Podcast
The HQ
Hosted by CHA Learning · EN
Welcome to The HQ, CHA Learning’s/HealthCareCAN’s podcast series where we explore and discuss the topics relevant to healthcare today. The HQ focuses on the people that make up and lead our complex, adaptive system of healthcare. The HQ is your trusted headquarters as, together, we engage with thought-leaders to learn and understand what matters most to those that lead our health workforce.
16episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
HIP Week 2025 Special Re-Release: Role of Health Information & its Impact on People & Health Human Resources
Oct 2200:51:05Tap to summarizeIn celebration of #HIPWeek2025, we’re revisiting one of our most insightful conversations from The HQ Podcast archives — featuring Monique Rasmussen, Regional Director, Coding & Informatics at Providence Health. Originally released in 2022, this special re-release highlights timeless lessons in health information, leadership, and its impact of health human resources.If this episode has inspired you to learn more about the world of health information, visit chalearning.ca to explore CHA Learning’s flexible online programs—designed to help you gain the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in this essential field.---The data collected and stored in our personal health records is one of the most valuable assets within healthcare. This data is used to improve the quality and safety of care, conduct clinical research, evaluate medical treatments and technologies, and guide public health decision-making and funding allocations. Who are the health professionals responsible for collecting and managing this data? How does this in turn become “health information” and why should we care more about its quality? And with the increased use of technology, how is the privacy, security, and integrity of this data and information maintained? To help us answer these questions, we are joined by Monique Rasmussen, Regional Director, Coding & Informatics at Providence Health in British Columbia. Monique has more than 27 years of Health Information Management experience and is the current Chair of the Board of the Canadian Health Information Management Association. You can learn more about Health Information Management and our HIM program by visiting our website. Tell Us What You ThinkWe welcome your feedback about the HQ Podcast so we can continuously improve and create episodes that our listeners want to hear. Please take a few moments to fill out our short survey: Click HereDon't forget to subscribe to The HQ on your favourite podcast player and leave us a review!The HQ is CHA Learning’s/HealthCareCAN’s podcast series where we explore and discuss the topics relevant to healthcare today. The HQ focuses on the people that make up and lead our complex, adaptive system of healthcare. The HQ is your trusted headquarters as, together, we engage with thought-leaders to learn and understand what matters most to those that lead our health workforce.CHA Learning | HealthCareCAN
Transcribe →Addressing Workplace Violence in Healthcare: A Conversation with CAMH’s Myfanwy Marshall
Sep 2300:41:52Tap to summarizeThe issues of workplace violence and workforce safety have quickly become among the most important topics we’re having in healthcare today. Every healthcare worker has the right to a safe workplace that is free from violence and other hazards. However, in healthcare, there is a persistent challenge in how to balance this right with the duty to care.Conversations about workplace violence are now front and centre across the whole of our health sector. The question is no longer whether this is an issue, but how healthcare leaders, providers, and policymakers can respond in ways that make a real difference in the safety of our health workplaces.In this episode of The HQ Podcast, we take on this complex and deeply human challenge: how do we build a culture of safety in healthcare that protects staff, patients, and families alike?Joining us is Myfanwy Marshall, Vice President of People and Experience at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). With a career spanning labour law, human resources, and transformational leadership, Myfanwy brings a clear-eyed perspective on the systemic drivers of workplace violence and the practical steps organizations like CAMH are taking to keep people safe.Tune in for this important conversation and come away with a clearer understanding of why this issue matters now, what’s being done to address it, and what it will take to build safer healthcare workplaces for everyone. About Our GuestMyfanwy MarshallVice President, People and Experience, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)Myfanwy Marshall is Vice President, People and Experience at CAMH. She is a strategic leader with expertise in designing and executing transformation, enriching employee engagement and experience, and ensuring effective delivery of support to employees and leaders within dynamic and complex operating environment in both private and public sectors.Myfanwy has been at CAMH for over eight years – previously serving in the roles of Interim Vice President, People and Experience; Director, People and Legal Counsel; Senior Manager, Human Resources and Labour Relations; and Manager, Labour Relations. Prior to joining CAMH, Myfanwy worked extensively in Labour Relations in large organizations including CN Railway, the Toronto Star, and the Liquor Control Board of Ontario. Myfanwy is a Labour and Employment Lawyer by training, and holds the Certified Human Resources Professional designation. She is also a committed volunteer in the community, having served on the Boards of Directors of Fred Victor Centre and Dixon Hall. Key DiscussionsDefining Workplace ViolenceWhat does violence in healthcare include — and what doesn’t it?Why Now?Exploring why the issue has surged in attention across the sector.Reporting and ContextHow data, reporting, and client populations shape our understanding.System DriversWhat forces continue to fuel violence in healthcare workplaces?Safe vs. SaferIs healthcare inherently less safe, or is it time to reject that narrative?Prevention in ActionWhat CAMH is doing: TIDES, training, audits, and workplace violence committees.The Role of LeadershipHow leaders must engage to protect and support workers. Helpful ResourcesCAMH | Website | Click HereMyfanwy Marshall | LinkedIn | Click HereTIDES | Website | Click Here Tell Us What You ThinkIf this episode sparked ideas or raised questions, we’d love to hear from you. Share your feedback through our short listener survey: Click HereAnd don’t forget—subscribe to The HQ Podcast on your favourite platform, leave us a review, and share this episode with others in your network.
