connection to workplace ethics. We talked about why your most dedicated employees might actually be the ones cutting ethical corners.In this episode:The real difference between being busy and being a workaholic Why workaholics are more likely to morally disengage at workThe surprising connection between dedication and tunnel vision"Idiosyncrasy credits" - how high performers build up goodwill to get away with bad behavior laterRed flags to watch for when hiring (and managing) potential workaholicsBuilding systems that keep even your best employees ethically groundedCatherine's research challenges what we think we know about workplace dedication. Sometimes the people most invested in "organizational success" are the ones who'll justify anything to achieve it.This is a must-listen for any HR professional managing high performers or trying to build truly healthy cultures. Plus, Catherine's research is open source, so you can dive deeper after listening.Connect with Dr. Catherine Connelly on LinkedIn or at : connellyresearch.com . What's your experience with workaholism in your workplace? I'd love to hear your thoughts!
In this Editor's Special Episode of The HemOnc Pulse, Dr. Hira Mian of McMaster University shares expert insights on the evolving treatment landscape for multiple myeloma. From optimizing selinexor use, to understanding long-term MonumenTAL-1 data with talquetamab, to the promise of emerging trispecific antibodies, Dr. Mian highlights the biggest shifts shaping care today.
In this week's episode of Real Integrative Medicine, Dr. Jordan Robertson explores the often-overlooked role of reflection and attribution in creating real, lasting change in your health journey.Whether you're a clinician guiding patients or someone working on your own health goals, reflection helps you notice progress, connect behaviours to outcomes, and take ownership without falling into the traps of self-blame or frustration. Jordan shares practical strategies to shift from “this happened to me” toward “here's how I move forward,” drawing on lessons from patient care, athletics, and her own training.If you've ever struggled to stay motivated when results felt far away, this episode will show you how reflection and attribution can build momentum, resilience, and long-term success in both health and life.----Dr. Jordan Robertson is a leader in naturopathic and integrative medicine. She is dedicated to evidence-based healthcare and founded The Confident Clinician, which empowers practitioners with up-to-date research and practical tools. With over 15 years in clinical practice and experience teaching at McMaster University's Health Sciences program, she bridges the gap between research and real-world application.Follow Dr. Jordan on Instagram----Do you ever wish there were a knowledge base built just for you?Have you searched for a resource that supported you so you could focus on what really matters for your business?The Confident Clinician is the ONLY medical knowledge base built for integrative practitioners.Over 750 clinician members have simplified their patient care by using our knowledge base and exclusive members-only education.Our knowledge base and clinical topics are updated on an ongoing basis and, and we offer exclusive members-only courses that support you, whatever your clinical focus.Ready to be supported in your work?Learn More About The Confident Clinician HereDiscover The Confident Clinician's 5-Day AI Smart-Search ChallengeWant to dive deeper? Explore the latest research breakdowns and practical tools on our blog----Thank you for listening. Please subscribe and share.
This week on Ditch the Labcoat, Dr. Mark Bonta sits down with Dr. Diana Driscoll, an optometrist, researcher, and internationally recognized authority on the autonomic nervous system—who also happens to be one of the rare non-MDs to join the show. After her own sudden and life-altering health collapse, Dr. Driscoll found herself deep in the world of dysautonomia—a group of disorders affecting the autonomic nervous system, responsible for all those automatic functions in our bodies we don't usually have to think about. Finding few answers from doctors, and confronted by a system that too often shuns “invisible illnesses,” Dr. Driscoll became her own medical detective, pioneering research into conditions like Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) and unlocking innovative approaches to treatment.In this eye-opening conversation, Dr. Driscoll and Dr. Bonta tackle the complex, often misunderstood world of autonomic dysfunction, the science behind “mystery illnesses,” and the frustrating gaps in our medical knowledge. From the lived experience of being a patient who was told “it's all in your head,” to developing new therapeutics and advocating for others, Dr. Driscoll's story is as inspiring as it is informative.If you've ever struggled with unexplained symptoms, felt dismissed by the healthcare system, or just want to understand the evolving science behind these often-invisible disorders—this episode is for you. Plug in for a candid, practical, and hope-filled discussion that challenges the boundaries of what medicine knows today and explores the frontier where suffering finally meets science.Episode HighlightsInvisible Illness Is Real — Validation for patients with unexplained symptoms is crucial; their suffering is genuine, not imagined or "all in their head."Medicine's Knowledge Blindspots — The medical establishment often lacks answers—and even language—for complex autonomic disorders like dysautonomia and POTS.Patient-Led Discovery Matters — Dr. Driscoll's personal journey from patient to researcher demonstrates the power of self-advocacy in pushing knowledge forward.Autonomic System Ignorance — Most clinicians receive minimal training about the autonomic nervous system, leading to missed diagnoses and inadequate care.One Size Doesn't Fit All — There is no single solution for autonomic dysfunction—treatments must be individualized to each patient's complex presentation.Beyond Symptom Management — Suppressing symptoms (e.g., racing heart) without understanding the root cause can worsen patient outcomes or miss vital clues.The Inflammatory Connection — Inflammation, triggered by infections or stress, can drive autonomic dysfunction—a framework for science to pursue targeted therapies.Necessity of Clinical Innovation — When guidelines and therapies don't exist, scientific curiosity and non-traditional research can inspire new approaches and hope.The Power of Lived Experience — Practitioner-patients like Dr. Driscoll bridge gaps between science, clinical care, and compassion through firsthand understanding.Hope Through Education — Educating both patients and practitioners fosters progress—there's always hope, even if answers come step by step.Episode Timestamps04:15 – Post-COVID Dysautonomia Insights 07:12 – Invisible Illnesses and Tech Misguidance 13:07 – Central Sensitization and Unexplained Symptoms 16:44 – Nicotine Patch Stimulates Vagus Nerve 20:01 – Navigating Illness and Predatory Healthcare 20:51 – Navigating Autonomic Dysfunction Treatments 26:03 – Bridging Medical Knowledge Gaps 29:38 – Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension Insights 31:25 – Inflammation's Impact on Heart and Vision 36:07 – Chronic Illness: The Domino Effect 41:18 – Questioning Symptom-Driven Treatments 44:22 – Unseen Illness: Recognition Grows 45:26 – Advancements in Autonomic Dysfunction Treatments 49:06 – Championing Long Covid ResearchDISCLAMER >>>>>> The Ditch Lab Coat podcast serves solely for general informational purposes and does not serve as a substitute for professional medical services such as medicine or nursing. It does not establish a doctor/patient relationship, and the use of information from the podcast or linked materials is at the user's own risk. The content does not aim to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and users should promptly seek guidance from healthcare professionals for any medical conditions. >>>>>> The expressed opinions belong solely to the hosts and guests, and they do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the Hospitals, Clinics, Universities, or any other organization associated with the host or guests. Disclosures: Ditch The Lab Coat podcast is produced by (Podkind.co) and is independent of Dr. Bonta's teaching and research roles at McMaster University, Temerty Faculty of Medicine and Queens University.
