Check Up with Dr. Carr: Recent Episodes
Nova Scotia Health
In this episode of Chats on Change, interim Nova Scotia Health CEO Karen Oldfield sits down with acclaimed health journalist André Picard for a wide-ranging discussion on the state of Canada’s healthcare system. As one of the country’s most respected voices on health policy, Picard shares his insights on interprovincial barriers, healthcare funding, workforce challenges, and the need for greater national coordination. The conversation explores innovative approaches happening in Nova Scotia, including physician mobility, a new internal travel nurse program, and the role of technology in modernizing care.Picard also highlights lessons Canada can learn from European healthcare models, emphasizing the importance of data integration, prevention-focused care, and streamlined services. He and Oldfield discuss the power of artificial intelligence, predictive analytics, and how the healthcare system must evolve to remain sustainable. Thought-provoking and insightful, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of Canadian healthcare.Links:https://www.andrepicard.comhttps://www.nshealth.ca/news-and-notices/impact-c3-communication-and-collaboration-nova-scotia-health-insights-katelynhttps://www.nshealth.ca/care-coordination-centre-c3Recent Articles:- If Canada is tearing down interprovincial barriers, let’s start with health carehttps://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/article-if-canada-is-tearing-down-interprovincial-barriers-lets-start-with/- Canada needs a plan to help struggling caregivershttps://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/article-canada-needs-a-plan-to-help-struggling-caregivers/- The first War on Drugs was a complete failurehttps://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/article-the-first-war-on-drugs-was-a-complete-failure-a-fact-donald-trump/- The Dutch and Danes have much to teach Canada about better health carehttps://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/article-the-dutch-and-danes-have-much-to-teach-canada-about-better-health-care/- Does the Canada Health Act require reinterpretation, or a more fundamental rethink?https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/article-does-the-canada-health-act-require-reinterpretation-or-a-more/
In this episode of "Chats On Change," interim CEO Karen Oldfield hosts a conversation with three distinguished doctors who are also innovators in residence at Nova Scotia Health. Doctor Karen Cross, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon, leads the Wound Innovation Collaborative and co-founded Mimosa Diagnostics to enhance skin health through early interventions. Doctor Amanda Caissie, head of Dalhousie University's Department of Radiation Oncology, focuses on data standardization and artificial intelligence in radiation oncology to improve patient care. Doctor Michael Dunbar, an orthopedic surgeon, works on increasing the precision of surgical techniques using robotics and mobile technology.The discussion highlights the transformative impact of data and digital solutions on patient care in Nova Scotia. The doctors emphasize the importance of data standardization, access to care, and the need for a unified electronic medical record system. They also address the challenges of procurement and the significance of adopting Canadian innovation to improve the health system. This episode provides valuable insights into how innovative approaches are shaping the future of healthcare in the region.