Transcribe →In Focus: A Panel Discusses How to Talk About Suicide in Healthcare
Sep 1000:59:59Tap to summarizeIn this special episode of The HQ Podcast, we explore one of the most difficult—and most important—of healthcare topics: suicide.A conversation about suicide likely seems fraught and fearful to most people. Even health professionals, who may be in some of the best positions to save someone from harm, can struggle with where to begin and what to say. How personal should you be, and how vulnerable can you allow yourself to become? How do you create a safe space for dialogue—and what if you say the wrong thing? Perhaps most daunting of all: what happens when a patient, resident, or client says, “Yes, I am thinking about suicide”? In that moment, what is your shared responsibility to both address suicide and instill hope?To help us explore these questions and more, we’re joined by three remarkable guests who bring both professional expertise and lived experience to this critical conversation.Note to Listeners: This episode is inspired by “Talking About Suicide: Empowering Healthcare Providers, Instilling Hope in Clients,” a free online micro-learning course developed in partnership between the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) and CHA Learning.It is critically important that we have this conversation and learn the skills to do so safely. So please, after you’ve listened to this episode, share it with your colleagues and networks and explore the free “Talking About Suicide” course. By enrolling, and encouraging others to do the same, you can help reduce stigma and strengthen the capacity of healthcare providers to instill hope when it matters most. About Our GuestsAnita DavidAnita is a Lived Experience Strategic Advisor at BC Mental Health and Co-Chair of the Hallway Group at the Mental Health Commission of Canada. She recently received a King Charles III Coronation Medal for advancing mental health advocacy, education, and research, and fostering strong networks among patients, families and health organizations.Dr. Cheryl PollardDr. Cheryl Pollard is a professor in the Faculty of Nursing and a recognized thought leader in healthcare education, innovation, and leadership. Her work centers on promoting mental health and well-being, especially for individuals living with mental illness and their caregivers. Dr. Pollard’s research explores the power of compassionate relationships within learning environments and their impact on education. She was inducted as a Fellow of the National League for Nursing’s Academy of Nursing Education in recognition of her enduring contributions to nursing education.Dr. Allison CrawfordAllison Crawford, MD, PhD is the Chief Medical Officer for 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline (www.988.ca). She is also a Professor in the Departments of Psychiatry and Dalla Lana School of Public Health at the University of Toronto and a psychiatrist and Senior Scientist at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). A key focus of Allison’s work is improving access and equity in mental health care, especially to rural and underserved regions. She has overseen psychiatry services to Nunavut since 2010. Key DiscussionsWhy We Need This ConversationWhy talking about suicide remains one of the most avoided topics in healthcare, and what’s at stake when stigma persists.Understanding SuicideThe prevalence, complexity, and deeply personal nature of suicide—and why no one-size-fits-all approach exists.Moving Beyond FearExploring the fears healthcare providers carry, and how training and skill-building can replace stigma with confidence.The Role of Lived ExperienceWhy involving people with lived and living experience is essential to creating safe, inclusive, and effective conversations.Building Trust and HopePractical strategies for having conversations that are safe, empathetic, and respectful—and that inspire hope.Context, Culture & InequitiesHow context shapes these conversations, the importance of equity, and the systemic changes needed to support suicide prevention.Leadership in Suicide PreventionWhat healthcare leaders can do to foster safe spaces, empower their teams, and champion suicide prevention at an organizational level. Helpful ResourcesTalking About Suicide: Empowering Healthcare Providers, Instilling Hope in Clients (Free Micro Learning Course) | Learn More & Enrol HereMental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) | Website9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline | Website Tell Us What You ThinkIf this conversation resonated with you, we’d love to hear your thoughts. Share your feedback through our short listener survey: Click HereDon’t forget to subscribe to The HQ Podcast on your favourite platform, leave us a review, and share this episode with others in your network!