Dr. Stu Phillips is a professor at McMaster University and one of the most prominent and respected researchers in resistance training and nutrition especially relating to muscle and aging.Stu joins me to share:-What is and what causes sarcopenia-Can we prevent sarcopenia -How much protein do we really need - to live healthy and for optimal muscle building-Do our protein needs change as we get older-Our current understanding of the importance of food timing-Is there any evidence to support the use of peptides-The issues with sourcing peptides-Popular and misleading claims around women's training and menopause -Do energy drinks halt muscle repair-And much more00:55 Understanding Sarcopenia02:24 Preventing Muscle Loss with Age04:32 Building Muscle at Any Age07:38 Protein Requirements and Aging11:24 Debunking Protein Myths17:57 Plant-Based vs. Animal-Based Proteins23:36 Protein Timing and Recovery26:58 Introduction to Peptides27:42 Oral vs. Injectable Peptides29:41 Skepticism and Anecdotal Evidence34:45 Menopause and Women's Training42:12 Energy Drinks and Muscle Repair44:03 Social Media and Misinformation49:48 The Importance of Evidence-Based InformationI've been putting a lot of time and effort into making these new episodes valuable for you. You can help me get these great guests and their knowledge in front of more people by:-Subscribing and checking out more episodes-Sharing on your social media (please tag me - I promise I'll respond)-Sharing with the friend you think of who needs this episodeFollow Andrew Coates:Instagram:@andrewcoatesfitnessJoin My Email List:www.andrewcoatesfitness.comGet the RP App at www.rpstrength.com/coates - use the code COATESRPUse Code ANDREWCOATESFITNESS to save 10% off at https://justbitememeals.com/Use MacrosFirst for tracking nutrition https://www.macrosfirst.com/Go to www.knkg.com/Andrew59676 for 15% off your KNKG bag.
In this episode of The Real Integrative Medicine Podcast, Dr. Jordan Robertson sits down with Dr. Kirstie Griffiths to unpack the complicated and often misunderstood relationship between diagnostic imaging and pain. From MRIs and X-rays to CT scans and ultrasounds, we dive into why imaging is not always the “golden ticket” to understanding your pain, and how over-reliance on these tools can sometimes slow recovery. With personal stories, clinical insights, and a healthy dose of myth-busting, this conversation will challenge the way you think about your results. ----Dr. Griffiths is a Canadian chiropractor, yoga teacher, and best-selling author practicing in Guelph, Ontario. Her passion is in helping people overcome back pain using a mind-body approach that integrates chiropractic and yoga. Dr. Griffiths is the author of "Back to Wellness: A mind-body approach to managing your back pain" and the founder of “Yoga for Back Pain,” a 12-week online program that combines education, movement, and meditation, specifically designed for individuals with back pain. Dr. Griffiths has also created an online membership called "Mind-Body Daily" which provides access to quick, simple and effective techniques to soothe the nervous system and enhance well-being on your own schedule and from the comfort of home.Follow Dr. Kirstie on Instagram Access Dr. Griffiths' FREE Yoga for Back Pain Video----Dr. Jordan Robertson is a leader in naturopathic and integrative medicine. She is dedicated to evidence-based healthcare and founded The Confident Clinician, which empowers practitioners with up-to-date research and practical tools. With over 15 years in clinical practice and experience teaching at McMaster University's Health Sciences program, she bridges the gap between research and real-world application.Follow Dr. Jordan on Instagram----Do you ever wish there were a knowledge base built just for you?Have you searched for a resource that supported you so you could focus on what really matters for your business?The Confident Clinician is the ONLY medical knowledge base built for integrative practitioners.Over 750 clinician members have simplified their patient care by using our knowledge base and exclusive members-only education.Our knowledge base and clinical topics are updated on an ongoing basis and, and we offer exclusive members-only courses that support you, whatever your clinical focus.Ready to be supported in your work?Learn More About The Confident Clinician HereDiscover The Confident Clinician's 5-Day AI Smart-Search ChallengeWant to dive deeper? Explore the latest research breakdowns and practical tools on our blog----Thank you for listening. Please subscribe and share.
In this episode of the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) Podcast, host Kyle B. Enfield, MD, FCCM, speaks with Garrett McDougall, MS, MSc, and Ben Forestell, MD, of McMaster University about their recent study, “Direct Laryngoscopy Versus Video Laryngoscopy for Intubation in Critically Ill Patients: A Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and Trial Sequential Analysis of Randomized Trials,” published in the November 2024 issue of Critical Care Medicine. The study included 20 randomized controlled trials encompassing 4569 patients to investigate whether video laryngoscopy (VL) offers advantages over direct laryngoscopy (DL) for intubation in critically ill patients. A key finding of the study was that VL probably improves first-pass success rates and reduces the risk of esophageal intubation and dental injury. These benefits extend across the spectrum of operator experience, especially among novice operators but also among seasoned operators. Drs. McDougall and Forestell discuss findings that surprised them, such as seeing equal benefit for standard VL and hyperangulated VL devices. Additionally, no clear benefits were found for patients who were intubated emergently with VL as compared to those who underwent elective intubation. The discussion covers what could be next for resuscitation and airway research in critically ill patients. There may be more to learn about scenarios involving difficult airways, soiled airways, and emergent versus elective intubation. More research on device characteristics could also provide important insights. To wrap up, the guests underscore the importance of maintaining both VL and DL proficiency since DL can be a more appropriate choice for some patients. Resources referenced in this episode: Direct Laryngoscopy Versus Video Laryngoscopy for Intubation in Critically Ill Patients: A Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and Trial Sequential Analysis of Randomized Trials (McDougall GG, et al. Crit Care Med. 2024;52:1674-1685).
