From how Canada performed compared to other G10 countries during the pandemic to debating if there’s a place for private companies in Canadian health care, Unity Health experts offered insights this week into our rapidly changing world. Here are our top media hits from June 25 to July 1.

Canada outperformed most G10 countries during first two years of pandemic response: study
CTV News on June 27, 2022
Feature of research led by Dr. Fahad Razak

Canada had the second-lowest rate of COVID deaths and cases among the G10 countries during the pandemic, according to a new study co-authored by Dr. Fahad Razak.  

We need new strategies to tackle COVID this fall
The Globe and Mail on June 27, 2022
Opinion piece by Dr. Fahad Razak and Dr. Art Slutsky

Public health leaders must create new strategies to prepare for the fall, including how to increase COVID booster vaccination rates, monitoring wastewater testing, and identifying new variants, argue Dr. Fahad Razak, Dr. Arthur Slutsky and Dr. David Naylor.

Marijuana users more likely to land in hospital and emergency rooms
The Daily Beast on June 27, 2022
Feature of research led by Dr. Nicholas Vozoris

Visits to the emergency department and hospitalizations are 22 per cent higher among individuals who use cannabis compared with those who do not, according to a new study led by Dr. Nicholas Vozoris.

Also covered by CTV News

Canadian ERs face record wait times, closures amid labour shortages and a resurgence of viruses circulating post-mask mandates
The Globe and Mail on June 24, 2022
Interview with Dr. Tara Kiran

Dr. Tara Kiran, family physician at St. Michael’s, explains how systemic pressures – including lack of access to primary care – is increasing wait times at hospital emergency departments.

Omicron subvariant expected to become dominant strain in Ontario: science table head
CBC News on June 29, 2022
Interview with Dr. Fahad Razak

A new subvariant of Omicron is expected to soon become the dominant strain in Ontario. Dr. Fahad Razak tells CBC News that immunity against the BA.5 subvariant is “much weaker” compared to previous strains of the virus.

Is there a place for private companies in Canadian health care?
Toronto Star on June 26, 2022
Interview with Dr. Danyaal Raza

What is the role for private healthcare services in Canada? Private clinics are pulling family physicians and care providers out of a public system that’s already under pressure, says Dr. Danyaal Raza, family physician at Unity Health.

Meet five Canadian MS researchers to get excited about
MS Society Canada Blog on July 1, 2022
Profiles of Dr. Kristen Krysko and Dr. Raphael Schneider

Canadian researchers are at the forefront of impactful Multiple Sclerosis research. Dr. Kristen Krysko and Dr. Raphael Schneider, neurologists at St. Michael’s Hospital, are among those scientists investigating critical aspects of the disease and patient care.