Transcribe →HR’s Role as a Strategic Lever in Health Care Transformation: A Panel Discussion
Jun 2401:07:59Tap to summarizeOver the past 5 years in particular, there has been a lot of discussion about human resources, or HR – but what does this include … and what more could it mean? In episode 61 of The HQ Podcast, we explore HR in its capacity to be a strategic lever for transformation in healthcare. Far beyond transactional processes, HR has the power to (re)shape the future of our health systems—especially during times of global and economic uncertainty.Why does HR matter now more than ever? What risks do we face if we undervalue strategic HR leadership? And how can health systems unlock the full potential of their people to drive meaningful change?Joining us to explore these questions—and more—are two expert healthcare HR leaders who are challenging assumptions and advancing innovative approaches to people and culture: Anna Marenick, Vice President of People, Culture and Belonging at Nova Scotia Health, and Sarah Cameron, Chief of People, Strategy and Technology at Covenant Health.Together, they share their insights on what it takes to build a strategic HR backbone, why recruitment alone won’t solve workforce challenges, and how HR must evolve to meet the values and expectations of today’s workforce. From interest-based negotiations to culture change, they discuss what success looks like when HR takes its rightful place as a transformative force in healthcare.Don’t miss this timely, thoughtful conversation about how HR can shape a sustainable and resilient healthcare future.Key DiscussionsThe Business of HR in HealthcareWhat distinguishes HR from HHR?What is HR not, and why is that distinction critical?Why HR Needs to Be More—and Different—in 2025How new generations and shifting values are redefining workWhy HR must move beyond transactional functionsBuilding a Strategic HR BackboneWhy recruitment isn’t the only answerWhat questions organizations should be asking to drive changeOvercoming Barriers to Strategic HRWhat prevents healthcare organizations from fully embracing strategic HR?How can HR leaders better communicate their value and demonstrate ROI?Transformational HR LeadershipIs sector experience essential to lead strategic HR transformation?How do HR leaders develop the skills to drive innovation and change?What Success Looks LikeReal-world examples of strategic HR approaches making an impactHow interest-based negotiations can advance workforce outcomesRisks of Losing Strategic HR LeadershipWhat’s at stake for health organizations and the system at large?Why HR executive roles are critical during economic uncertaintyPriorities for Strategic HR Leaders TodayAddressing workplace violence, retention, wellness, and moreAbout Our GuestsAnna Marenick Vice President of People, Culture and Belonging, Nova Scotia Health Anna Marenick is a successful human resources and transformational leader with extensive regional and national experience. She has led multi-faceted and complex programs in diverse and challenging environments in both the private and public sector.Anna joined nova Scotia Health in 2021 in the role of Senior Director of Organizational Change Management and later took on the role of interim Senior Director of People Services.Prior to joining Nova Scotia Health, she was the senior director of people and governance at Develop Nova Scotia. Her creative, inclusive approach to solving complex problems in a variety ofsettings makes her exceptional at collaboratively propelling ideas and people forward.She sits on the Board of Directors of Saint Mary’s University and Neptune Theatre. She is also actively involved in the Governor General’s Canadian Leadership Conference.Earlier this year, at the Nova Scotia Chartered Professional in HR awards, Anna was presented with theUnion Partnership Award, and the NS Health team was presented with the Team of the Year award.Anna has a Master of Business Administration from Saint Mary’s University and Bachelor of Arts (Political Science) from St. Francis Xavier University. She is also a Prosci Certified Change Management Professional and a Chartered Professional in Human Resources. Sarah Cameron Chief of People, Strategy and Technology, Covenant Health Sarah Cameron is chief of people, strategy and technology at Covenant Health, where she leads human resources, strategic planning, communications, and technology initiatives across the organization. Since joining Covenant Health’s executive team in October 2022, Sarah has brought extensive experience in corporate strategy, organizational development and transformational leadership.Prior to her current role, Sarah served as chief human resources officer for the City of Saskatoon, where she owned her expertise in talent management, leadership development, and driving organizational change at scale. Throughout her career, she has specialized in helping organizations enhance their performance and effectiveness through strategic people-focused initiatives.Sarah is passionate about the power of relationships and collaboration in solving complex challenges and creating meaningful change. She believes in fostering healthy, inclusive work environments that empower teams to deliver their best work in service of the communities they serve. Helpful ResourcesAnna Marenickt: LinkedIn | Click HereSarah Cameron: LinkedIn | Click HereNova Scotia Health | Website | Click hereCovenant Health | Website | Click HereHealthCareCAN’s Health Human Resources Advisory Committee (HHRAC) | Website | Click Here Tell Us What You ThinkIf this episode sparked ideas or raised questions, we’d love to hear from you. Please take a moment to share your feedback through our short listener survey: Click HereAnd don’t forget—subscribe to The HQ Podcast on your favourite platform, leave us a review, and share this episode with others in your network who care about making healthcare more sustainable and future-ready.
