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 November 6-12.

Gender biases in medicine: Female surgeons get fewer referrals from male physicians, study finds
CTV National News on November 10, 2021
research led by Dr. Nancy Baxter and Dr. Fahima Dossa

A study led by Dr. Nancy Baxter and Dr. Fahima Dossa analyzed nearly 40 million referrals to surgeons in Ontario and found male physicians disproportionately refer patients to male surgeons over similarly qualified and experienced female surgeons. They speak with CTV National News about the findings and why the disparity creates barriers for patients seeking care.

Also featured in The Canadian Press published in The Globe and Mail, CP24, Toronto Starand Zoomer Radio

Community leaders urge remaining 45% of Toronto’s Indigenous to get vaccine
Global News on November 5, 2021
Interview with Dr. Janet Smylie

One out of three First Nations, Inuit & Métis people living in Toronto do not have a regular healthcare provider. Dr. Janet Smylie explains how this could be contributing to why 45 per cent of Indigenous people in Toronto are not yet vaccinated against COVID-19.

‘There is a lot of fuel’ for COVID: Ontario vaccine data shows big lags in some areas, demographic groups
Toronto Star on November 5, 2021
Interviews with Dr. Stephen Hwang, Dr. Tali Bogler

Recent data shows vaccine rates are lagging among certain populations in Ontario, including people experiencing homelessness and pregnant people.  Dr. Stephen Hwang and Dr. Tali Bogler weigh in on why this might be and what more can be done to reduce barriers.

Listening to your favourite song on repeat could be good for your brain: study
Daily Hive on November 10, 2021
Feature of research by Dr. Corrine Fischer

Music that is personally meaningful can induce beneficial brain plasticity in patients with early Alzheimer’s and dementia, according to a new study by Dr. Corinne Fischer, director of geriatric psychiatry at St. Michael’s Hospital.

‘Cold, hard and vicious’: This is life on Ontario’s minimum wage — and what the evidence reveals about its impact
Toronto Star on November 6, 2021
Interview with Dr. Gary Bloch

Ontario announced it will increase the minimum wage to $15 per hour in January 2022. Dr. Gary Bloch speaks with the Toronto Star about the “most powerful determinant” of health and the short-term and long-term effects of poverty.

Virtual care changing the game in diabetes management
The Globe and Mail on November 5, 2021
Interview with Smitha Pradan

The pandemic advanced virtual care as an option for patients and health care providers, and this option was a positive change for diabetes management. Smitha Pradhan, a registered dietitian at St. Michael’s Diabetes Education Program, explains how virtual care can improve the power dynamic of health care.

Does COVID show Canadian health care should have more private competition?
Toronto Star on November 6, 2021
Opinion piece by Dr. Danyaal Raza

Dr. Danyaal Raza, a family doctor at St. Michael’s Hospital, weighs in on the debate about the role of private healthcare in Canada in this opinion piece and makes the case for why equity can’t be pushed aside.

Preparing young children to receive COVID-19 vaccines
Global News on November 8, 2021
Interview with Dr. Anne Wormsbecker

Authorization of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine for children is imminent in Canada. Dr. Anne Wormsbecker speaks with Global News about how to talk to and prepare young children for the COVID-19 vaccine.

There are growing calls for drug decriminalization. Could it solve Canada’s opioid crisis?
Global News on November 9, 2021
Interview with Dr. Dan Werb

Opioid-related deaths in Ontario rose by more than 75 per cent after COVID-19 hit in 2020, according to the Ontario Drug Policy Research Network. Dr. Dan Werb, Director of the Centre on Drug Policy Evaluation at St. Michael’s, weighs in on the evidence-based policies that stand to help Canada’s opioid crisis.

Etobicoke family hosts second annual online auction to support brain cancer patients, caregivers
Etobicoke Guardian on November 10, 2021
Interview with Dr. Sunit Das

The family of a former St. Michael’s Hospital patient are honoring his life by arranging an online auction that will help support St. Michael’s patients with financial hardship. Dr. Sunit Das, a neurosurgeon at St. Michael’s Hospital, speaks to the Etobicoke Guardian about the impact of the family’s support.

Health Canada approves Pfizer booster for ages 18 and older
CTV News on November 9, 2021
Interview with Dr. Prabhat Jha

Dr. Prabhat Jha, Director at the Centre for Global Health Research, speaks to CTV News about what should be the next steps as the pandemic evolves in Canada and third dose booster shots become available.