In this episode of Chats on Change, interim Nova Scotia Health CEO Karen Oldfield welcomes Dave Benoit, CEO of Build Nova Scotia, for a deep dive into the province’s ambitious infrastructure projects. With a background in military leadership and healthcare planning, Dave shares insights into major developments, including hospital expansions in Cape Breton and the highly anticipated QEII redevelopment. He discusses how these projects are enhancing healthcare accessibility, driving economic growth, and creating long-term careers in skilled trades.The conversation also covers the urgency of building modern healthcare facilities, the challenges of large-scale infrastructure, and the strategic planning behind Nova Scotia’s rapid growth. Dave highlights Build Nova Scotia’s role in shaping the province’s future while ensuring that projects are completed efficiently and at the right cost. Tune in for a fascinating discussion on how infrastructure is transforming healthcare for Nova Scotians.Note: This episode was recorded in January 2025. In February 2025 (https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2025/02/19/qeii-halifax-infirmary-expansion-enters-main-construction-phase), the Government of Nova Scotia finalized its agreement with Plenary PCL Health to build the new acute care tower, part of the QEII Halifax Infirmary Expansion project.LINK to Skilled Trades contact: https://www.nsapprenticeship.ca/get-started/pathways-certification#:~:text=Direct%20entry%20into%20apprenticeship%20can,train%20them%20as%20an%20apprentice.LINK to photo of QEII Halifax Infirmary Expansion Project: https://www.nshealth.ca/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/2025-03/HIEP%20Drone_2024_July%203_Edited_2.jpg?itok=7Ol6mzB-
In this episode of Chats on Change, interim Nova Scotia Health CEO Karen Oldfield sits down with Dr. Julie Maranda, Chief Medical Information Officer, One Person, One Record, to discuss the transformative One Person One Record (OPOR) project. Dr. Maranda, an experienced physician and healthcare leader, shares insights from her extensive career, including past implementations of digital health systems. They explore how OPOR will streamline healthcare across the province by providing a unified digital health record—reducing errors, improving transparency, and ultimately enhancing patient care.Dr. Maranda and Oldfield also discuss the challenges and opportunities of implementing a project of this scale, emphasizing the importance of change management and collaboration. With OPOR set to roll out in phases, they highlight the expected benefits for both healthcare providers and patients, particularly those in rural areas. Plus, Dr. Maranda shares her personal experiences of moving to Nova Scotia, her impressions of the province, and what she looks forward to exploring next.
In this episode of Chats on Change, interim CEO Karen Oldfield speaks with Lewis Bedford, Sr. Director of Clinical Networks for Nova Scotia Health’s Diagnostic and Therapeutic Services Network, about transforming diagnostic imaging and its impact on patient care. Lewis shares insights into his four years leading innovation in diagnostic services, focusing on integrating provincial systems to streamline processes for MRIs, CT scans, and ultrasounds. He emphasizes the move from paper-based to digital systems, which is key to reducing wait times and ensuring equitable access for patients across the province. This conversation also highlights the collaborative efforts with co-leader Dr. Tim Mailman, whose expertise complements Lewis’s in reshaping diagnostic services.The discussion delves into the implementation of centralized electronic referral platform, the introduction of cutting-edge equipment such as relocatable MRIs, and partnerships to manage increasing demands. Lewis also addresses challenges like recruitment of medical radiation technologists and leveraging international talent to support Nova Scotia Health’s ambitious goals. The episode closes with a celebration of the dedicated frontline teams and an optimistic look at the continued evolution of diagnostic imaging in Nova Scotia. You can learn more about efforts to improve and transform diagnostic imaging access here. https://www.nshealth.ca/improving-diagnostic-imaging-access-and-care
In this episode of Chats on Change, interim President and CEO Karen Oldfield sits down with Jason Shannon, President of Shannex Inc., a leader in senior living and healthcare services across Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Ontario. Together, they highlight Shannex's innovative initiatives, such as Parkland on the Common, and their groundbreaking new healthcare partnership with Nova Scotia Health - West Bedford Transitional Health.Jason shares insights into creating vibrant, community-oriented spaces that prioritize patient-centered care and integrate cutting-edge technology to improve mobility and foster independence. This conversation highlights how collaboration and innovation are driving the future of healthcare, with a focus on restorative care that helps patients return home.Links:https://www.nshealth.ca/locations-and-facilities/west-bedford-transitional-healthhttps://shannex.com/living-options/transitional-health/
In this episode of Chats on Change, Nova Scotia Health’s interim CEO Karen Oldfield sits down with Scott McKenna, Chief Information Officer, to discuss the transformative impact of digital innovation in health care. Scott shares insights into his journey since joining Nova Scotia Health, highlighting the success of the YourHealthNS app, which has already connected over half a million Nova Scotians to vital health resources and records. The conversation delves into the importance of empowering patients with accessible health data, building trust, and integrating systems to streamline care delivery.Scott also outlines the future of digital health in Nova Scotia, from enhancing appointment scheduling and reminders to leveraging AI for better navigation of services. The discussion touches on efforts to bridge the digital divide, ensuring equal access for all Nova Scotians. Tune in to hear how these advancements are reshaping health care and what lies ahead for the province’s digital health strategy.