Transcribe →Sustainability in Action - Bryan Witt on Leading “Energy and Environmental Sustainability” Strategies at Saskatchewan Health Authority
Apr 10, 202500:40:44Tap to summarizeAcross Canada, healthcare leaders are turning awareness into action when it comes to environmental sustainability—and the momentum is growing. In this episode of The HQ Podcast, we highlight a powerful example of what’s possible when a health system embraces sustainability not just as a goal, but as a guiding principle for innovation, equity, and long-term impact.Joining us is Bryan Witt, Vice President of Provincial Clinical and Support Services for the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA). A seasoned healthcare professional, Bryan brings over 25 years of experience to the conversation, with a background spanning clinical roles, executive leadership, and system improvement. Under his stewardship, SHA is moving from conversation to action—aligning environmental responsibility with system goals and community values.From rooftop gardens and energy-saving initiatives to Indigenous engagement, Bryan shares a compelling vision of how energy and environmental sustainability can be woven into the fabric of a healthcare delivery organization. The conversation offers both strategic insights and practical takeaways for healthcare leaders, providers, and changemakers across Canada.What does it take to get buy-in at all levels of an organisation? How can sustainability move from a “side-of-the-desk” effort to a central pillar? And what lessons can health professionals draw from SHA’s journey?Tune in for a thoughtful discussion about leading systemic change through environmental stewardship in healthcare. Key Discussions:A Personal Journey into Planetary HealthHow did Bryan’s career evolve to include sustainability leadership in healthcare?Defining Sustainability in the Health System ContextWhat does “sustainability” mean at SHA?Why is planetary health relevant to healthcare, and what makes it a priority?Getting Leadership on BoardHow did Bryan gain the support of SHA’s executive team and board?What role did environmental scans, internal data, and alignment with SHA’s vision play?From Vision to ActionHow does SHA engage staff in green initiatives like energy reduction?How is sustainability embedded—not sidelined—as part of SHA’s operations?The Role of LEAN in GreenHow has LEAN helped support environmental efforts?What kinds of efficiencies and improvements are emerging from this integration?Community and Cultural CollaborationHow is SHA engaging First Nations and Métis communities in its sustainability work?Why is inclusion essential for true planetary health?Highlights and InnovationsWhat’s the story behind the rooftop garden in Saskatoon?What other initiatives are making a visible impact?Resourcing the Work and Sustaining MomentumHow is SHA resourcing its sustainability strategy?How do they ensure this work continues to grow and evolve?Looking ForwardWhat lies ahead for SHA’s environmental efforts?What advice does Bryan have for leaders looking to begin or accelerate their own sustainability journey? About Our GuestBryan Witt Vice President, Provincial Clinical and Support Services, Saskatchewan Health AuthorityBryan Witt is a respected healthcare leader with a 25+ year career spanning nuclear medicine, healthcare operations, system improvement, and executive leadership. His roles have included Director of Medical Imaging and Nuclear Medicine, Kaizen Fellow, and Co-Commander of Saskatoon’s Integrated Health Incident Command Centre during the pandemic. He holds an MBA from the University of Regina, a Fellowship in Health System Improvement from the University of Alberta’s School of Public Health, and is a Certified Health Executive.Through a philosophy of continuous improvement and collaboration, Bryan is advancing a sustainability vision that aligns with SHA’s core mission—improving care, enhancing systems, and protecting the health of future generations. Helpful ResourcesGuest: Bryan Witt | LinkedInSaskatchewan Health Authority | Website | LinkedInSAH Rooftop Garden | Story Tell Us What You ThinkIf this episode sparked ideas or raised questions, we’d love to hear from you. Please take a moment to share your feedback through our short listener survey: Click HereAnd don’t forget—subscribe to The HQ Podcast on your favourite platform, leave us a review, and share this episode with others in your network who care about making healthcare more sustainable and future-ready.
Transcribe →Key Insights from the Caring for Canadians: Canada’s Future Health Workforce Report with Dr. Geneviève Moineau
Mar 20, 202500:54:43Tap to summarizeCanada’s healthcare system is at a critical juncture as it continues to face workforce challenges with respect to capacity —a challenge which had long persisted before the pandemic made it into a crisis. The gap between the number of healthcare professionals needed to deliver quality care and the actual supply of available professionals is huge and will continue to widen over the next 10 years if nothing more is done. That is one of the narratives emerging from Health Canada’s recent Workforce Education, Training and Distribution Study. While recruitment strategies remain an important part of the solution, experts agree that we cannot simply recruit our way out of this challenge. Instead, a multifaceted approach is needed—one that balances workforce retention, role optimization, and strategic investments in education and training.Health Canada’s recently released report, Caring for Canadians: Canada’s Future Health Workforce, offers a comprehensive look at the current state of health workforce education, training, and distribution in Canada across five professions critical to primary care delivery. The study provides valuable insights into the systemic barriers preventing the efficient development and deployment of healthcare professionals and proposes actionable recommendations for addressing these challenges.In this episode of The HQ Podcast, we explore the findings of this significant study and the implications for Canada’s healthcare workforce and those responsible for developing these professionals. Joining us is Dr. Geneviève Moineau, Chief Medical Workforce Advisor at Health Canada and Chair of the Caring for Canadians: Canada’s Future Health Workforce report. Dr. Moineau has dedicated her career to advancing medical education and workforce planning, having previously served as President & CEO of the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada (AFMC) and now serving as Vice-President of the World Federation for Medical Education. With her extensive experience in education, policy, and workforce