The Digital Health Canada Podcast explores the human side of digital health in Canada. Join us as we bring together digital health leaders to connect, empower, ...
Data drives our health system – and digital health research is a formidable engine for innovation! In today’s episode, we explore how research turns into impact, knowledge spurs action, and what leaders need to know to support the next generation of digital health professionals. Guests: Dr. Kimberlyn McGrail, Professor, UBC School of Population and Public Health; CEO and Scientific Director, Health Data Research Network Canada Dr. Tracie Risling, Associate Dean of Innovation, Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary; president-elect, Canadian Nurses Association Learn more: Canadian Medical Association 2025 Health and media annual tracking survey World Economic Forum: Global Risks Report 2025 Music: RetroFuture Clean and Breakdown, by Kevin MacLeod. Used under Creative Commons. Summary: 00:00 Introduction to Digital Health in Canada 01:43 Guest Journeys: From Journalism to Nursing and Beyond 03:55 Mentorship and Inspiration in Academia 07:45 Learning from Students: Fail Space and Connectivity 14:02 Impact of Research on Policy and Practice 16:30 Knowledge Mobilization and Applied Health Research 27:52 Equity and Access in Digital Health 35:30 Key Messages for Health Research Enthusiasts 38:42 Conclusion and Reflections
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Transforming Care with Physician Leaders
When it comes to health system transformation, the frontlines are at the forefront. Explore how clinical expertise and leadership drive innovation as two physician leaders share their journeys – and what past lessons we need to carry into our future health systems Guests: Dr. Chandi Chandrasena, Chief Medical Officer, OntarioMD Dr. Lisa Bryski, former emergency department physician Learn more: OntarioMD Physician Burnout: Potential Causes & Solutions Music: RetroFuture Clean and Breakdown, by Kevin MacLeod. Used under Creative Commons. Summary: 00:00 Meet the Hosts and Guests 02:08 Challenges and Mentorship in Medicine 06:01 Digital Health Technologies in Practice 07:22 Adoption and Evolution of EMRs 11:45 The Role of Change Management 23:59 Leadership and Public Health During COVID-19 28:07 Lessons from the Pandemic 35:51 Final Thoughts and Future Directions
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Co-Designing Futures in e-Mental Health
Technology has long been used to provide access to mental health care: from telephone and texting lines, to emerging solutions integrating AI. But as more people in Canada need mental health support—and encounter barriers to access—how are digital health solutions evolving to meet these challenges? Two leaders share their organizations' missions and their career journeys through the e-mental health space. Guests: Dr. Patricia Lingley-Pottie, President and CEO, Strongest Families Institute Maggie Inrig, Senior Director, Population Mental Health Innovation, Stepped Care Solutions Learn More: Strongest Families Institute Stepped Care Solutions A Generation at Risk: The State of Youth Mental Health in Canada - Mental Health Research Canada report The State of Mental Health in Canada 2024 - Canadian Mental Health Association report Music: RetroFuture Clean and Breakdown, by Kevin MacLeod. Used under Creative Commons. Summary: 00:00 Introduction to Digital Health in Canada 00:55 Introducing the Guests: Dr. Patricia Lingley-Pottie and Maggie Inrig 04:13 The Evolution of Digital Health Solutions 08:44 Leveraging AI and Technology for Mental Health 11:33 Capacity Building and Team Development 14:53 Balancing Flexibility and Evidence-Based Practices 18:42 The Importance of Co-Design 22:07 Optimism and Challenges in Mental Health 31:18 Closing Thoughts and Future Outlook
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Innovation and Disruption in Digital Health Startups
When entrepreneurship and patient care meet, startups are driving innovation, spreading new models of care, and offering creative solutions to shared challenges. Join us to hone your entrepreneurial skills, learn from two leading innovaors - and spark your next great idea. Guests: Chenny Xia, CEO, Gotcare Rick Menassa, CEO, iCare Home Health and Health Espresso Learn More: Gotcare iCare Home Health Health Espresso Music: RetroFuture Clean and Breakdown, by Kevin MacLeod. Used under Creative Commons. Summary: 00:52 Meet the Innovators: Chenny Xia and Rick Menassa 01:32 Journey to Entrepreneurship in Healthcare 03:01 Innovative Approaches in Home Care 08:00 Defining and Evolving Startups 14:36 Building Trust and Relationships 25:10 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs 29:42 Reflections and Takeaways
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Digital Health Cybersecurity - a Global Partnership
When data saves lives, cybersecurity doesn’t only protect systems. It protects patients. In this episode, we explore a remarkable international collaboration to advance cybersecurity in digital health, and learn how health professionals can empower themselves to stay cyber-safe. Digital Health in Canada goes international as we speak to two co-chairs of the Global Digital Health Partnership’s cybersecurity work stream! Guests: Mikki Smith, Chief Information Security Officer, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy and Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology Fuller Yu, Chief of IT Operations and Cybersecurity, Hong Kong Hospital Authority Learn More: Global Digital Health Partnership - Cyber Security Work Stream Proposed Global Digital Health Model Security Notice Guidance for Medical Device Cybersecurity Cyber Security Awareness Month 2024 Music: RetroFuture Clean and Breakdown, by Kevin MacLeod. Used under Creative Commons. Episode Summmary: 00:00 Introduction to AI and Cybersecurity Concerns 01:38 Mikki Smith's Journey in Cybersecurity 06:41 Fuller Yu's Experience and Insights 09:20 Health Care as a Prime Target for Cyber Attacks 15:51 Global Collaborations in Cybersecurity 26:08 Human Factors in Cybersecurity 32:03 Future Trends and Preparedness 37:39 Empowering Professionals and Final Thoughts
The Digital Health Canada Podcast explores the human side of digital health in Canada. Join us as we bring together digital health leaders to connect, empower, and inspire. New episodes are released monthly and free to all—tune in wherever you get your podcasts, and be sure to subscribe!