In this week’s podcast we interview Dr. Ana Tomljenovic-Berube, an assistant professor in the Life Science and Integrated Sciences department at McMaster University. In this podcast, she shares with us a little bit about her educational and career path, as well as the importance of the field of microbiology and genetics including ethical considerations, innovation, and the interconnectedness of microbiology and genetics to the healthcare field as a whole. We also gain insight on how students can keep up to date with scientific literature and prepare themselves for a career in healthcare.

Today we sit down with Dorit, a second year speech language pathology student at McMaster University. In this podcast Dorit gives us a breakdown of what the SLP graduate program looks like, the steps that are needed to apply to become a speech language pathologist, and the work that professionals in this field do. We also get her insight on what students can do to prepare while in their undergrad if they are considering this field. Along with the challenges, Dorit highlights the rewards and memorable moments experienced in her clinical placements. Make sure to tune in!

In today’s podcast we listen to a healthcare worker currently working in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. There are many implications of this pandemic including the effects on the physical, mental, and social health of our communities and families. In such times however, we should look to those who are stepping up to make things better for all. We may be looking to those who are fighting to keep this virus at bay, such as our healthcare professionals. As such, we are incredibly thankful for the work done by our healthcare providers and for the optimism their work instills in us. So today, let’s hear from Sharon, a nurse practitioner in an emergency department and a nurse in ICU, on her experiences in dealing with this pandemic as a front line worker.

This week, we get the opportunity to hear from David Jewell, a communications professor in the Bachelors of Health Sciences (Honours) Program at McMaster University. In this podcast, David provides us with insight into his dynamic and diverse healthcare career journey which involve both clinical and outpatient care settings. As an experienced counsellor and communications professor, he also highlights and discusses communication skills and strategies, applicable to both healthcare settings and day-today conversations. Make sure to tune in!

This week our team had the privilege to sit down with Hartley Jaffine, a loved and respected professor here at McMaster. The conversation revolves around exploring the nuances between the collaboration of medicine/science with the arts. Specifically, the implementation of improv and theater skills to coach medical students, residents, and doctors to increase clinical competency. For instance, using the “yes, and” method from improv to help develop the routine of exploring an idea rather than relying on biases and heuristics.

In this week’s podcast, HealthCast had the honour of interviewing Dr. Ruth Cusack, a physician and research fellow currently working in the cardio-respiratory field.  Dr. Cusack is natively from Ireland where she received her medical degree, and it was during her medical education that she found an interest in researching treatments for respiratory diseases. Coming to Canada, she has focused on elucidating the mechanisms behind major airway diseases such as COPD and asthma and she has been a part of clinical studies looking into atopic dermatitis. Dr. Cusack talks to us about how physicians are constantly involved in different forms of research whether that be in actual clinical studies or in their day to day work. She also discusses how her clinical research skills transfer over to her role as a physician and vice versa. Take a listen to also hear her advice for students pursuing a future career in healthcare. For instance, she explains the importance of having an open mind and not limiting oneself as there are many areas in the field where your passions may lie.

For our very first podcast, our team sits down with Alex and Glynis—two wonderful staff members from one of Hamilton’s long-term care homes, Idlewyd Manor. This conservation reveals notable insights regarding the importance of volunteers for these institutions, a few of the experiences volunteers may have, as well as some of the valuable skills volunteers will be able to develop. We discuss how high school and undergraduate students can get involved with this type of work and really make a difference.