strategy, Dr. Moineau provides key insights into what needs to happen next to develop a sustainable health workforce for the future.What will it take to match the supply of healthcare professionals with system needs and demand? How do we ensure that educational institutions, regulators, and employers work collaborate and coordinate to develop the workforce we need? And what risks do we face if we fail to address these structural gaps? Tune in as we dive into these pressing questions with one of Canada’s foremost experts in health workforce strategy. Key Discussions:The State of Canada’s Healthcare WorkforceWhat are the most pressing challenges facing Canada’s health workforce today?How does the Caring for Canadians report help us understand the scale of the issue?Education and Training as a Workforce SolutionWhat role does the education system play in addressing the workforce supply gap?How do professional associations, colleges, governments, regulators, and employers influence workforce training and distribution?Overcoming System BarriersWhy isn’t simply adding more education seats enough to fix the problem?How can we address misalignment between educational institutions and workforce needs?What systemic obstacles need to be removed to increase efficiency in training and licensing healthcare professionals?Innovations in Workforce DevelopmentWhat are some emerging strategies or models that show promise in closing the workforce gap?How are different provinces and territories approaching workforce development?Next Steps and Policy RecommendationsWhat recommendations from the Caring for Canadians report should be prioritized?How have provincial and territorial governments responded to the findings?What actions are needed to ensure long-term workforce sustainability in Canada’s healthcare system? About Our Guests: Dr. Geneviève MoineauChief Medical Workforce Advisor, Health CanadaVice-President, World Federation for Medical EducationDr. Moineau was appointed Health Canada’s Chief Medical Workforce Advisor in August 2023 to support the federal response to current health workforce challenges. In this role, she led the this study mandated by health ministers with the resulting report, Caring for Canadians: Canada’s Future Health Workforce, approved in January 2025 at the Heath Minister’s Meeting. She has advised on budget 2024 initiatives, and engaged with health workforce, health professions education, regulation and accreditation leaders across the country to support collaboration in addressing health workforce issues in Canada now, and into the future. In January 2023, Dr. Moineau also became Vice-President of the World Federation for Medical Education, a position she continues to hold. Prior to her appointment at Health Canada, Dr. Moineau completed a 10-year term as President and CEO of the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada (AFMC) on June 30, 2023. She is a Professor in the Department of Pediatrics and Emergency Medicine at the University of Ottawa and has privileges in Pediatric Emergency Medicine at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario. Helpful Links and Resources:Guest: Dr. Geneviève Moineau | LinkedInCaring for Canadians: Canada’s Future Health Workforce | Read the ReportHealth Canada | WebsiteAssociation of Faculties of Medicine of Canada (AFMC) | Website Tell Us What You ThinkWe welcome your feedback about the HQ Podcast so we can continuously improve and create episodes that our listeners want to hear. Please take a few moments to fill out our short survey: Click HereDon’t forget to subscribe to The HQ on your favourite podcast player and leave us a review!
Transcribe →Another Crisis: What Would be the Impact of US Tariffs on Canada’s Healthcare Sector?
Feb 12, 202500:58:07Tap to summarizeThe current trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada and other countries would have real consequences for our healthcare systems which are still not fully recovered from the impact of the COVID pandemic. A resurrected policy issue, tariffs are now at the centre of economic and political discourse, raising urgent questions for all health care organizations, leaders, and governments. The proposed US-tariffs and economic policies would threaten all supply chains, including healthcare’s, and with that the cost of essential medical supplies, devices, and equipment would certainly rise, straining government and hospital budgets. Such disruptions in our intertwined supply chains would lead to shortages and increased costs… and both would threaten our health workforce and its capacity to deliver timely, accessible, and quality patient care.Could we see shortages of critical medical resources? How will rising costs affect healthcare organizations? And what can leaders do to navigate this uncertainty?In this episode of The HQ podcast, we explore the risks and realities of U.S. tariffs on Canada’s healthcare sector. To unpack these pressing questions, we are joined by two leaders with firsthand expertise. Kendra Frey, Vice President of Strategic Sourcing & Innovative Solutions at HealthPRO Canada, oversees procurement for over 2,000 healthcare facilities nationwide. Nicole DeKort, President & CEO of Medtech Canada, represents Canada’s medical technology companies and has worked at the intersection of healthcare policy and industry for years. Together, they provide insight into the economic, logistical, and policy-driven aspects of this complex issue—and what tariffs could mean for the future of healthcare in Canada.With tariffs threatening to disrupt healthcare supply chains and drive-up costs, healthcare leaders need to be prepared for the challenges ahead. How can the system adapt? What strategies can organizations use to navigate uncertainty? Tune in to this episode of The HQ podcast for expert insights and practical takeaways on what these trade policies mean for the future of healthcare in Canada. Key Discussions:Understanding Tariffs & Their RisksWhat exactly are tariffs, and how do they function in global trade?How do the proposed U.S. tariffs threaten the stability of healthcare supply chains in Canada?The Threat to Healthcare Providers & PatientsCould these tariffs lead to shortages of critical medical supplies and devices?What are the potential consequences for healthcare workers and patient care?Lessons from the Pandemic & Proactive StrategiesWhat lessons did Canada’s healthcare system learn from previous supply chain disruptions, like COVID-19?How can procurement leaders and policymakers mitigate risks and build supply chain resilience?Domestic Innovation vs. Economic StrainCould tariffs drive new opportunities for domestic production, or will they simply create additional strain on