Are women being misled by flashy fitness trends that ignore the science?Michelle MacDonald welcomes Dr. Lauren Colenso-Semple, one of the world's leading researchers in female exercise physiology. Together, they dismantle popular but unproven trends like cycle syncing, oversimplified menopause nutrition hacks, and hormone-based fear messaging. Lauren explains what the evidence truly says about training, fat loss, and muscle growth for women in all life stages, including the menopause transition. Listeners will walk away with science-backed strategies for building strength, protecting metabolic health, and avoiding common fitness traps. Favorite Moments (timestamped bullet points):2:30 From Fitness Professional to Female Physiology Researcher6:44 Why Cycle Syncing Misses the Mark for Strength Training19:46 The Truth About Fat Loss During Menopause28:22 The Trade-Off Between Extreme Leanness and Quality of Life34:42 Why Muscle Growth Matters More Than Constant Fat Loss“The basics work. Don't let fear-based or overcomplicated messaging distract you from the fundamentals that build strength and health.”GUEST: LAUREN COLENSO-SEMPLEMASS Research Review | LinkedIn | Instagram Full Guest Bio: I am a muscle physiology researcher and science communicator with a Ph.D. in Integrative Physiology from McMaster University and a M.S. in Exercise Science from the University of South Florida. My work focuses on the influence of ovarian hormones on exercise-induced adaptations. I am also an expert fitness professional with years of practical experience in strength & conditioning and sports nutrition, and I am a co-owner of the MASS Research Review.CONNECT WITH MICHELLEWebsite | Instagram | YouTube | Facebook | XFull Michelle Bio: Michelle MacDonald is the creator of the FITNESS MODEL BLUEPRINT™ and host of the Stronger By Design™ podcast. Known globally for her transformation programs, Michelle empowers women to redefine aging through evidence-based strength training, nutrition, and mindset practices. Since 2012, she has coached thousands of women online, leveraging her expertise as a Physique Champion and ISSA Strength and Conditioning Specialist. She co-founded Tulum Strength Club and established The Wonder Women (TWW), inspiring countless transformations including her mother, Joan MacDonald (Train With Joan™). Michelle continues to lead the charge in women's fitness, launching the Stronger by Design™ fitness app in fall 2024.Where to Watch/Listen:WebsiteApple PodcastsSpotifyYouTubeLeave a rating for this podcast with one click https://ratethispodcast.com/michellemacdonald
Rachael Finnerty is a certified music therapist who since 2001, has initiated over 30 new music therapy programs throughout the GTA. She served as the president of the Music Therapy Association of Ontario from 2010-2014 and was the recipient of the YWCA Woman of Distinction Award, for Healthcare in 2015. As an advocate for educating people about music therapy, Rachael developed and brought 2 music therapy courses to McMaster University in 2010, and currently educates over 5,000 students each academic year about music therapy. Rachel recently completed a PhD in Psychology Neuroscience and Behaviour at McMaster University where she explored the use of music therapy to proactively manage stress and anxiety. Please welcome Rachael back to the show!Rachael's Links:PHD Thesis - https://www.researchgate.net/publication/385517707_MUSIC_THERAPY_FOR_PROACTIVE_WELLNESSSocial Media - @musictherapyacademyEmail - rachael@musictherapyacademy.comWebsite - http://www.musictherapyacademy.com/-- Subscribe to the Able Voice Podcast, leave us a review and connect with us (@ablevoicepodcast or @synergymusictherapy) to share your experiences and takeaways. We release new episodes every other Sunday between the end of January and end of August.AVP Theme Music by: Christopher Mouchette. Follow him on Soundcloud (Chris Mouchette).Episode audio edited by: Justis Krar (@immvproductions)Rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts here:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/able-voice-podcast/id1505215850
In this week's episode of the Real Integrative Medicine podcast, Dr. Jordan Robertson and Dr. Keara Taylor delve into the complexities of PMS and PMDD, exploring the emotional and physical symptoms often associated with these conditions. They discuss the importance of understanding hormonal fluctuations, the role of lifestyle changes, and the various treatment options available, including both medical and natural approaches. Dr. Taylor shares insights on the latest research and the importance of personalized treatment plans for women experiencing PMS.----Dr. Keara Taylor is a Naturopathic Doctor with a clinical focus in women's hormonal health, supporting patients with PMS, PCOS, period problems, perimenopause, and menopause. As a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner (formerly NAMS), she is dedicated to providing comprehensive, evidence-based care to guide women through their hormonal transitions with confidence and ease. A lifelong learner with a deep curiosity for health and wellness, Dr. Keara's path to patient care wasn't straightforward—she spent six years as a Chartered Accountant before discovering her true passion. Now, she's on a mission to cut through the noise of online misinformation and provide her patients with clear, evidence-based solutions. Dr. Keara holds a Doctor of Naturopathy from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine and an Honours Bachelor of Health Sciences from Western University. Outside of practice, Dr. Keara can be found buried in a book or outdoors with her family, skiing, playing tennis, or swimming in the lake.Follow Dr. Keara on Instagram Discover Dr. Taylor's Course----Dr. Jordan Robertson is a leader in naturopathic and integrative medicine. She is dedicated to evidence-based healthcare and founded The Confident Clinician, which empowers practitioners with up-to-date research and practical tools. With over 15 years in clinical practice and experience teaching at McMaster University's Health Sciences program, she bridges the gap between research and real-world application.Follow Dr. Jordan on Instagram----Do you ever wish there were a knowledge base built just for you?Have you searched for a resource that supported you so you could focus on what really matters for your business?The Confident Clinician is the ONLY medical knowledge base built for integrative practitioners.Over 750 clinician members have simplified their patient care by using our knowledge base and exclusive members-only education.Our knowledge base and clinical topics are updated on an ongoing basis and, and we offer exclusive members-only courses that support you, whatever your clinical focus.Ready to be supported in your work?Learn More About The Confident Clinician HereDiscover The Confident Clinician's 5-Day AI Smart-Search ChallengeWant to dive deeper? Explore the latest research breakdowns and practical tools on our blog----Thank you for listening. Please subscribe and share.
