White Coat, Black Art

A first-of-its-kind medical school, part of Queen's University in Ontario, is recruiting and training students with the sole intention of graduating family doctors. But can it prepare them for the daily realities of the job?

In Toronto, an innovative food bank initiative is improving health outcomes for low-income residents. By integrating healthcare services directly at the food bank, they tackle food insecurity and mental health issues. Personal stories reveal how consistent support fosters trust and community ties. Gardening emerges as a therapeutic tool for emotional healing, and the effort illustrates the critical role of food banks in providing vital healthcare and assisting those transitioning from homelessness.

A behind-the-scenes chat about the making of the CBC collaboration "Overheated" where White Coat, Black Art, What on Earth, and Quirks and Quarks explore how heat is affecting our health, our communities and our ecosystems.

How far would you go to test your body in extreme heat? Ironworker apprentice Britnee Miazek travels hundreds of kilometres to Brock University in St. Catharines, Ontario for a gruelling experiment to see how her body deals with high temperatures. She wants to find out why she stopped getting her period while working in sweltering conditions on a coke oven. Researchers are hoping to find answers for Britnee, and understand more about the long-term health effects of working in an increasingly hot environment.This episode is part of a CBC collaboration called "Overheated" where White Coat, Black Art, What on Earth, and Quirks and Quarks explore how heat is affecting our health, our cities and our ecosystems.

Dr. Peter Hotez, a pediatrician and vaccine scientist at Baylor College of Medicine, warns of the escalating anti-science movement threatening public health. He discusses the aggressive nature of anti-vaccine sentiments and their political implications, highlighting the global impact on vaccination efforts. Social media plays a dual role, complicating the fight against misinformation. Hotez emphasizes the urgent need for action to prevent the resurgence of preventable diseases, while also noting advancements in vaccine technology as a beacon of hope.

The CBC’s Julianne Hazlewood takes us on a familiar journey that for her is filled with uncertainty and peril. Julianne is in the late stages of pregnancy. She also has epilepsy. For additional support, she joined a research program called The Lullaby Project. It paired her with a musician to help her write and record a song to soothe her baby, and her fears.

Childhood neglect and abuse can lead to serious health problems in adults. Toronto psychiatrists Dr. Bob Maunder and Dr. Jon Hunter are calling for radical change to deal with this national epidemic in their new book, "Damaged: Childhood Trauma, Adult Illness, and the Need for a Health Care Revolution."