Raw Talk Podcast

This podcast explores the ethical dilemma of censoring bad science on social media. PhD students and scientists discuss using platforms like YouTube and TikTok to promote science communication. The need for regulations on social media platforms to combat misinformation, concerns about bias in new and traditional media, and the benefits of open debate and diverse opinions are also discussed. The podcast highlights the importance of connecting science to the public and strategies for effective communication.

Students from underrrepresented groups in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields often experience a myriad of challenges due to a variety of systemic barriers such as lack of representation or diversity, appropriate financial support, and having a supportive learning environment. In this episode, our team and guests take a deep dive into the importance of representation, mentorship and community within STEM fields, as well as elaborate on how they feel these environments should be improved. We speak to Mohsen Poorganji, the co-founder of the Institute of Medical Science (IMS) International Student Group, Layan Elfaki, the president of the Black Graduate Student Association (BGSA) at the University of Toronto (UofT), and Dr. Andrea Boggild, the Medical Director of the Tropical Diseases Unit at University Health Network and an Associate Professor at UofT. Listen to these conversations along with our hosts, Daniel and Rachel, who chime in and reflect on their learnings throughout the episode. Incorporating Indigenous Cultures and Realities in STEM IMS International Student Group  Black Graduate Student Association  Community of Support

As a patient, you would want the best care to come to you. You would want to be able to access health services, empathetic staff, and any medications you need. As a citizen, you likely want that for others who are in need of healthcare assistance. So why is this not the case once people are behind bars? "Imagine yourself in a box trying to reach out for help." That is what one of our guests, Lawrence Da Silva, host of Voices Inside and Out, described what it was like to be in need of healthcare services in prison.  In this episode, we dive deep into the reality that is healthcare in a prison setting. We are also joined by Catherine Latimer, the executive director of the John Howard Society, and Dr. Kiran Patel, a staff psychiatrist at CAMH's Forensic Division. They touch on topics like the accessibility of care as related to the Canada Health Act, specific challenges like mental health and the effect of prison transfers, and what is being done by organizations like the John Howard Society to help. We hope this episode can highlight some important aspects about the reality of life behind bars.  Written by: Angela Dela Cruz Links The Nelson Mandela Rules The Ashley Smith Inquest Elizabeth Fry Toronto The John Howard Society  Voices Inside and Out Podcast Canada Health Act Corrections and Conditional Release Act (CCRA) Indigenous People in Federal Custody: Government of Canada Race and Incarceration: The Representation and Characteristics of Black People in Provincial Correctional Facilities in Ontario, Canada Houses of hate: How Canada's prison system is broken  How You Can Get Involved: John Howard Society of Canada  CAMH: Services and Support After Incarceration 

Dr. Kim McMillan, nurse-researcher, and Dr. Amit Arya, palliative care physician, discuss the different faces of burnout in healthcare. They challenge the comparison of nurses to superheroes and highlight the importance of competent nurse leaders in reducing burnout. Factors contributing to burnout in healthcare, including presenteeism and understaffing, are explored. The damaging effects of the 'healthcare hero' term and the culture of resilience in healthcare are discussed. Valuing essential workers and providing support for emotional distress is emphasized.

In honour of our 100th episode here at Raw Talk Podcast, we are celebrating another anniversary this year: 100 years since the discovery of insulin, a life saving treatment for diabetes that happened here at the University of Toronto. This discovery earned the scientists behind it the 1923 Nobel Prize in Medicine, and was a pivotal moment in Canadian medical science research. In this episode, we sat down with Dr. Daniel Drucker, a senior scientist at the Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute who gave us a crash course on diabetes, insulin, and the research leading up to the discovery of insulin. Next, we spoke with Jennifer Da Cruz, a diabetes patient, educator and public health nurse at Unison Health and Community Services in Toronto. Finally, we met with Dr. Paraish Misra, a nephrologist, and a PhD candidate in the Nostro lab at the University of Toronto, who told us about some of the exciting new frontiers in stem cell research for diabetes treatment - or possibly even cure. Dr. Daniel Drucker Diabetes Canada Dr. Paraish Misra Open Insulin Foundation Article - The absurdly high cost of insulin, explained Article - Why people with diabetes can't buy generic insulin Review Article - Stem cell-derived insulin-producing cells

