Discussions

The chart
Difficult. Hostile. Uncooperative. Missed appointments.
Pinky promise
Tears streamed down my face. There was a dim light somewhere in the distance—faint and flickering. I could see it, and I was desperate to reach it. But my body would not move; it lay unresponsive, as if it no longer belonged to me.

Jane Doe: More than just a name

A small but significant error fumbles an important patient interaction.
‘Brain drain’ in reverse: Two surprising trends reshaping Ontario’s physician workforce

New 2025 data reveals a rapid influx of IMGs and U.S.-trained doctors entering practice—but matching this growth to patient needs remains the ultimate challenge.
Better blood pressure: One family doctor’s attempt to make hypertension follow-up simpler for patients (and for the clinic)

Here is a familiar primary care moment: a patient comes in for something else, their blood pressure is high, and suddenly everyone has homework.
A key point FPs need to watch for in patients using GLP-1s

A family physician’s perspective on diagnostic pitfalls and practical considerations.
Keeping her alive

Dr. Melissa Yuan-Innes reflects on her final role as caregiver to her beloved dog, Roxy
‘They desire a better country’: An urgent call to rebuild Canada’s blood supply

Since June 1, our national blood inventory has fallen by nearly 20%. As a hematologist and immigrant who chose Canada, I know firsthand that giving blood to save a stranger is the truest measure of our nation.
Sometimes the learning that makes us uncomfortable teaches us the most

My recent first aid and CPR re-certification reminded me why maintaining these skills matters—and why we shouldn’t let anxiety stand in the way.
The years of magical thinking

Dr. Melissa Yuan-Innes reflects on the tragedy of patients who choose to put their faith in unproven ‘natural’ treatments over evidence-based medicine.
Are you prepared for COVID's (smaller) summer wave?

Do you seriously still not have a HEPA filter in your office?
Skip the doctor, pay for the scan, break the system

Alberta's plan to allow unreferred, private diagnostic testing is a costly mistake that will increase public wait times and expose patients to unnecessary harm.