Each week, journalists turn to Unity Health Toronto’s experts and programs to help make sense of our world. In case you missed it, here’s a recap of the headlines for the week of August 14-20.

Nearly 75 per cent of Ontario doctors experienced burnout during pandemic, survey says
The Canadian Press on August 18, 2021
Interview with Dr. Carolyn Snider

A pair of surveys conducted by the Ontario Medical Association in 2020 and 2021 suggest physician burnout, characterized by exhaustion and feelings of detachment, was on the rise during the pandemic. Dr. Carolyn Snider speaks with The Canadian Press about her experience working in one of the busiest emergency rooms in Canada for the past 18 months and how healthcare facilities can support physician wellness.

The quick fix, Part 4: How to tackle homelessness in Ontario
TVO.org on August 19, 2021
Interview with Dr. Stephen Hwang

What can Ontario do to address systemic issues that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought into sharp relief? Dr. Stephen Hwang discusses hidden homelessness, encampments and how to make sure people get the supports they need as part of TVO.org’s five-part series.

Immunocompromised people should get 3rd COVID-19 vaccine dose, Ontario study finds
Global News on August 13, 2021
Interview with Dr. Darren Yuen

A new study has found that a third-dose booster of the COVID-19 vaccine will increase protection in transplant recipients. Dr. Darren Yuen, a kidney transplant physician at St. Michael’s Hospital who was not involved in the study, discusses the implications with Global News, and explains that some transplant patients have a significantly lower antibody response to the vaccine.

Build back better: Every Canadian should have a family doctor
Toronto Star on August 15, 2021
Opinion piece co-written by Dr. Tara Kiran

In this opinion piece published by the Toronto Star, Dr. Tara Kiran and her co-author explore the benefits of every Canadian having easy and equitable access to high-quality primary care that is integrated with public health and the broader community.

CDC now says COVID-19 vaccine is safe during pregnancy
CTV News Channel on August 14, 2021
Interview with Dr. Tali Bogler

The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States recently recommended pregnant individuals get the COVID-19 vaccine. Previously, the CDC had said it was safe for pregnant people to get vaccinated but did not urge people to. In this CTV News Channel interview, Dr. Tali Bogler analyzes the recommendation and busts common myths about vaccination during pregnancy.

‘Vaccine injustice is a shame on all humanity’: U.S. plan for booster shots criticized
CTV News on August 18, 2021
Interview with Dr. Fahad Razak

The U.S. is preparing to embark on an ambitious and controversial program — offering a third dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine starting September 20 in a bid to further fight COVID-19 infections, despite international criticism highlighting that many countries are still fighting to acquire first doses. Dr. Fahad Razak discusses why Canada will not implement boosters for healthy individuals with CTV News Channel.

Some provinces won’t allow polling stations in schools this federal election
Global News on August 19, 2021
Interview with Dr. Tali Bogler and Dr. Anna Banerji

With a fourth wave of COVID-19 brewing across Canada, some provinces are rethinking the usual practice of allowing polling stations to be set up in schools on Election Day. Dr. Tali Bogler and Dr. Anna Banerji share their thoughts on polling stations in schools during the pandemic and safety precautions that could be put into place with Global News.