Welcome back to Ditch the Lab Coat with Dr. Mark Bonta—a podcast where we cut through health hype with evidence, curiosity, and a good dose of scientific skepticism. In this special solo episode, Dr. Bonta takes a step back to reflect on what he's learned after recording over 70 episodes with experts across medicine, wellness, and psychology.Instead of chasing the latest biohacks and trendy do's, Dr. Bonta shares his take on the “don'ts” that could make the biggest difference to our health: don't load your pantry with ultra-processed foods, don't rely on fad diets without respecting your biology, don't ignore your mental resilience, don't keep screens in your bedroom, and don't underestimate the lifelong dangers of substance use—especially alcohol. Drawing from fascinating past guests and peppered with real-life anecdotes, this episode is packed with practical, evidence-based advice that's more about avoiding pitfalls than perfecting routines.So plug in as Dr. Bonta looks back, revisits his birthday reflections, and gives us a no-nonsense breakdown of the habits (and substances) to ditch for a healthier, happier life.Episode Highlights1. Courage to Lead Change — Courage is essential to make necessary healthcare changes; everyone knows what to do, but few are willing to go first. 2. Unlearning as Growth — Success requires letting go of outdated practices, even those we've clung to for decades. 3. Nurses Leading Change — Nurses are often the ones who recognize and push for better patient care, even in the face of resistance. 4. The Role of Clinical Experts — Real-time support from experts can turn ideas into action and prevent regression under pressure. 5. Listening to the Team — Culture change starts with listening to those on the frontlines and empowering their voice. 6. A Better Way to Wean Ventilators — Traditional weaning methods can fail; a spontaneous breathing trial may be more effective. 7. The Importance of Protocols — A clear process protects patients from inconsistency and ensures evidence-based care. 8. Sedation's Downside — Sedation can cause harm; it's time to shift from automatic comfort to mindful, minimal use. 9. The Awakening Moment — A pivotal story about witnessing patients walking while intubated—and the shift it sparked. 10. Belief Before Buy-In — Seeing isn't always believing. Sometimes you must believe there's a better way before you ever see it. 11. What's Possible in Patient Recovery — Awake and mobile patients can achieve more than we think—even while critically ill. 12. Learning From Others — Growth often begins by learning from those who've already done what we thought was impossible. 13. Walking While Intubated — Real-world proof that mobility while ventilated isn't just a theory—it's being done. 14. Staff Impact and Transformation — Watching patients improve has a lasting impact on the staff and the culture of care. 15. Changing ICU Culture — Creating an awake and walking ICU demands a mindset shift and persistent leadership. 16. Making It the New Normal — What was once considered extraordinary can become standard with the right support and structure. 17. The Ripple Effect — Positive change in one unit can influence an entire hospital—and beyond.Episode Timestamps01:00 — Podcast Reflections on Lifespan and Healthcare 04:59 — Living Well: Do's vs. Don'ts 08:33 — Avoid Junk, Embrace Healthy Eating 11:51 — Hormones, Dieting, and Healthy Habits 16:45 — Dangers of Ultra-Processed Foods 18:56 — Prioritize Sleep: Limit Bedroom Screens 23:43 — Breath Work and CBT for Anxiety 27:26 — Optimal Health: Focus on Don'ts 28:38 — Alcohol and Substance Use Dangers 31:43 — Reflections on Healthier LivingDISCLAMER >>>>>> The Ditch Lab Coat podcast serves solely for general informational purposes and does not serve as a substitute for professional medical services such as medicine or nursing. It does not establish a doctor/patient relationship, and the use of information from the podcast or linked materials is at the user's own risk. The content does not aim to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and users should promptly seek guidance from healthcare professionals for any medical conditions. >>>>>> The expressed opinions belong solely to the hosts and guests, and they do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the Hospitals, Clinics, Universities, or any other organization associated with the host or guests. Disclosures: Ditch The Lab Coat podcast is produced by (Podkind.co) and is independent of Dr. Bonta's teaching and research roles at McMaster University, Temerty Faculty of Medicine and Queens University.
Learn about a helpful workbook and a free workshop toolkit to support people who are navigating a life-changing diagnosis. My return guest Dr. Hsien Seow is a palliative care researcher and a professor in the Department of Oncology at McMaster University. He is a co-host with Sammy Winemaker MD of The Waiting Room Revolution Podcast… Continue reading Ep. 512 Navigating a Life-Changing Diagnosis: Action Steps with Hsien Seow PhD
Are you eating enough protein? This is probably a question you've asked yourself. With “high protein” labels on almost every type of food product you can imagine, it's easy to worry - maybe I do need to eat more protein? In this episode, Prof. Stuart Phillips explains how protein can keep us healthy as we age. He also outlines when we should eat protein, how much protein we really need, and provides simple, practical advice to help you achieve it. Stuart is a professor in the Kinesiology Department at McMaster University. He's the author of more than 400 scientific papers, many focusing on protein and muscle health, particularly during ageing. With so much confusion around this topic — especially in the context of fitness and ageing, this episode will provide clear, evidence-based answers from one of the world's leading scientists on the topic, to help listeners make smarter nutrition choices.