In this episode of Chats on Change, Karen welcomes Dr. Nicole Boutilier, Executive Vice President of Medicine and Clinical Operations at Nova Scotia Health. With over 20 years of medical practice in rural Nova Scotia, Dr. Boutilier shares her journey and insights into driving systemic improvements in healthcare delivery. They discuss the concept of "operational excellence," emphasizing alignment, accountability, and a culture of continuous improvement. Dr. Boutilier explains how initiatives like the daily management system and huddle boards empower healthcare teams to solve problems collaboratively, creating efficiencies and enhancing care quality.The conversation delves into significant achievements such as the progress toward primary care for all Nova Scotians, the impact of integrated health strategies, and the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in healthcare. Dr. Boutilier also highlights the innovative discharge hub initiative, which prioritizes patient transitions and home-based care. With a forward-looking approach, this episode offers a deep dive into the challenges and successes shaping healthcare in Nova Scotia.
In this episode of Chats on Change, Dr. Jack Rasmussen, a plastic surgeon and critical care physician specializing in burn and wound care, speaks with Nova Scotia Health interim CEO Karen Oldfield. Dr. Rasmussen discusses his journey, from his upbringing in Antigonish to his medical training at Dalhousie University and specialized fellowship in burn care at Toronto’s Ross Tilley Burn Centre. Since joining Nova Scotia’s QEII Health Sciences Centre in 2018, he has been pivotal in transforming burn care across the Maritimes. Dr. Rasmussen also delves into the advancements in burn care, including dermal regeneration templates and new grafting techniques, which significantly improve recovery outcomes and reduce the number of surgeries for patients with severe burns. He also discusses emerging technologies, such as laser therapy for scars, which he hopes to bring to Nova Scotia in the future. Additionally, he mentions the important support role played by the Nova Scotia Firefighters Burn Treatment Society, which helps fund crucial equipment and resources. Dr. Rasmussen shares his vision for advancing care through ongoing education initiatives, like the Burn Care Education Day, aimed at empowering healthcare providers across the Maritimes to deliver high-quality, localized burn care, minimizing the need for patients to travel to Halifax.
In this episode of Chats on Change, Nova Scotia Health President and CEO Karen Oldfield sits down with Leila Bautista, a health promotion student at Dalhousie University, and discuss her role as a Health Ambassador for Nova Scotia Health. Leila, along with seven other students, spent the summer engaging with communities across the province to promote the YourHealthNS app and website. Leila shares her experiences attending community events, offering app demonstrations, and gathering feedback to help Nova Scotia Health better understand the public’s needs. In addition to being a student and Health Ambassador, Leila is also an active member of the Dartmouth Community Health Board and a dedicated volunteer. Tune in to hear about the meaningful connections she made, the feedback she gathered, and her vision for the future of health services in Nova Scotia.
In this episode, Karen is joined by Dr. Nicole Boutilier, Executive Vice President of Medicine and Clinical Operations, and their special guest, Dr. Jane Philpott. Dr. Philpott, a renowned physician, educator, and former federal cabinet minister. Dr. Philpott shares her expertise on primary care accessibility and discusses her book, "Health for All." Tune in to learn more to learn how Dr. Philpott’s concepts can be applied in to improve healthcare in Nova Scotia.Buy "Health for All" by Dr. Jane Philpott:Amazon - https://www.amazon.ca/Health-All-Doctors-Prescription-Healthier/dp/0771011725/ref=sr_1_1?crid=12GX01I77UZU9&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.OVqmNpeS76OTPA47JIVNNA.2HhM8jQs0D3cd0E5gGfDR8tsZ7XO7QDntAOSqPQHwx4&dib_tag=se&keywords=health+for+all+jane+philpott&qid=1721747734&sprefix=health+for+all+%2Caps%2C106&sr=8-1Indigo - https://www.indigo.ca/en-ca/health-for-all-a-doctors-prescription-for-a-healthier-canada/9780771011726.htmlAudible - https://www.audible.ca/pd/Health-for-All-Audiobook/B0CGRWDFHF?qid=1721747989&sr=1-1&ref_pageloadid=not_applicable&ref=a_search_c3_lProduct_1_1&pf_rd_p=b278ed0a-c3b2-4491-808c-7cb2190a487c&pf_rd_r=VM6SGYAZTNQEK13XJ6A2&pageLoadId=crgNxDyA8vpRNiQH&creativeId=0d6f6720-f41c-457e-a42b-8c8dceb62f2c
In this week’s episode of Chats on Change I’m joined by special cohost Chief Nursing Officer Annette Elliott Rose as we chat with Jenn MacDougall, the Director of Interprofessional Practice and Learning (often referred to as IPPL). In her role, Jenn helps nurses understand the many different career pathways available to them at Nova Scotia Health.Listen as we discuss Jenn’s exciting career journey: from rural and community medicine, through to critical care, emergency, and trauma care and how she’s shifted focus to support Nova Scotia Health’s nurses in developing their own unique career journey.
