From preventing future public health crises to the end of mask mandates in Ontario, Unity Health Toronto experts offered insights this week into our rapidly changing world. Here are our top media hits for the week of March 12-18.

Coroner evaluating inquest request on cold-related homeless deaths in Toronto
The Canadian Press on March 14, 2022
Interview with Dr. Stephen Hwang

Data on deaths due to cold and cold-related injuries among the homeless population aren’t systematically collected, which makes it difficult to know the scope of the problem, Dr. Stephen Hwang tells The Canadian Press.

To end COVID-19, we have to admit that we’ve failed
TIME magazine on March 16, 2022
Opinion piece by Dr. Dan Werb

America’s antiviral-first strategy is a good first step to ending the COVID-19 pandemic and preventing future ones, writes Dr. Dan Werb, research scientist at the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute at St. Michael’s Hospital, in TIME Magazine.

How can hospitals learn to live with COVID-19?
Toronto Star on March 15, 2022
Interview with Dr. Muhammad Mamdani

Dr. Muhammad Mamdani, vice-president of data science & advanced analytics, explains CHARTwatch, an algorithm at St. Michael’s Hospital that monitors patient data & helps predict who will need intensive care.

Coronavirus: An old new friend
The Agenda with Steve Paikin on March 17, 2022
Interview with Dr. Dan Werb

Dr. Dan Werb, research scientist at the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, joins TVO’s The Agenda to discuss the history of coronaviruses and the business of vaccines.

Is Ontario ready to ditch masking?
The Agenda with Steve Paikin on March 16, 2022
Interview with Dr. Peter Jüni

Dr. Peter Jüni, director of the Applied Health Research Centre at the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael’s Hospital, tells TVO’s The Agenda that the loosening of pandemic restrictions should be supported by data.

Are we prepared for the next pandemic?
CP24 on March 16, 2022
Interview with Dr. Samantha Green

Dr. Samantha Green, St. Michael’s Hospital family physician, tells CP24 that we must be prepared for other disruptions to our health system, particularly the impact of climate change.

Toronto harm reduction workers magnify the need for additional supports in their roles and for a regulated, less toxic drug supply
CJRU 1280 on March 11, 2022
Interview with Hayley Thompson

Hayley Thompson, project manager at Toronto’s Drug Checking Service coordinated by Centre on Drug Policy Evaluation, speaks to CJRU 1280AM about the need for increased accessibility for people who use drugs to a safer, regulated supply.

Educating doctors about the RDSP
DABC’s magazine, Transition on March 17, 2022
Opinion piece by Dr. Gary Bloch – page 16

Physicians can help patients with disabilities build financial security by educating them about income support programs and the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP), writes Dr. Gary Bloch, family physician at St. Michael’s Hospital.