From clearing the surgical backlog to understanding the impact of masking at schools, Unity Health Toronto experts offered insights this week into our rapidly changing world. Here are our top media hits for the week of February 12-18.

‘Catastrophic’ surgical backlog in Ontario will take years to clear, doctors say
Toronto Star on February 14, 2022
Feature of research led by Dr. David Gomez

A recent study by led by Dr. David Gomez found a 23 per cent reduction in the number of elective gallbladder surgeries completed in the first two pandemic waves in Ontario. Dr. Gomez weighs in on what it will take to clear the backlog.

Doctors group proposes Ontario fund new surgical centres to catch up on backlog
The Canadian Press on February 17, 2022
Commentary from Dr. Mary-Anne Aarts

Dr. Mary-Anne Aarts, chief of the St. Joseph’s surgery department, participated in an Ontario Medical Association panel discussing possible solutions and alternate care models to clear the surgical backlog. In this story from The Canadian Press, she warns that as Omicron infections are subsiding, there will be an increased demand for diagnostic services and surgeries.

There must be long-term studies of the masking impacts on some students
Toronto Star on February 17, 2022
Opinion piece written by Dr. Sloane Freeman and Dr. Ripudaman Minhas

In the absence of convincing research, Dr. Sloane Freeman and Dr. Ripudaman Minhas, Unity Health pediatricians, write an op-ed calling for long-term studies looking into the impact of masking in schools.

Two-thirds of Canadians ready to drop COVID-19 restrictions
National Post on February 14, 2022
Interview with Dr. Prabhat Jha

Dr. Prabhat Jha speaks with the National Post about why PCR-testing for travelers and school closures should be among the first restrictions to be lifted as the pandemic evolves.

Ottawa close to removing pre-arrival COVID-19 test for fully vaccinated Canadian travellers: sources
CBC News on February 11, 2022
Interview with Dr. Prabhat Jha

Dr. Prabhat Jha shares his thoughts on why PCR testing should no longer be required for fully-vaccinated travelers returning to Canada.

Ontario hospitals facing critical shortage of blood collection tubes
Toronto Star on February 15, 2022
Interviews with Dr. Fahad Razak and Dr. Cathy Streutker

As Ontario hospitals face a shortage of blood collection tubes, Dr. Fahad Razak and Dr. Cathy Streutker weigh in on the importance of blood tests and how doctors can conserve tubes by being careful with their ordering.

Knowing the warning signs of SCAD
CTV Toronto on February 14, 2022
Interview with Dr. Chi-Ming Chow

Dr. Chi-Ming Chow, St. Michael’s cardiologist, explains the symptoms of spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD), a rare emergency condition that primarily affects younger women.

‘A lot of grief, loss and trauma’: Drug consumption sites grapple with record number of overdoses
Toronto Star on February 16, 2022
Interview with Dr. Gillian Kolla

Toronto saw a record number of fatal overdoses in 2021. Dr. Gillian Kolla, postdoctoral fellow at MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, speaks to the Toronto Star about the multiple factors contributing to the rise.

Are vaccine passports no longer ‘absolutely necessary?’
CBC Metro Morning on February 15, 2022
Interview with Dr. Fahad Razak

As Ontario prepares to lift the vaccine passport system on March 1, Dr. Fahad Razak explains on CBC’s Metro Morning why a passport based on two doses is no longer viable.