Today Karen sits down with Bethany McCormick and Dr. Aaron Smith, the dynamic co-leaders of Northern Zone. Together, they navigate the intricate landscape of rural healthcare, discussing innovative solutions and community-driven initiatives that are reshaping the future of care. From pioneering urgent treatment centers to fostering tight-knit healthcare communities, Bethany and Aaron reveal the transformative power of listening, learning, and leading with confident humility."Discover how data-driven decisions and front-line engagement propel the Northern Zone forward, addressing challenges with resilience and turning obstacles into opportunities. Through candid conversations and real-life examples, Bethany and Aaron share their leadership journey, offering valuable insights and lessons learned. As they reflect on their collective achievements and future aspirations, one truth becomes clear: behind every successful transformation lies a dedicated team committed to making a difference, one patient at a time.
Today on Chats on Change, Karen sits down with Sue Smith, the Chief Executive Officer and Registrar of the Nova Scotia College of Nursing. Sue talks about the history of the Nova Scotia College of Nursing, its role in nursing regulation, and its efforts in creating a unified nursing regulator in 2019. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced during this transformative process and the importance of open communication.The episode then delves into recent initiatives undertaken by the Nova Scotia College of Nursing, particularly the groundbreaking move in 2023 to expedite licensure for internationally educated nurses from seven designated countries, including India, the Philippines, the UK, the U.S., Australia, New Zealand, and Nigeria. This innovative approach aimed to address the growing shortage of nurses in Nova Scotia. Sue Smith highlights the significant response to this initiative, with over 19,000 applicants, and emphasizes the importance of collaboration with key partners, including employers and government agencies, to streamline processes and facilitate the integration of internationally educated nurses into the workforce.The podcast sheds light on the college's ongoing efforts to improve the application process, enhance communication, and address the diverse needs of nurses entering Nova Scotia. Sue Smith also discusses the impact of these initiatives during the COVID-19 pandemic, where the college facilitated the return of over 500 retired nurses to support vaccination efforts. The conversation underscores the commitment to ensuring a strong and diverse nursing workforce to meet the healthcare needs of Nova Scotia.
In this episode of Chats on Change interim CEO Karen Oldfield dives into a conversation with Dr. Rob Green, the senior medical director of the Nova Scotia Health Trauma Program.Dr. Green will share insight on his background, experiences, and the intricate details of Trauma Nova Scotia's multifaceted approach, encompassing clinical care, research, education, and policy. We'll also take a glimpse into the future of Trauma Nova Scotia, exploring plans to maintain and enhance the program's impact, improve efficiency, and extend collaboration beyond provincial borders, with an eye on the well-deserved accolades received and the positive impact on patients and healthcare workers alike.Related content:Trauma Nova Scotia's annual report:https://www.trauma-ns.com/_files/ugd/bb84cc_06e2545836fa44a988798f271d468169.pdfTrauma Nova Scotia QEII Inpatient Trauma Consult Service Outcome Evaluation (Oct 2022-Oct 2023):https://www.nshealth.ca/sites/default/files/documents/TC%20Service%201%20year%20outcomes%281%29.pdf
Today Karen welcomes Jeff Fraser, Executive Director of Emergency Health Services and Natalie Borden, Senior Executive Director of Emergency Health Services to discuss how Nova Scotia Health and E-H-S work as partners to provide ready, responsive, and reliable care.
