The Doc Talk Podcast

The holidays look cozy online, but in clinics and emergency rooms, this time of year can be really hard if you're sick or injured.In this episode, we break down what actually spikes over the holidays: GI flare-ups, slips and falls, viral illnesses, alcohol-related issues, and the mental load that quietly pushes people to the brink.We talk through what’s common, what’s preventable, when to seek care, and how a simple home health kit can save you hours in a packed ER. Plus: vaccination reminders, “holiday heart,” decorating injuries, and a quick holiday true-or-false based on real hospital patterns.Practical, honest, and designed to help you get through the season with fewer mishaps and some permission slips to get more rest.Thank you to our episode sponsor, FIGS.  In our line of work, we basically live in our scrubs, and we love FIGS for making ones that are comfortable, breathable, durable, and actually flattering. Beyond great scrubs, FIGS builds real community for healthcare workers with meaningful events, conversations, and (let’s be honest) the best memes online. If you work in healthcare or know someone who does, visit wearfigs.com and use code FIGSCA for 20% off your first order.Be sure to follow us @thedoctalkpod and rate, review and send us your questions. We love hearing from you.

In this recap, we dive into The Pitt’s intense two-hour mass-casualty arc,  episodes that capture the overwhelming pace, emotional weight, and coordinated chaos of real emergency medicine.We break down what mass casualty incidents look like inside a hospital, how ten-second triage works, why ABCs matter more than anything in crisis, and what the show gets right (and wrong) about resource strain, massive transfusion protocols, and provider burnout. We also talk about the emotional aftermath for teams and the ethics behind scarce resources.A Quick ReminderThe 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: @TheDocTalkPodIf you’re enjoying the recaps, be sure to like, follow, and leave us a review. It helps more people find the show. And keep sending us your questions; we love hearing what stood out to you.

The holidays are around the corner, and for many people, that means more conversations about drinking. In this episode, Shazma and Sheila answer a listener question, explore what the newest evidence says about alcohol, and reflect on how it shows up in real life, especially in midlife, perimenopause, and sleep.  We break it all down with clarity and zero judgment.This is a practical, compassionate conversation meant to help you understand your own relationship with alcohol and make informed choices that match your health goals.Resources: You can find the Canadian Mental Health Association here. You can find the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction here. Thank you to our season sponsor, FIGS.  In our line of work, we basically live in our scrubs, and we love FIGS for making ones that are comfortable, breathable, durable, and actually flattering. Beyond great scrubs, FIGS builds real community for healthcare workers with meaningful events, conversations, and (let’s be honest) the best memes online. If you work in healthcare or know someone who does, visit wearfigs.com and use code FIGSCA for 20% off your first order.And thank you our episode sponsor, Sobr Market.  In a time when personal health has become the ultimate luxury, the choices we make each day have never mattered more. And perhaps the most transformative choice is the one we remove: alcohol.Sobr Market exists for those looking for a sophisticated beverage, without the booze.  No compromise, no dull substitutes. Just exceptional alternatives that support the mindset of abstinence or moderation.  If you’re elevating your routines, protecting your focus, or simply choosing a more conscious path, Sobr Market is your partner in that journey.Discover more at SobrMarket.co or visit in person one of their bottle shops across Canada. For listeners, use code DOCTALK for 10% off your first order.Sobr Market.  Make it a great day!

Before we jump into the details of episodes 10 and 11, we're joined by the brilliant OB-GYN and medical educator Dr. Fran @pagingdrfran, to discuss the intense delivery case, a chaotic shoulder dystocia and postpartum hemorrhage that had all of our heart rates spiking. She breaks down what was accurate, what wasn’t, and shares important insight into equity in maternal care for Black women in both Canada and the U.S.Tune in for her top 3 takeaways for learners and a message for pregnant patients.Beyond the delivery case, we touch on:McKay’s decision to call the police and the emotional falloutWorkplace violence in the ED and how common it truly isRobbie’s substance use storyline and stigma in medicineThe opioid withdrawal arc and compassion in addiction careA few high-acuity moments (burns, stroke, eye trauma) that sparked teaching pointsOur favourite character beats, line of the week, MVPs, and the most relatable ED momentTeaching corners for learners and patientsFollow us on Instagram: @TheDocTalkPodcastSend us your questions, we may feature them in an upcoming episode!A Quick ReminderThe 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.

In this special episode, we're tackling a skin condition that affects 1 in 5 Canadian children: eczema. From the very first patch to long-term management, we’re breaking it all down with one of Canada’s leading pediatric dermatologists.We explore why eczema happens, what flare-ups really mean, what role genetics and the environment play, and whether kids can grow out of it. Plus, we answer the questions you’ve been sending us:What helps before prescriptions? What about food triggers? And when should you worry?Whether you're a worried parent, a clinician, or someone who grew up with eczema yourself — this episode brings clarity, compassion, and practical steps you can use today.Our Guest ExpertDr. Marissa Joseph is an Associate Professor at the University of Toronto and Medical Director of the Ricky Kanee Schachter Dermatology Centre at Women’s College Hospital. She also practices at SickKids, where she cares for children with complex skin disease and leads a pediatric laser program. She is internationally recognized for her work in pediatric dermatology, inflammatory skin disorders, and equity in dermatologic care.In This EpisodeWhat exactly is eczema (and is it the same as atopic dermatitis?)Why eczema happens — what’s going on under the skinGenetics vs. triggers: who’s most likely to develop it?What eczema looks like across different skin tonesCan food allergies cause flare-ups?Can eczema start later in life?Moisturizers, bath routines, and other non-medication strategiesWhen steroid creams and other prescriptions are necessaryThank You to Our SponsorsWe also want to thank FIGS as our season sponsor, the scrubs we wear, love, and trust in clinic, on set, and on call. FIGS designs with comfort, function, and style in mind — helping healthcare providers feel their best while they care for others. If you work in healthcare or know someone who does, FIGS is it. And right now, if you go to wearfigs dot com and use code FIGSCA, you can get 20% off your first order. That’s wearfigs dot com, code FIGSCA.Aveeno® Baby understands that every parent wants the best for their children and is committed to helping every baby feel comfortable in their skin by offering nourishing solutions. It can be challenging to properly care for your baby or toddler who is uncomfortable due to eczema, so following a daily skincare routine of bathing and moisturizing can help keep your baby’s skin under control. The Aveeno® Baby Eczema Care line is hypoallergenic and free of steroids, fragrance, parabens, and phthalates. The Eczema Care range is clinically shown to help temporarily relieve the symptoms of eczema like itch, dryness, redness, and irritation.  You can find Aveeno® Baby at your local drugstore. A Quick ReminderThe 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: @TheDocTalkPodcastSend us your questions — we may feature them in an upcoming episode!