In this episode of the Real Integrative Medicine podcast, host Dr. Jordan Robertson and Dr. Dolores Fernandez discuss the often-taboo topics of sexual wellness, vaginal health, and the importance of addressing issues like vaginal dryness and libido. Dr. Fernandez shares her journey in creating IRIS, a personal care company focused on developing high-quality lubricants and moisturizers. They explore the differences between desire and arousal, the impact of pain on sexual experiences, and the challenges women face in achieving orgasm. The conversation emphasizes the need for better education and open discussions around sexual health, as well as the importance of using safe and effective products.----Dr. Dolores Fernandez is a Naturopathic Doctor, Menopause Society Certified Practitioner, and the founder of IRIS—a science-backed self-care brand dedicated to creating clean products that support vulvovaginal health and ending the stigma around vulvovaginal care. She's here to remind us that vulvar skin deserves just as much attention as any other part of our body because, honestly, 'skin is skin.' Dolores brings warmth, scientific research, and a lot of passion to her work both in the clinic with her patients and when working with IRIS, always striving to make these important conversations more open and accessible.Follow Dr. Dolores on Instagram Check out IRIS on InstagramLearn more about IRIS----Dr. Jordan Robertson is a leader in naturopathic and integrative medicine. She is dedicated to evidence-based healthcare and founded The Confident Clinician, which empowers practitioners with up-to-date research and practical tools. With over 15 years in clinical practice and experience teaching at McMaster University's Health Sciences program, she bridges the gap between research and real-world application.Follow Dr. Jordan on Instagram----Do you ever wish there were a knowledge base built just for you?Have you searched for a resource that supported you so you could focus on what really matters for your business?The Confident Clinician is the ONLY medical knowledge base built for integrative practitioners.Over 750 clinician members have simplified their patient care by using our knowledge base and exclusive members-only education.Our knowledge base and clinical topics are updated on an ongoing basis and, and we offer exclusive members-only courses that support you, whatever your clinical focus.Ready to be supported in your work?Learn More About The Confident Clinician HereDiscover The Confident Clinician's 5-Day AI Smart-Search ChallengeWant to dive deeper? Explore the latest research breakdowns and practical tools on our blog----Thank you for listening. Please subscribe and share.
Welcome back to Ditch the Labcoat! In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Mark Bonta sits down with Kali Dayton, nurse practitioner, international consultant, and the bold voice behind the Awake and Walking ICU movement. Together, they peel back the curtain on a common but rarely questioned practice in critical care: routine heavy sedation of patients on ventilators.Kali shares her journey from a nurse in a pioneering ICU—where awake, mobile, intubated patients were the norm—to a world where comatose ventilator patients are the expectation. She unpacks the hidden harms of automatic sedation, sharing both eye-opening research and the heart-wrenching stories of ICU survivors who left with trauma, cognitive struggles, and fractured lives.Dr. Bonta and Kali explore how culture, habit, and outdated beliefs have shaped critical care—and challenge us all to rethink what's possible. Is it really safer, easier, or kinder to keep patients sedated? Or can presence, mobility, and human connection transform not just survival, but recovery?Get ready to question what you thought you knew about the ICU, discover what's already possible in some hospitals, and hear a call to action for compassionate, evidence-based change. If you work in healthcare—or might ever need it—this is a conversation you can't afford to miss. Let's ditch the lab coat and reimagine patient care, one episode at a time.Episode HighlightsRethinking ICU Sedation — Most ventilated patients don't require deep sedation—remaining awake can actually improve outcomes and reduce harm.Hidden Harm of Sedation — Automatic sedation often leads to delirium, long-term trauma, and cognitive impairment for many ICU survivors.Awake and Walking ICU Model — It's possible and beneficial to keep intubated patients awake and mobile; some ICUs already achieve this routinely.Cultural Myths in Medicine — Common ICU practices persist due to unexamined traditions, not necessarily the latest evidence or patient-centered thinking.Preventing Delirium Is Key — Early avoidance of sedation and encouraging mobility drastically decrease risks of ICU delirium and related complications.Power of Patient Stories — Listening to ICU survivors reveals the real, lasting harms of unnecessary sedation and challenges clinical assumptions.Team Buy-In Essential — Successful change requires educating and involving the entire healthcare team, from doctors to bedside nurses.Early Mobility Saves Lives — Mobilizing patients—even walking them—within hours of intubation is not only feasible, but can improve recovery.Family Involvement Matters — Informing and including families in care expectations helps calm patients and supports a less traumatic ICU experience.Start Small, Lead Change — Begin cultural transformation with one patient, one team—small steps can drive a revolution toward better, humane care.Episode Timestamps05:14 — Challenges of Mechanical Ventilation 06:57 — ICU Nursing: Breathing Tube Walks 10:14 — ICU Norms Challenged: Breathing Tubes 13:16 — Pioneering Awake, Mobile Patient Care 19:11 — Awake and Walking ICU Initiative 22:06 — Rethinking Hospital DVT Practices 25:42 — Sedation Considerations Before Intubation 27:20 — Reducing Delirium in ICU Care 32:57 — Sedation: Not Just Laughing Gas 36:24 — Rounding Culture and ICU Challenges 39:08 — Improving ICU Care: ABCDEF Protocol 41:23 — Rethinking Patient Sedation Practices 44:14 — Improving ICU Patient Care 47:38 — Revolutionizing Awake ICU CareDISCLAMER >>>>>> The Ditch Lab Coat podcast serves solely for general informational purposes and does not serve as a substitute for professional medical services such as medicine or nursing. It does not establish a doctor/patient relationship, and the use of information from the podcast or linked materials is at the user's own risk. The content does not aim to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and users should promptly seek guidance from healthcare professionals for any medical conditions. >>>>>> The expressed opinions belong solely to the hosts and guests, and they do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the Hospitals, Clinics, Universities, or any other organization associated with the host or guests. Disclosures: Ditch The Lab Coat podcast is produced by (Podkind.co) and is independent of Dr. Bonta's teaching and research roles at McMaster University, Temerty Faculty of M
Defy Dementia – The podcast for anyone with a brain, by Baycrest
In 2021, Diana De Faveri's life turned “upside down, real fast” when her mother was diagnosed with corticobasal syndrome, a rare form of dementia. As a sole caregiver, she took care of her household, her business, her parents, and her parents' home. She recounts this difficult and stressful time in her life, sharing the lessons she's learned and her thoughts on why it's so important to seek help and support. Dr. Nicole Didyk, Clinical Assistant Professor at McMaster University, geriatrician, internist, passionate patient and family education advocate and creator of The Wrinkle — a YouTube channel and website for older adults and their families — shares tips on how to navigate challenging behaviours, in the face of dementia. Tune in at defydementia.org, or anywhere you get your podcasts.