Eunice Ojeabulu arrived in Nova Scotia poised to greet a health care recruiter and start a nursing career, both the recruiter and opportunity were too good to be true and Eunice became the unwilling victim of a recruitment scam. Despite the shocking circumstances, Eunice continued on her journey to work as a Registered Nurse in Nova Scotia and also became an advocate for other internationally educated nurses. Soon, Eunice and I met at a Community Conversation stop in Cherry Brook and our chat set a path in motion to change things.Contact: Eunice Ojeabulu: steunice2001@yahoo.com Tara Sampalli: Tara.Sampalli@nshealth.ca
After years of waiting, the Province awarded the contract for One Patient, One Record (OPOR) on February 1. I hope you can hear my cheering from here! On this episode of the podcast I chat with Dr. Christy Bussey, executive medical director for Central Zone about OPOR and what it implementation means for patients and staff and physicians.
Dr. Christine Short is a physician leader and academic clinician who is also the Senior Medical Director of Redevelopment for the Central Zone. "This last year and a bit has been just non-stop, tremendous work by that redevelopment team and that’s why now we’re ready to run and we have the confidence that now that we know the new direction, we’ll be able to get things up and going. People will see changes and positive things happening very quickly."Related links:-https://buildns.ca/healthcare/qeii-master-plan/-Christine.short@nshealth.ca
In this episode, Karen is joined by Dr. Maria Alexiadis and Lindsay Cormier from the Primary Health Care and Chronic Disease Management Network to discuss the Access Sprint pilot project. The goal is to improve processes in primary care clinics staff have a better work-life balance, while also increasing access for patients who need healthcare. As Dr. Alexiadis puts it, this is a “win-win for both providers and patients.” The word “Sprint” reflects how quickly the project is moving to meet its goal; beginning with five Primary Care clinics around the province. What’s learned in the first five clinics will then be applied to other Primary Care clinics, then to all clinics.Transcript available at:https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/shared/evJ-1TruTy7mhBjxRQIc87iw3iLwS2JkrZqJ6tUHRnMqHD07VIsx27Klgb9sCGF8a-XQe7r5ANJMbfAvlJDpOd0rgqQ?loadFrom=SharedLink
Transcript available at https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/shared/FDEyyt3i19d903GNs7Crt8NU8XczGkrZRgiXprFT4Rikb-lJTE35EKaAWmB9hpBd-vOKfCIFkSTN4PmmXejlCrIk6hw?loadFrom=SharedLinkEverywhere in Canada, health systems are focused on the challenge of improving access to primary care. We are too, of course. Recruitment of providers is essential, but in Nova Scotia we’re tackling the issue from all angles. When a new provider sets up or an established practice has capacity, we want to make it as easy as possible for them to take on new patients and does not take any time away from their seeing existing patients. On this episode, Tara Sampalli from our Research and Innovation team and Grayson Fulmer with Physician Services, join me to explain how we are partnering with Dalhousie Family Medicine to pilot an approach to patient “onboarding” that will see those Dalhousie practices add 3,500 patients from the Need a Family Practice registry over four months. It’s a peak behind the scenes and explores exciting possibilities. As Tara says, “some of the things that we’re offering up here are very simple notions, but they need to be happening everywhere.” To that end, practices who are curious about what our teams can do to help can contact tara.sampalli@nshealth.ca or graysonw.fulmer@nshealth.ca.
