The Doc Talk Podcast

In this episode of The Doc Talk Podcast, we break down how the Canadian health care system is actually structured and how to navigate it safely when access is limited,  from the perspectives of an emergency room doc and family doctor.
With more Canadians living without a family doctor and emergency departments under increasing strain, this episode offers practical, honest guidance on where to go for care, what different parts of the system are designed to do, and how to advocate for yourself and your loved ones.
What we cover:
How Canada’s publicly funded, provincially run health care system works
The central role of family doctors and what happens when that hub is missing
How referrals and specialist care function — and where delays happen
What to expect if you don’t have a family doctor
The real role of walk-in clinics, virtual care, and community health centres
What emergency departments are designed (and not designed) to do
A clear explanation of ER triage and why waiting works the way it does
What tests and referrals the ER can reasonably provide
When hospital admission happens and how discharge planning works
Key takeaway:
You should not need insider knowledge to stay safe in the health care system — but until access improves, information can reduce harm.
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Disclaimer:
This podcast is for general information only and does not replace medical advice from your own health care provider.
Follow us on social media @thedoctalkpod and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen to podcasts.

This is our last episode breaking down the Pitt and we’re closing this chapter with an episode we’re really proud of.
As always, we watch through two clinical lenses as Dr. Shaz as an emergency physician giving us the actual behind the scene truths.
We dig into the emergency medicine moments that stood out, the intense cases, the new characters, and yes… Dr. Robbie’s no-helmet choices. What felt real, what felt like TV, and what life in the ER actually looks like behind the scenes.
Thank you for watching along with us and for all the thoughtful messages and questions.
New episode of The Doc Talk Podcast is live. 
A Quick Reminder
The Doc Talk is for general information only. It’s not medical advice — even though we are doctors, we’re not your doctor. Always speak to your own healthcare provider for personal care. 
Follow us on Instagram: @TheDocTalkPod

The exercise and wellness space is louder than ever and often full of confident, conflicting advice. In this episode, we sit down with exercise physiologist and researcher Dr. Lauren Colenso-Semple to cut through the noise using a simple framework: Keep, Skip, or Caution.
Together, we tackle some of the most common questions and trends people are confused about right now, especially in midlife. We break down what’s evidence-based, what’s overhyped, and where nuance matters.
In this episode, we discuss:
Weighted vests and who they may (or may not) be helpful for
How much cardio people actually need each week
Strength training myths, including whether heavier is always better
How often you really need to lift weights
Cardio vs strength training and how to prioritize
Protein needs for muscle health in midlife
Creatine, who may benefit, and who should be cautious
Midsection weight gain in midlife and common misconceptions
Cold plunges, recovery, and timing around workouts
VO₂ max and longevity
DEXA scans and body composition data
Vibration plates
Cycle timing and exercise
We close with one of the most important conversations of the episode: how to decide who to trust online when it comes to fitness and health information.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by exercise advice or unsure what actually matters, this episode is for you. 
Disclaimer
This podcast is for general information purposes only and does not replace medical advice from your own healthcare provider. While we are doctors, we are not your doctor. Always speak with your healthcare provider about your personal health needs.
Follow us on social media @thedoctalkpod and send us your questions.

As cold and flu season ramps up, coughs and breathing concerns are one of the most common reasons people seek medical care. In this episode, Dr. Shazma Mithani and Dr. Sheila Wijayasinghe break down how to think about coughs during respiratory season, when antibiotics are helpful, and how to manage symptoms safely while your body recovers.
In this episode, we discuss:
Why most coughs during cold and flu season are not treated with antibiotics
Situations where antibiotics may be appropriate
Red flags that should prompt medical assessment
How long post-viral coughs can realistically last
Practical, evidence-based ways to manage cough and chest symptoms at home
Special considerations for children and over-the-counter cough medications
Wheezing, chest tightness, and when breathing symptoms need urgent care
Other common non-infectious causes of persistent cough
Teaching Corner (Health-Care Providers & Learners):
Antibiotic stewardship and expectation-setting in patients with acute cough
Identifying red flags and higher-risk patients early
Framing supportive care as active clinical management
Disclaimer
This podcast is for general information purposes only and does not replace medical advice from your own healthcare provider. While we are doctors, we are not your doctor. Always speak with your healthcare provider about your personal health needs.
Follow us on social media @thedoctalkpod and send us your questions.

We’ve reached the end of Season 1 of The Pitt — and what a shift it’s been.
In this finale episode, we’re joined by Dr. Jacob Lentz, one of the medical advisors for The Pitt, who took time while filming Season 2 to share a behind-the-scenes look at how the show brings emergency medicine to life with such realism, care, and emotional depth.
As we close out season 1's recap episodes, we want to thank everyone who watched along with us, sent in thoughtful questions, and shared what this show stirred up for them.  Whether you work in health care or simply love a series that doesn’t shy away from the emotional and human weight of medicine.
We’re so grateful to be able to take you behind the curtain of emergency medicine and to have this community of curious, engaged listeners alongside us.
The Doc Talk is for general information only. It’s not medical advice — even though we are doctors, we’re not your doctor. Always speak to your own healthcare provider for personal care.

Follow us on Instagram: @TheDocTalkPod