Starting around age 30, we all begin to lose muscle mass and strength. For some, this progresses into sarcopenia, a condition that can reduce independence, increase disability, and heighten risks of falls, hospitalizations, and other health complications.Joining us to discuss how to prevent muscle loss with age is Dr. Stuart Phillips, muscle health expert and professor at McMaster University.This episode is brought you in part by Nestle.
In this Real Integrative Medicine podcast episode, Dr. Mélanie DesChâtelets joins Dr. Jordan Robertson for an in-depth exploration of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). We examine the multifaceted nature of this condition, covering essential diagnostic approaches, treatment strategies, and the critical need to address PCOS from both clinical and patient-centered viewpoints. This discussion encompasses PCOS diagnostic standards, the significance of lifestyle interventions, and how treatments such as hormonal contraceptives affect symptom control. ----Dr. Mélanie DesChâtelets, ND, is a naturopathic doctor who brings her sharp wit, evidence-based insights, and a genuine passion for health to the stage. With over a decade of experience in practice, Dr. Mélanie focuses on helping individuals manage Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), metabolic health, and cardiovascular well-being through lifestyle and behavioral change. Known for her dynamic speaking style, she makes complex health topics both accessible and engaging.Discover the PCOS Health Collective + The Beyond The Pill WorkshopThe PCOS Pivot CourseFollow Dr. Mélanie on Instagram ----Dr. Jordan Robertson is a leader in naturopathic and integrative medicine. She is dedicated to evidence-based healthcare and founded The Confident Clinician, which empowers practitioners with up-to-date research and practical tools. With over 15 years in clinical practice and experience teaching at McMaster University's Health Sciences program, she bridges the gap between research and real-world application.Follow Dr. Jordan on Instagram----Do you ever wish there were a knowledge base built just for you?Have you searched for a resource that supported you so you could focus on what really matters for your business?The Confident Clinician is the ONLY medical knowledge base built for integrative practitioners.Over 750 clinician members have simplified their patient care by using our knowledge base and exclusive members-only education.Our knowledge base and clinical topics are updated on an ongoing basis and, and we offer exclusive members-only courses that support you, whatever your clinical focus.Ready to be supported in your work?Learn More About The Confident Clinician HereDiscover The Confident Clinician's 5-Day AI Smart-Search ChallengeWant to dive deeper? Explore the latest research breakdowns and practical tools on our blog----Thank you for listening. Please subscribe and share.
On this episode of Ditch the Lab Coat, Dr. Mark Bonta sits down with Dr. Georg Haymerle—once a top head and neck surgeon in Europe and Australia, now a dedicated advocate for culture change in medicine. Georg's journey is anything but typical: after reaching the pinnacle of surgical mastery, he made the radical decision to walk away—not because of burnout or failure, but to confront the invisible crisis unraveling healthcare teams from within.Join us as we dive into Dr. Haymerle's powerful story: from the grueling demands of 14-hour cancer surgeries and the accidental discovery of high-functioning, trust-based teams, to the moment when his own department's spirit collapsed under uncertainty. We'll explore why human factors like psychological safety and simple acts of gratitude can impact patient outcomes just as much as surgical skill. Dr. Haymerle takes us inside the often-overlooked world of healthcare team dynamics, revealing why he left the operating room behind to fix something even more delicate than anatomy: the fractured culture that shapes how care is delivered.If you've ever wondered whether culture truly matters in medicine—or how speaking up, vulnerability, and a heartfelt “thank you” might just save a life—this episode will stay with you long after you listen. Tune in for a heartfelt, evidence-based conversation about what really keeps healthcare teams—and their patients—thriving.Episode Highlights1. Team Spirit Transforms Outcomes — Cohesive, trusting teams dramatically improve surgical efficiency and patient safety, sometimes reducing surgery times by hours.2. Culture Changes Everything — Good workplace culture is just as critical as skill—loss of hope or toxic environments erode performance and morale.3. Technical Skill Isn't Enough — High technical mastery won't guarantee success if team dynamics and relationships are neglected or dysfunctional.4. Vulnerability Builds Excellence — When team members can safely show weaknesses and ask for help, everyone benefits, including patient outcomes.5. Money Isn't the Motivator — Financial rewards alone don't solve morale or performance issues; intrinsic motivators and appreciation matter more.6. Gratitude Is Powerful Medicine — Simple, genuine thank-yous are rare but transformative, fueling motivation, engagement, and mutual respect in healthcare teams.7. Speaking Up Saves Lives — Creating environments where all voices are heard—regardless of hierarchy—prevents errors and fosters innovation.8. Change Requires Leadership Buy-In — Cultural shifts succeed only when leaders acknowledge problems and model openness to feedback and improvement.9. Early Intervention Matters — Recognizing “the spiral” of team dysfunction early and addressing it promptly can prevent long-term damage and staff turnover.10. Healthcare Must Evolve — Emphasizing the human side of medicine—connection, gratitude, honest conversation—represents the future of safe, effective healthcare.Episode Timestamps03:58 — Career Shift in Healthcare Path06:41 — From Timid to Skilled Surgeon10:12 — Human Factors Impact Medical Outcomes14:33 — Creating a High-Performing Team19:10 — Building Trust for Departmental Progress22:37 — Surgical Trainee Silence Dilemma23:26 — Breaking Hierarchies: Encouraging Open Dialogue26:56 — Healthcare Organizations' Capacity for Change32:49 — Austrian Healthcare's Resistance to Change34:26 — Revolutionizing Healthcare Through Change37:54 — Targeting Female Leaders in HealthcareDISCLAMER >>>>>> The Ditch Lab Coat podcast serves solely for general informational purposes and does not serve as a substitute for professional medical services such as medicine or nursing. It does not establish a doctor/patient relationship, and the use of information from the podcast or linked materials is at the user's own risk. The content does not aim to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and users should promptly seek guidance from healthcare professionals for any medical conditions. >>>>>> The expressed opinions belong solely to the hosts and guests, and they do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the Hospitals, Clinics, Universities, or any other organization associated with the host or guests. Disclosures: Ditch The Lab Coat podcast is produced by (Podkind.co) and is independent of Dr. Bonta's teaching and research roles at McMaster University, Temerty Faculty of Medicine and Queens University.