Welcome to Chats on Change where Nova Scotia Health Interim CEO Karen Oldfield speaks to health leaders about the work they are doing to improve the system for providers and the people we care for.Today Karen welcomes Dr. Kevin Orrell, Deputy Minister and CEO of the new Office of Healthcare Professionals Recruitment in the Nova Scotia Government to discuss the challenges and opportunities for health care recruitment and retention in Nova Scotia.
Nova Scotia Minister of Health and Wellness, Michelle Thompson, discusses how healthcare has changed since becoming a registered nurse and what her many conversations with Nova Scotia Health staff and physicians have taught her about what’s needed now to care for Nova Scotians. Minister Thompson and NSH CEO Karen Oldfield have an honest discussion about the challenges and successes found in delivering healthcare in Nova Scotia.
Transcript available at https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/shared/Xpb8t1cLP16z5z8BW2YIDfUTCZ4znQWvGYcF2A2UhzPfUmEtyN0OOPQtks9hlkeMC8aFu_ABr9M4jCKC4DZfsrb3TjE?loadFrom=SharedLinkToday Karen welcomes Dr. Jocelyn Foran to discuss the culture at Nova Scotia Health and what we can do to make it a better place to work.You can find links to all the books and papers referenced in this episode on Karen's reading list at https://intra.nshealth.ca/CEO-Corner/SitePages/Karens%20Reading%20List.aspx
Welcome to Chats on Change where Nova Scotia Health Interim CEO Karen Oldfield speaks to health leaders about the work they are doing to improve the system for providers and the people we care for.Today Karen welcomes Dr. Jan Sommers and RN Jenna Gallop to discuss VirtualEmergencyNS, a pilot project (originally spearheaded by nurse Jessica Langille) that launched in February where patients who consent to a virtual appointment have a consultation with an emergency-trained physician, supported by an on-site nurse or advanced care paramedic. The program is intended to reduce wait times for Nova Scotians visiting the emergency department with health concerns that can be appropriately treated through a virtual visit.Transcript available at https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/shared/Gorr2PyohgnomsADq3zkwC-M5ohlzZIYdrMr75yy4tWWpH2QrZ9OVLT8imCTxwCvJ4qFn2vP5ff3IQIb3EUED-bXgdk?loadFrom=SharedLink
Welcome to Chats on Change where Nova Scotia Health Interim CEO Karen Oldfield speaks to health leaders about the work they are doing to improve the system for providers and the people we care for.Today Karen welcomes Gordon Peckham and Dr. Kirk Magee to discuss the challenges and opportunities with the new Command Centre at the QEII Health Sciences Centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.Transcript available at:https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/shared/rbbW6jsPPI2_8JgYsTMpQNaA7bGW5_Cz0ZxsE7uE18V_Mc4idjILCsa_OwpnJ_XNlw17WExduqPvFrduwHgXildVi7I?loadFrom=SharedLink
When Nova Scotia Health wanted to add mobile public health units to its pandemic response, no one knew where to begin; but just 100 days later they were on the road to visit hotspots across the province.
Today Brendan sits down with Holly Gillis (Nova Scotia Health's Public Health Mobile Unit Manager) about the challenges of rolling out multiple mobile health units in the middle of a pandemic.
You would be hard pressed to find a more passionate advocate for organ and tissue donation than Dr. Stephen Beed (Medical Director of Nova Scotia Organ Donation Program for Nova Scotia Health).
Today Stephen joins Brendan to discuss life during the pandemic, his career in critical care and the impact of Nova Scotia's trailblazing organ and tissue donation legislation.
Not long ago, gynecologic oncology surgery involved procedures with large incisions, heavy blood loss and long recovery times. Now new advances in technology have changed everything. Today Brendan welcomes Dr. Stephanie Scott to discuss how her role with cutting edge robotics are a game changer for surgeons and patients in Nova Scotia.
"This was sort of shocking, you know, to say 'This is going to be open Thursday'"
The pandemic has forced Nova Scotia Health to stand up new services with remarkable speed, all while having to take social distancing and other new guidelines in to consideration.