existing resources?How do international trade agreements factor into Canada’s ability to navigate these economic pressures?Actionable Takeaways for Healthcare LeadersWhat immediate steps can healthcare organizations take to prepare for potential tariff impacts?How can organizations balance cost-efficiency with supply chain resilience in an uncertain economic landscape? About Our Guests: Kendra FreyVice President, Strategic Sourcing and Innovative SolutionsHealthPRO CanadaAs Vice President of Strategic Sourcing and Innovative Solutions at HealthPRO Canada, Kendra provides executive leadership and strategic oversight across all sourcing portfolios, including Pharmacy, Clinical, Support Services, Nutrition and Food Services, Capital Equipment, and Signature Services. She is responsible for delivering innovative procurement strategies that enhance efficiency, generate cost savings, and maximize value for the more than 2,000 healthcare facilities HealthPRO Canada serves.With extensive expertise in strategic sourcing, Kendra plays a critical role in strengthening the resilience and sustainability of Canada’s healthcare supply chain. Her strategic vision and leadership ensure that HealthPRO Canada continues to drive market-leading solutions that support member organizations in delivering high-quality patient care.A certified Supply Chain Management Professional (CSCMP), Kendra holds an Honours Bachelor of Commerce in Management Economics from the University of Guelph. Nicole DekortPresident & CEOMedtech CanadaNicole DeKort is the President & CEO of Medtech Canada – the industry association representing Canada’s Medical Technology Companies – pursuing opportunities to demonstrate the value of innovative medical technology to government, stakeholders, and key partners in the health care system.She previously served for 10 years as the Vice-President of Ontario & Marketing for Medtech Canada, overseeing Ontario government relations and national marketing programs for the association. In response to the heath system challenges we’ve faced in the last few years – both the pandemic and the wait times and decreased access to health services in Canada – Nicole worked with her colleagues to launch www.medtechinnovation.ca which highlights the vast impact the medical technology had in response to the pandemic, and also highlights the tremendous role that the medical technology industry is playing to help address the medical services backlogs in Canada.Prior to joining Medtech Canada, Nicole has a 15-year background in politics and government in a diverse portfolio of roles. Nicole’s last role in government prior to joining Medtech Canada was serving as the Executive Director of Strategic Planning for the then Minister of Health and Long-Term Care.Nicole also serves on the Board of Directors for Life Sciences Ontario, the provincial association representing the Life Sciences sector in Ontario. Helpful Links and Resources:Guest: Kendra Frey | LinkedIn: Click HereHealthPRO Canada | Website: Click HereGuest: Nicole DeKroot | LinkedIn: Click HereMedtech Canada | Website: Click HereCollaboration: The Key to Mitigating Threat of Looming Trade War | Resource: Click HereProtecting Canada’s Healthcare Supply Chain Amid Growing Trade Uncertainty | Resource: Click HereReady or Not: Download the Healthcare Supply Chain Playbook | Resource: Click Here Tell Us What You ThinkWe welcome your feedback about the HQ Podcast so we can continuously improve and create episodes that our listeners want to hear. Please take a few moments to fill out our short survey: Click HereDon’t forget to subscribe to The HQ on your favourite podcast player and leave us a review!
Transcribe →Leaders Make a Difference: Dr. Alan Greenglass on What Healthcare Professionals Can Do to Drive Planetary Health Improvements
Jan 21, 202501:04:56Tap to summarizeSeason 4 of The HQ podcast begins with a compelling discussion on what continues to be one of the most pressing issues: planetary health. Healthcare professionals face the dual challenges of responding to the impact our shared climate crisis is having on health and health equity, as well as adapting our health system to lessen its massive contribution to this problem. As such, this episode invites listeners to explore how healthcare can lead the charge in building a sustainable future and to reflect on how we can each use our influence to effect positive change in sustainability and planetary health.Our special guest, Dr. Alan Greenglass, brings decades of leadership and expertise to the table. A retired primary care internist and former health system executive, Dr. Greenglass has spent his post-clinical career championing environmental advocacy. Collaborating with healthcare professionals, he helped form the Mid-Atlantic Alliance for Climate and Health (MAACH), an alliance that now includes 19 healthcare members united to tackle climate change head-on.In this thought-provoking conversation, Dr. Greenglass delves into the intersection of healthcare and planetary health, sharing practical strategies to address environmental risks, foster resilience against climate-related challenges, and influence health system policy.With actionable insights and inspirational stories, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to make a meaningful impact in healthcare by advancing sustainability and safeguarding planetary health. Key DiscussionsWhy Climate Matters to Healthcare:We explore why health professionals and systems must prioritise climate issues amid competing demands. Dr. Greenglass provides his “elevator pitch” on why addressing these concerns is critical for the future of healthcare and public health.Healthcare’s Role in Mitigating Risks:Dr. Greenglass outlines how healthcare systems can reduce environmental risks to their communities and enhance their resilience against climate-related challenges.Health Equity and Planetary Health:We discuss the relationship between planetary health, healthcare, and health equity, examining the interconnected nature of these concepts and their implications for systemic change.Best Practices and Leadership:Dr. Greenglass highlights exemplars in the healthcare community who are leading the way in climate and environmental health, offering inspiration and practical takeaways for listeners.Leadership Beyond Formal Roles:Addressing the importance of influence, Dr. Greenglass shares insights into how individuals can lead and drive action even without formal leadership titles. About Alan GreenglassAlan is a retired primary care internist and health system executive, now living in Delaware. He did his medical training in Providence. He then practiced medicine and managed medical practices in the Hartford