Humanitarian crises from around the world, attributed to various causes such as war and climate change, have resulted in the displacement of millions of people worldwide. Some of these displaced individuals journey to other countries, such as Canada, to settle and start new lives. However, a refugee’s journey doesn’t end once they arrive in their new home, they must navigate a new system to access housing, healthcare, and education, while potentially facing numerous barriers along the way. In this episode of Raw Talk, we interview experts to gain a Canadian perspective on the unique health experience of refugees, and the resettlement process for refugees living in Canada. Steve Meagher discusses who refugees are and the barriers they face to accessing healthcare services in Canada. Dr. Praseedha Janakiram sheds light on the diversity of refugees and their journeys from leaving their homeland to settling into a new life. Dr. Meb Rashid speaks to the routine health issues that refugee families face and how primary and community healthcare is tailored to those needs. Centre for Refugee Children Women’s College Hospital Crossroads Clinic The Toronto Addis Ababa Academic Collaboration (TAAAC) The Canadian Collaborative Mental Health Care Conference - Dr. Janakiram speaking Christie Refugee Welcome Centre Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture

Have you ever wondered how the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) decides what substances are banned in professional sport? Or what it’s like to get tested for prohibited substances? In this episode of Raw Talk, we interview experts on anti-doping and the use of performance enhancing drugs. James Fitzgerald explains the many tools that WADA uses to combat doping in sport, from dried blood spot analysis to machine learning. We also speak to two Canadian Olympic athletes, Evan Dunfee and Maddy Kelly, about their experiences getting tested, what kinds of pressures they felt to perform, and the tainted beef controversy. Lastly, Dr. Dean St. Mart tells us about the health risks of steroids - in the context of bodybuilding - from androgen receptors to “blasting and cruising”, and explores whether its possible to use such performance enhancing drugs safely. We hope you enjoy the expertise and diverse perspectives our fascinating guests shared with us on this week’s episode. World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Global Drug Reference Online (Global DRO) Yes, Evan Dunfee is the Kraft Dinner guy Supplement Needs

Post-graduate education. This is where students learn the joy and importance of scientific discoveries and advancement firsthand. This is also where students face realities of research and of adulthood all at once. In today’s episode, we have a roundtable discussion to exchange views on our hopes and struggles as a graduate student. From sharing our unique stories, we see common themes such as building a healthy relationship with our supervisor, networking with peers, managing stress from the recent COVID-19 pandemic, and coping with failure to prevent burnout. Our fellow graduate student Samantha Ing-Esteves, the founder of the Graduate Representation Committee (GRC) in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine at University of Toronto, also joins us and speaks to the data collected by GRC representing our financial struggles. Sam also explains to us how GRC strives to advocate for domestic and international graduate students. From the good, the bad, and the ugly, we gain rich learning experiences as a graduate student and continue to contribute to science the best we can. The struggle is real, but so is the adventure. We have fun together, we support each other, and we grow stronger. And most importantly, we keep it raw. GRC Student Finance and Living Survey 2021-2022 GRC Student Finance and Living Report 2019 U of T Community of Support Tips and Secrets to Choosing your IMS Courses 100 Reasons Not to Go to Graduate School

Experts in medical genetics and genetic counseling discuss the history and future of genetic testing. Topics include milestones in genetic testing, the process of genetic testing in cardiology, the personal story of dealing with Huntington's disease, the role of genetic counselors in family planning and diagnosis, challenges in genetic testing, and the future of genetic testing.

Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) was legalized in Canada in 2016 under Bill C-14 after decades of public dialogue and debate. This episode takes a deep dive into MAiD, the death and dying experience, and what these mean to patients, families, care providers, and others involved in the health system. We had the pleasure to sit down with and learn from Sally Bean, Director of Policy and Ethics at Sunnybrook Hospital; Dr. Madeline Li, Psychiatrist and Lead of the Psychosocial Oncology Division, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre; Dr. Ahmed Al-Awamer, Palliative Care Physician and Director of Postgraduate Medical Education, University Health Network; and Steve Legere, a patient diagnosed with incurable cancer who has been approved for MAiD, and his partner, Christine Legere. Each of these individuals takes us through a different aspect of living and dying at the end of life and how MAiD has impacted their respective lives and professional roles. Written by: Larkin Davenport Huyer Canada's new medical assistance in dying (MAID) law Madeline Li's Maclean's article Article: Medical Assistance in Dying - Implementing a Hospital-Based Program in Canada