Welcome back to The Superhumanize Podcast. I am so deeply honored to have you with me today for a conversation that is close to the very core of what it means to be human.My guest is Dr. Hsien Seow, Canada Research Chair in Palliative Care and Health System Innovation, Professor at McMaster University, and one of the foremost voices reimagining how we approach serious illness and end-of-life care. His work transcends the medical system, inviting us to see palliative care not as surrender, but as a path to reclaiming agency, dignity, and meaning, even, and perhaps especially, in life's most vulnerable chapters.Dr. Seow's book, Hope for the Best, Plan for the Rest, co-authored with Dr. Samantha Winemaker, is a guide to navigating life-changing diagnoses with clarity, courage, and grace. It offers seven keys to transform the illness journey from one of fear and disempowerment to one of hope and preparedness.In today's conversation, we explore the paradigm shifts needed in healthcare, the deeper truths mortality can teach us about life, and how we can each become active architects of our own experience, even when the path ahead feels out of our control.This episode is about much more than palliative care. It is about what it means to live fully awake to our finite nature, and to love, decide, and be present with the preciousness of this human life.Episode Highlights:02:30 – Realizing a disconnect: the moment Hsien noticed future doctors weren't trained to talk about dying, sparking his mission to change the system.04:00 – What palliative care really means: an approach that centers on the full human experience—emotional, spiritual, social—not just medical intervention.06:30 – Why timing matters: most people meet palliative care too late. Hsien and his colleague Dr. Sammy Winemaker push for earlier integration.07:15 – The key concept: “Hope for the best, plan for the rest” — balancing optimism with informed planning.08:30 – Reclaiming power from the medical system: how patients and families can move from passive to activated roles.10:00 – “Zooming out” to see the big picture: why asking what stage you're in is essential to living fully.12:15 – How to move from silence to agency: the role of courageous conversations in healing.14:45 – The ripple effect: illness doesn't just affect the patient—it shapes families and communities.16:30 – Family dynamics and understanding: how knowing someone's coping style reduces conflict and increases compassion.20:00 – What to do when the patient avoids discussion: using gentle invitations instead of confrontations.25:00 – Real-life application: how Hsien's own family used these principles to navigate care with love and tact.27:30 – Cultural myths and medical systems: how we've lost the communal experience of dying and what needs to change.30:15 – Reframing grief and loss: learning from everyday changes how to prepare for bigger transitions.32:30 – Dying as sacred: honoring diversity in spiritual beliefs and values through customized care.34:45 – The invisible load: recognizing and supporting family caregivers before burnout sets in.38:30 – Revisiting roles and expectations: how adaptability sustains families through long-term illness.40:00 – Everyday palliative care: acts of love like cooking, walking a pet, or simply being present.42:00 – Customize your order: bringing your whole self—values, beliefs, and personality—into your care.44:30 – One key question: “What do I need to know about you to give you the best...
Send us a textWelcome back Rounds Table Listeners! We are back this week with a special podcast episode. Dr. Mike Fralick sits down with Dr. Karim Ladak—rheumatologist and internist, Clinical Assistant Professor at McMaster University, and host of the Rheumatology for the Royal College podcast—to talk about leukocytoclastic vasculitis. Here we go!Questions? Comments? Feedback? We'd love to hear from you! @roundstable @InternAtWork @MedicinePods
In this week's episode of Real Integrative Medicine, Dr. Jordan Robertson discusses the complexities and challenges of cortisol testing, emphasizing that it may not be a reliable indicator of stress or fatigue. She also presents ten critical considerations to evaluate before deciding to test cortisol, including sleep, nutrition, movement, and personal development. This conversation highlights the importance of addressing lifestyle factors and mental health before resorting to hormonal testing.----Dr. Jordan Robertson is a leader in naturopathic and integrative medicine. She is dedicated to evidence-based healthcare and founded The Confident Clinician, which empowers practitioners with up-to-date research and practical tools. With over 15 years in clinical practice and experience teaching at McMaster University's Health Sciences program, she bridges the gap between research and real-world application.Follow Dr. Jordan on Instagram----Do you ever wish there were a knowledge base built just for you?Have you searched for a resource that supported you so you could focus on what really matters for your business?The Confident Clinician is the ONLY medical knowledge base built for integrative practitioners.Over 750 clinician members have simplified their patient care by using our knowledge base and exclusive members-only education.Our knowledge base and clinical topics are updated on an ongoing basis and, and we offer exclusive members-only courses that support you, whatever your clinical focus.Ready to be supported in your work?Learn More About The Confident Clinician HereDiscover The Confident Clinician's 5-Day AI Smart-Search ChallengeIf you're a clinician and you're loving the content of the show, I'd love to invite you to subscribe to our clinician-focused free magazine called The Stacks. The Stacks offers research focused articles, editorials and opinion pieces on business and practice and unlocks some of our best Confident Clinician content every month.Subscribe to The Stacks Here----Thank you for listening. Please subscribe and share.