area and in New Haven, before continuing his management career in Delaware.His health care interests have always included population health and the social determinants of health.He found that the environmental concerns that he and his family have fit well into his current work on the impact of climate change and of environmental degradation on health.Over the last several years he has collaborated with other health care professionals in the Delaware, South Jersey, Southeast Pennsylvania region to form the Mid-Atlantic Alliance for Climate and Health (MAACH). This Alliance now has 19 member organizations, including those representing health professionals, and also environmental NGOs. The goals of MAACH are to provide education on environmental health topics to other health professionals and to the lay community; to bring the health voice to discussions about climate change, and to influence public policy.Alan is also the author of a recent book, Curing Physician Management: Why Physician Managers Fail. Helpful Links: Alan Greenglass | LinkedIn: Click Here Curing Physician Management: Why Physician Managers Fail | Book: Click Here Asthma and Housing Disparities | Dr. Tyra Bryant-Stephens | Article: Click HereAssociation of Air Pollution and Heat Exposure With Preterm Birth, LowBirthWeight, and Stillbirth in the US | Dr. Bruce Bekkar | Article: Click HereNet Zero Healthcare: a call for clinician action | Jodi Sherman | Article: Click Here Tell Us What You Think We welcome your feedback about the HQ Podcast so we can continuously improve and create episodes that our listeners want to hear. Please take a few moments to fill out our short survey: Click Here Don’t forget to subscribe to The HQ on your favourite podcast player and leave us a review!
Transcribe →Rethinking Healthcare, Planetary Health and Systems Change through an Indigenous Lens with Dr. Nicole Redvers
Nov 7, 202400:43:31Tap to summarizeIn this thought-provoking episode of The HQ, we continue our exploration into the interconnectedness of healthcare and planetary health. Building on previous discussions about climate change, environmental sustainability, and the broader social impact of our consumptive healthcare practices, we now take a deeper dive into alternative approaches that challenge the prevailing systems.Our guest, Dr. Nicole Redvers, brings a unique perspective to the conversation. As a member of the Deninu K’ue First Nation in Canada’s Northwest Territories, Dr. Redvers has dedicated her career to working with Indigenous patients, scholars, and communities worldwide. She is an Associate Professor, Western Research Chair, and Director of Indigenous Planetary Health at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry at Western University and serves as the Vice President Research at the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada (AFMC). Dr. Redvers has been a leading advocate for incorporating Indigenous perspectives into human and planetary health research, and she authored The Science of the Sacred: Bridging Global Indigenous Medicine Systems and Modern Scientific Principles.In this conversation, we examine the core values and beliefs that have shaped our current systems and explore the lessons we can learn from Indigenous knowledge and health models. Dr. Redvers offers profound insights into how shifting our mindset and embracing alternative, holistic approaches could create more meaningful and sustainable change in healthcare and beyond.Tune in to discover how Indigenous perspectives can inform and reshape our approach to healthcare and planetary health, offering pathways to a more integrated and sustainable system. Key Discussions:Dr. Redvers’ Journey: Dr. Redvers shares her story and path into advocating for planet-centric healthcare and education, highlighting the experiences that shaped her dedication to this work.Connecting Healthcare and Planetary Health: We discuss the foundational concept of planetary health and how our understanding of health must encompass the well-being of our planet.Prioritizing the Right Issues: Dr. Redvers addresses whether our current focus on reducing emissions and pollution in healthcare is enough or if we should shift the conversation to more fundamental concerns.Unspoken Burden of Healthcare: Why has the environmental impact of healthcare been a neglected topic, and what’s driving the growing awareness today?Learning from Indigenous Models: We explore the potential of Indigenous health models and traditional medicine systems to transform Western healthcare, understanding the interplay between these approaches.Eco-Anxiety and Action: Addressing eco-anxiety, Dr. Redvers shares strategies for turning fear into actionable solutions, drawing from her experiences and the impacts of environmental disasters on her community.Systemic Competition and Change: A critical examination of the tensions between different systems, how they operate in isolation or in connection, and what it takes to enact systemic change without exacerbating flaws or disruptions.Healing the System: Can we use a flawed system to repair itself, or must we look for alternatives? Dr. Redvers provides her perspective on navigating this complex challenge. About Our Guest: Dr. Nicole Redvers, ND, MPH, DPhilc, is a member of the Deninu K’ue First Nation (Northwest Territories, Canada) and has worked with Indigenous patients, scholars, and communities around the globe her entire career. She is an Associate Professor, Western Research Chair, and Director of Indigenous Planetary Health at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry at Western University. She also currently serves as the and is Vice President Research at the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada (AFMC). She has been actively involved at regional, national, and international levels promoting the inclusion of Indigenous perspectives in both human and planetary health research and practice. Dr. Redvers is the author of the trade paperback book titled, ‘The Science of the Sacred: Bridging Global Indigenous Medicine Systems and Modern Scientific Principles’. Helpful Links: Nicole Redvers | LinkedIn: Click Here Nicole Redvers | Twitter: Click Here Indigenous planetary health and the bridging of Indigenous and conventional medicine systems | Book: Click Here Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry - Western University | Website: Click Here Tell Us What You Think We welcome your feedback about the HQ Podcast so we can continuously improve and create episodes that our listeners want to hear. Please take a few moments to fill out our short survey: Click Here Don’t forget to subscribe to The HQ on your favourite podcast player and leave us a review!
