White Coat, Black Art

<p>In Quebec, family medicine is the latest troubling frontier in a two-tier system that's been quietly growing for years. Dr. Brian Goldman visits Clinique Santé Plus in Vaudreuil to learn why the clinic's youngest doctor turned away from the public system. Two patients - one languishing on a waitlist for a family doctor, and one who can never reach hers - explain why $150 is worth 15 minutes with a private family doctor.</p>

<p>Christina Shehata waited 40 hours in an Ontario hospital ER to get an inpatient bed. It’s a common reality in hospitals across Canada. What makes Christina's story different is that her husband, Dr. Adam Shehata, was keenly aware that she could have died. While the hospital did the best it could, Christina says without the aid of a physician spouse, her stay could have been even longer. They're highlighting the need for systemic change.</p>

<p>Measles is on the rise, highlighting how a disease considered eliminated in Canada is making a comeback. Recent dramatic outbreaks are worrying people like infectious diseases specialist Dr. Sumon Chakrabarti. He explains why more people are getting measles, how it spreads, the symptoms and the long-term complications. He says getting vaccinated provides the best protection. (Originally published Mar. 6, 2025.)</p>

<p>We're seeing the worst measles numbers in Canada in more than a decade. Dr. Ninh Tran, medical officer of health in the country's hardest hit region of southwestern Ontario, describes how they're fighting to control the spread. And University of Alberta infectious diseases specialist Dr. Lynora Saxinger reflects on the "undead zombie of disinformation" that's helped lead us here.</p>

<p>A shortage of anesthesiologists in Canada often means postponed operations and procedures. But some hospitals are using anesthesia assistants (AAs)&nbsp;to get more patients into surgeries and routine procedures needing sedation. Dr. Brian Goldman observes AA Rob Bryan during a colonoscopy at an Ontario hospital to find out what he does. And Nova Scotia pediatric anesthesiologists Dr. Sally Bird and Dr. Mathew Kiberd&nbsp;say&nbsp;AAs have become an essential part of their anesthesia team.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>It may seem counterintuitive, but hospital emergency rooms can be hazardous to the health of elderly patients. An innovative geriatric multidisciplinary ER team at St. Mary's Hospital in Montreal is getting elderly patients discharged quickly and safely, saving them from preventable harms and the hospital millions in preventable admissions.</p>

<p>A growing number of young people in Canada are being diagnosed with colorectal cancer, and their needs often differ from older patients. Melissa Grof​f was diagnosed at age 34, with three small kids, in the prime of her career.​​ ​She​ says she would have benefitted from more age-appropriate care. Sunnybrook's Young Adult Colorectal Cancer Clinic offers this care including support for mental health, sexual health, body image issues and family planning.</p>

<p>Palliative physician Dr. Samantha Winemaker says her line of work has a branding problem. Instead of thinking of it as "the Grim Reaper service" to be called in at the 11th hour, she says patients benefit from a palliative approach as soon as they're faced with a life-limiting illness. "Dr. Sammy" meets a new patient and his family for the first time - showing how her person-centered care treads the fine line between honesty and hope.&nbsp;</p>

Dr. Tara Kiran, a family physician and researcher from Toronto, dives into the world of primary care in the Netherlands. She discovers a system that excels with 24/7 access to care and efficient triage through dedicated call centers, lightening the load on emergency services. The discussion highlights the cultural significance of house calls and the pivotal role of practice assistants, which allow GPs to focus on complex cases. Kiran draws compelling comparisons to Canada, advocating for systemic reforms to enhance primary care accessibility and patient outcomes.

Kay Dingwell, an ER physician from Summerside, PEI, passionately discusses the burdensome requirement of sick notes for minor illnesses. She highlights the frustration patients face when forced to obtain notes that doctors dislike writing. Dingwell argues that such policies overwhelm an already strained healthcare system. The conversation delves into the impact on low-wage workers, presenteeism, and the evolving legislative landscape in Canada aimed at eliminating unnecessary sick note demands. Advocating for change, she emphasizes the need for a more compassionate approach to sick leave.