Ten great things that happened this week
Each week, we share a list of 10 great things that happened at our sites. Do you have a story you’d like to share? Send it to communications@unityhealth.to.
1. Kids welcomed at St. Joseph’s Health Centre’s COVID-19 vaccine clinic
The St. Joseph’s COVID-19 vaccine clinic re-opened for kids between the ages of five to 11, and many families came through with young children rolling up their sleeves to get their shot. Tomas, age eight, was the first to get their shot and said it was “awesome” to get the vaccine. See more photos from the day.
2. Dr. Sean Rourke talks about HIV in Canada on World AIDS Day
To mark World AIDS Day, we spoke with Dr. Sean Rourke, a clinical neuropsychologist and scientist with MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions. Dr. Rourke spoke about his latest work in HIV research and why he believes ending HIV in Canada is within our reach. Read his Q&A.
3. Unity Health recognizes researchers, trainees and staff with Research Awards
To mark the end of Research Month, the sixth annual Research Awards honoured 11 members of the Unity Health research community. This year, awards were given out to trainees, researchers and staff from the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute and the Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science. “These members of our community are people who have contributed in a meaningful way within the institute and left a lasting imprint on research at our organization,” said Dr. Ori Rotstein, vice-president of Research and Innovation. Read the full list of award winners.
4. What’s the connection between HIV research and the COVID-19 pandemic? Dr. Darrell Tan explains
In an appearance on TVO’s The Agenda, Dr. Darrell Tan, infectious disease physician and scientist at MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, explained how lessons learned during the HIV pandemic helped researchers understand COVID-19. Watch the interview here.
5. Dr. Tara Kiran discusses the children’s COVID-19 vaccine on The Agenda
In an interview with The Agenda, Dr. Tara Kiran, a family physician at St. Michael’s Hospital, spoke about the COVID-19 vaccine children, and understanding safety and efficacy. Watch the interview.
6. Dr. Prabhat Jha answers questions about the Omicron variant
Dr. Prabhat Jha, epidemiologist at St. Michael’s Hospital, answered questions about the Omicron variant of the coronavirus on CBC News’ Cross Country Checkup. He spoke about why we need to be patient and rely on science to drive decisions. Listen to the segment.
7. Could decriminalizing drug use help save lives? Dr. Jeanette Bowles weighs in
As Toronto looks at decriminalizing possession of small amounts of drugs, Dr. Jeanette Bowles, postdoctoral fellow at St. Michael’s Hospital with the Centre on Drug Policy Evaluation, spoke to CBC News about how decriminalizing drug use can help reduce stigma and potentially save lives. “Stigma can lead to shame. Shame can lead to folks using drugs alone. Using drugs alone is a very high risk factor for overdose death, as there’s no one around to intervene.” Read the story.
8. Why are women disproportionately affected by dementia, stroke and depression? Dr. Shannon Dunn’s research explores one theory
To mark Women’s Brain Health Day, Dr. Shannon Dunn, immunologist and scientist at the Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, discussed her research that explores the effect of estrogens and ovarian function on brain health. Dr. Dunn is collaborating with Dr. Gillian Einstein in a cohort study, which examines changes in cognition in women who’ve had their ovaries removed or who have gone through menopause. Read a Q&A with Dr. Dunn.
9. Dr. Tara Gomes argues for better pharmaceutical cost management in The Globe and Mail
In a Globe and Mail op-ed, Dr. Tara Gomes, scientist at the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, makes the case for improved pharmaceutical cost management in Canada as innovative but pricey drugs come to market. Read the op-ed.
10. When is the right time to start thinking about fertility? Dr. Yolanda Kirkham weighs in
Dr. Yolanda Kirkham, obstetrician at St. Joseph’s Health Centre, spoke about fertility and when is the right time to start thinking about family planning on The Marilyn Denis Show. Watch the segment.