On this week's episode of Economic Update, Professor Wolff provides updates on Medicare advantage and "pre-authorization" as a way to reduce Medicare payments, liberals and radicals split over Mamdani, Trump's current budget further deepens the inequality of wealth across the US, and Mexico attends the BRICS meeting in Rio de Janeiro. In the second part of today's show, Professor Wolff interviews Professor Henry Giroux from McMaster University, Canada, on capitalism, culture, and fascism in the U.S. today. The d@w Team Economic Update with Richard D. Wolff is a DemocracyatWork.info Inc. production. We make it a point to provide the show free of ads and rely on viewer support to continue doing so. You can support our work by joining our Patreon community: https://www.patreon.com/democracyatwork Or you can go to our website: https://www.democracyatwork.info/donate Every donation counts and helps us provide a larger audience with the information they need to better understand the events around the world they can't get anywhere else. We want to thank our devoted community of supporters who help make this show and others we produce possible each week.1:01 We kindly ask you to also support the work we do by encouraging others to subscribe to our YouTube channel and website: www.democracyatwork.info
We're busting myths and breaking down the science behind some of the most misunderstood topics in wellness, starting with cycle syncing. Is it really the key to better workouts, or just another trend? We dive into what the research actually says and why women may not need totally different fitness advice after all.We also explore how muscle, fat loss, and bone health shift as we age—and what you can actually do about it. If you've ever felt confused by conflicting hormone advice, this episode is your no-BS guide to what's real, what's hype, and what your body actually needs.In this episode you'll learn: * How cycle syncing advice misses the mark* What we're getting wrong about fasted training* The truth about cortisol face* What women need to know about Ozempic and GLP-1s* Muscle-building basics for beginners* And more…Dr. Lauren Colenso-Semple is a muscle physiology researcher and science communicator with a Ph.D. in Integrative Physiology from McMaster University and an M.S. in Exercise Science from the University of South Florida. Her research focuses on how ovarian hormones influence exercise-induced adaptations, helping bridge the gap between female physiology and evidence-based training.In addition to her academic work, Dr. Colenso-Semple is an experienced strength and conditioning coach and sports nutrition expert. She brings years of hands-on experience to her science communication, making complex topics accessible and actionable. She is also a co-owner of the MASS Research Review, where she helps distill cutting-edge research for athletes, coaches, and health professionals.This episode is brought to you by beeya: * Learn more about beeya's seed cycling bundle at https://beeyawellness.com/free to find out how to tackle hormonal imbalances. * Get $10 off your order by using promo code BEHINDHEREMPIRE10Follow Yasmin: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminknouri/* Stay updated & subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.behindherempire.com/Follow Dr. Lauren: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlaurencs1/* Website: https://www.drlaurencs.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Self-care podcast Exploring Female Pelvic Floor Health, Overactive and Normal Bladder Function & Sexual Health & Pelvic Floor Exercises With Kristin Parise TOPICS:: ** Exploring Female Pelvic Floor Health (10:59). ** Overactive and Normal Bladder Function (15:25). ** Sexual Health & Pelvic Floor Exercises (23:40). NOTES:: Show notes: amberapproved.ca/podcast/589 Leave me a review at amberapproved.ca/review Email me at info@amberapproved.ca Sign up for The Body Brilliance Workshop: https://amber-romaniuk.mykajabi.com/body-brilliance Subscribe to newsletter: https://amber-romaniuk.mykajabi.com/newsletter-sign-up SHOW LINKS: Coaching Savings: Save $1000 off 6-month and $2000 off 12-month Private Coaching Programs for the month of July! Click below to schedule a 30 minute Complimentary Body Freedom Consultation https://amberapproved.ca/body-freedom-consultation/ Take my free Emotional Eating Quiz here: http://amberapproved.ca/emotional-eating-quiz Listen to Episode 291 about what it's like to work with me here: http://amberapproved.ca/podcast/291/ Follow me on Instagram www.instagram.com/amberromaniuk Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@amberromaniuk/ ABOUT MY GUEST: Kristen Parise has been a physiotherapist for more than 23 years, with a graduate degree in Exercise Physiology and a Bachelor of Health Science in Physiotherapy from McMaster University. She owns Blueberry Therapy, a pelvic health and pediatric therapy clinic in Dundas, Ontario. In 2020, she received the Women of Distinction Award in the Small Business category from the YWCA. Kristen has extensive experience working with children and adults in various settings like hospitals, children's treatment centers, outpatient clinics, and home care. She is deeply committed to research and evidence-based practice, continuing to teach at McMaster University to keep up with evolving trends. Kristen specializes in pelvic health rehabilitation, treating both adults and children with issues like incontinence, pelvic pain, and sexual dysfunction. She has grown Blueberry Therapy from a small clinic into a thriving practice with many services. Passionate about meeting clients' needs, Kristen recently launched an online store offering pelvic health products. She also started The Hole Shebang Podcast, discussing topics related to pelvic health. Additionally, Blueberry Therapy has expanded with the Blueberry Nest, a space for group programs such as prenatal yoga, Blueberry Core and Floor, and Perimenopause and Yoga. In 2025, the clinic will host courses and conferences, including The Pleasure Principle: Advancing Women's Sexual Health Together Conference. Keep up with Blueberry Therapy's latest updates on Instagram @blueberrytherapypelvichealth and Facebook @blueberrytherapy. www.blueberrytherapy.ca @blueberrytherapypelvichealth (Instagram) MY PARTNERS: One of the things I've been working on improving is my sleep. Sleep is extremely important for many different functions in the body, yet sometimes we can have trouble falling or staying asleep. That's why, I've not only ensured my sleep hygiene practice is supportive, I have a herbal ally that I have by my bedside at night in case I wake up and am having trouble falling back to sleep. And that my friends is WishGarden Herbs Sleepy Nights which includes passionflower, skullcap and hops. It helps calm my system and helps me fall back to sleep if I wake. Crafted for rapid absorption, WishGarden's remedies provide swift and potent benefits that you'll feel in minutes. With no fillers, gums, binders, or sugars, they harness the full strength of botanicals in their purest and most effective form. I add a few pumps of Sleepy Nights to my water and keep it by my bedside. They also have a wide array of other amazing herbal allies to help with mood, women's hormones and MUCH more. Discover the natural power of their legendary blends by visiting WishGardenHerbs.com/NoSugarcoating or using code NOSUGARCOATING for 20 percent off your order.