Today Brendan welcomes Liam Shannon (Industrial Engineer, Quality and System Performance) to discuss his experience in helping Nova Scotia engineer their service delivery models under unprecedented circumstances.
The Nova Scotia Brotherhood is an innovative part of the Nova Scotia Health system that helps provide health services and advice tailored for African Nova Scotian men. Today Brendan welcomes Mario Rolle (Team Lead, Nova Scotia Brotherhood) to talk about the challenges and barriers to healthcare for black men in Nova Scotia and what we can do to change it.
How do you measure a great career? Is it the positive changes you helped to accomplish? The people whose lives you impacted in a positive way? Or the people who have impacted you? For Dr. Drew Bethune, recently retired medical lead of the provincial cancer program, it is all of the above and more. Today Drew sits down with Brendan to reflect on his incredible career and what he sees in the future for healthcare in Nova Scotia.
Keeping healthcare workers safe, healthy and on the job has been an important focus throughout the pandemic. Today Brendan welcomes Angela Keenan (Provincial Director Occupational Health Safety & Wellness) and Shelly McNeil (Chief of Infectious Diseases, Central Zone) to talk about how they’re dealing with the challenges and opportunities working through the vaccine rollout for Nova Scotia Health staff and physicians.
If you had asked the average person what an epidemiologist was a year ago, few would even hazard a guess. Today you probably know an 'armchair epidemiologist' who studies the numbers as a hobby. Today, Dr. Carr welcomes real-life epidemiologist Angie Mullen to talk about her new-found love of bbq, the pressure that the pandemic has placed on her profession and why the vaccine might not be the cure-all the world is hoping for.
On the heels of two new interventional radiology suites opening at the QEII in Halifax Brendan sits down with Vicki Sorhaindo (Manager of Interventional Radiology, Nova Scotia Health) to discuss how it will lead to less invasive procedures, shorter hospital stays and faster recovery times for Nova Scotians.
If you are one of the many Nova Scotians trying to find a primary care provider, you know how important it is for us to attract and retain doctors. Today Brendan sits down with Katrina Philopoulos (Director of Physician Recruitment for Nova Scotia Health) to talk about how we find and keep doctors in Nova Scotia, puppies and why it's all Greek to her.
Nova Scotia has recently introduced a new type of health care provider to complement the work of physicians as part of a pilot program to evaluate the role and increase access to hip and knee joint replacement surgeries. Today Brendan welcomes Erin Sephton (Physician Assistant, Nova Scotia Health Authority) to talk about her journey from paramedic to the relatively new role of Physician Assistant.
“Public Engagement” is a buzzword that gets thrown around a lot in recent years, but what does it really mean? Today Brendan sits down with Nova Scotia Health’s Director of Community Engagement and Community Health Board Support, Geoff Wilson to learn how we try to get our finger on the pulse of what Nova Scotians really want from their healthcare system.
2020 has been a year of grief and loss, especially here in Nova Scotia,. Where do we begin to start the healing process? Today Brendan speaks to Serena Lewis (Bereavement, Grief, and Wellness Coordinator for Nova Scotia Health) about grief, mourning, and motorcycles.
Have you had an online appointment with a clinician yet? If you haven’t, you probably will soon. Today Brendan talks with Cathy Cruz (Manager of the Information Management & Technology (IM/IT) Virtual Care team)about how her team is innovating to keep pace with the sudden demand for virtual care and how she harnesses her background in fine arts to help guide Nova Scotia Health in to the online future of healthcare.
How do you keep the reigns steady when the ground is shifting under your horse’s feet? Today Brendan talks with Shauna Thompson (Senior Director of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine for Nova Scotia Health) about the personal and professional challenges her team faced as they continued delivering services like blood collection and water testing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Medical microbiology was far from the spotlight only a few months ago but is now on the forefront of the battle against COVID-19. Today Brendan talks with Todd Hatchette (Chief of Medical Microbiology for Nova Scotia Health, Central Zone)about leading his team through the unpredictable early days of the pandemic and how they’re preparing for the possibility of a second wave.