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 27-December 3.

Unity Health Toronto cares for those most in need
Special issue insert in The Globe and Mail on December 3, 2021
Interviews with Dr. Tim Rutledge, Michelle Williams

Unity Health Toronto has been named one of Greater Toronto’s Top Employers 2022, a designation that showcases its commitment to wellness, culture and community. As part of the honour, Unity Health was featured in a special issue insert in The Globe and Mail. Dr. Tim Rutledge, President and CEO of Unity Health Toronto and Michelle Williams, Clinical Leader Manager of the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU) at St. Michael’s, spoke about the organization’s values and culture.

On World AIDS Day, meet the advocates who are working to end HIV in Canada
CBC Radio on December 1, 2021
Interview with Dr. Sean Rourke

Dr. Sean Rourke, scientist at the MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, speaks to CBC Radio about HIV in Canada and why it’s “unacceptable” that the nation’s numbers are rising.

What’s the connection between AIDS research and the COVID-19 pandemic?
TVO’s The Agenda on December 1, 2021
Interview with Dr. Darrell Tan

Dr. Darrell Tan, scientist at the MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions and infectious disease physician, join’s The Agenda on TVO to discuss how our current understanding of HIV has contributed to our response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ask Me Anything: Dr. Prabhat Jha on new coronavirus variant omicron
CBC Radio Cross Country Checkup on November 29, 2021
Interview with Dr. Prabhat Jha

What do we know about the new Omicron variant of the coronavirus? Dr. Prabhat Jha, epidemiologist at St. Michael’s Hospital, answers callers’ questions on CBC’s Cross Country Checkup.

Should Canada revisit its booster strategy in the face of a new variant?
CTV News on November 27, 2021
Interview with Dr. Fahad Razak

Dr. Fahad Razak, internist and epidemiologist at St. Michael’s Hospital, explains why boosters may not be the first step in addressing Omicron, the newly sequenced COVID-19 variant.

How Canada changed its position on pandemic travel bans
CBC News on November 30, 2021
Interview with Dr. Prabhat Jha

Dr. Prabhat Jha, director of the Centre for Global Health Research at St. Michael’s, speaks to CBC News about travel bans and global vaccine equity in the face of the Omicron variant.

Pharmaceutical costs are soaring due to innovative but pricey new drugs
The Globe and Mail on December 2, 2021
Opinion piece co-authored by Dr. Tara Gomes

In this opinion piece, Dr. Tara Gomes, scientist at the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute and the Ontario Drug Policy Research Network, argues for the need to manage pharmaceutical costs in Canada as innovative, but pricey drugs come to market.

Why do some COVID-19 patients experience symptoms months later?
CTV News on November 30, 2021
Interview with Dr. Fahad Razak

Dr. Fahad Razak, St. Michael’s internal medicine physician, speaks to CTV News Toronto about long COVID and explains why “it can affect anybody who is infected.”

Decriminalize possession of small amounts of illegal drugs, Toronto’s top doctor recommends
CBC News Toronto on November 29, 2021
Interview with Dr. Jeanette Bowles

Dr. Jeanette Bowles, postdoctoral fellow at St. Michael’s Hospital with the Centre for Drug Policy Evaluation, speaks to CBC News about how decriminalizing drug use can help reduce stigma and could save lives.

Toronto health board to vote on plan to decriminalize small amounts of illegal drugs
Toronto Star on November 29, 2021
Letter written by Dr. Alexander Caudarella cited

Dr. Alexander Caudarella, addictions physician at St. Michael’s, weighs in on the push to decriminalize possession of small amounts of drugs in Toronto.

Virtual Health: Pandemic Band-Aid or Opportunity for Better Care?
The Walrus on November 16, 2021
Opinion piece by Dr. Tara Kiran cited

Virtual care has increased throughout the pandemic. Dr. Tara Kiran, Unity Health family physician, weighs in on how virtual care platforms and apps raise new questions about privacy.

What you need to know about fertility and conception
The Marilyn Denis Show on CTV on December 1, 2021
Interview with Dr. Yolanda Kirkham

When’s the right time to start thinking about fertility? Dr. Yolanda Kirkham, obstetrician at St. Joseph’s Health Centre, weighs in on The Marilyn Denis Show.

Male physicians refer patients to male surgeons at disproportionate rates, study shows
Hospital News on November 30, 2021
Feature of research led by Dr. Nancy Baxter and Dr. Fahima Dossa

A study led by Dr. Nancy Baxter and Dr. Fahima Dossa found that male physicians refer patients to male surgeons at disproportionate rates. Hospital News features the research, which suggests male physicians hold biases that disadvantage female surgeons.