Transcribe →Why We Must Rethink Healthcare’s “Throwaway Culture”: Dr. Mahmood Bhutta on Planetary Health and Sustainable Solutions
Oct 10, 202400:52:34Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The HQ, we explore a crucial yet little discussed issue in healthcare: the environmental – and social – harms caused by our medical supply chains. These challenges became particularly evident during the pandemic, when global supply chains were pushed to the brink, highlighting our dependence on foreign production for critical medical items like masks and gloves. Yet the issue of supply chains is surprisingly much more encompassing of many supplies that are manufactured under sub-standard conditions in other countries, and which ultimately will be “thrown away” after a single use. As healthcare continues to grapple with its environmental footprint and ethical responsibilities, our guest, Dr. Mahmood Bhutta, has been at the forefront of bringing awareness to the issues and opportunities which are driving much needed change in this space.Dr. Bhutta, the inaugural Chair in ENT Surgery and Professor of Sustainable Healthcare at Brighton and Sussex Medical School in the UK, and Clinical Green Lead for University Hospitals Sussex, brings decades of experience and a deep commitment to addressing both the environmental and human rights impacts of healthcare. His unique perspective offers valuable insights into how we can rethink our approach to healthcare supply chains for a more sustainable and ethical future.In this insightful conversation, Dr. Bhutta discusses how our "throwaway culture" in healthcare has contributed to significant waste and exploitation, and why it’s vital for healthcare leaders to start addressing these issues at both the policy and operational levels. He also shares practical solutions that can lead to a more sustainable and ethical healthcare system, without compromising patient care.Tune in to learn more about the impact of supply chains on planetary health and what steps healthcare leaders can take to make a change. Key Discussions:Throwaway Culture in Healthcare: Dr. Bhutta explains the concept of throwaway culture and how it manifests in healthcare, from the over-reliance on disposable items to the environmental and labour rights consequences.Labour Rights and Medical Supply Chains: We delve into the troubling conditions under which many healthcare products are manufactured, including child labour in some regions. Dr. Bhutta shares his personal connection to these issues and why they demand urgent attention.Systemic Misconceptions: Dr. Bhutta challenges several misconceptions in healthcare, including the role of personal protective equipment (PPE) and the assumption that disposability is inherently safer or more cost-effective.Sustainability in Healthcare: The conversation moves towards solutions, as Dr. Bhutta outlines what sustainable healthcare could look like—focusing on reusable products, improved purchasing models, and a shift in mindset across the system.Impact on Global Healthcare Systems: Dr. Bhutta addresses the larger threat that unsustainable practices pose to healthcare systems globally and offers insight into what a policy agenda for sustainable healthcare might include. About Our Guest:Dr. Mahmood Bhutta is a pioneer in sustainable healthcare. As a leading voice on the environmental and human rights impacts of healthcare supply chains, Dr. Bhutta works to make healthcare systems more sustainable and equitable. He serves as Chair in ENT Surgery and Professor of Sustainable Healthcare at Brighton and Sussex Medical School in the UK and is the Clinical Green Lead for University Hospitals Sussex. His extensive research and activism have led to real-world changes in healthcare practices, helping reduce waste and improve labour conditions across the medical supply chain. Helpful Links: Brighton and Sussex Medical School | Twitter: Click HereBrighton and Sussex Medical School | Facebook: Click HereBrighton and Sussex Medical School | LinkedIn: Click HereBrighton and Sussex Medical School | Website: Click Here Tell Us What You ThinkWe welcome your feedback about the HQ Podcast so we can continuously improve and create episodes that our listeners want to hear.Please take a few moments to fill out our short survey: Click HereDon’t forget to subscribe to The HQ on your favourite podcast player and leave us a review!
Transcribe →