The Fifth Wave

his episode explores the fast growing FemTech sector, where we talk about the technology being created to address women’s health needs.   Our guests Rachel Bartholomew and Dr. Jennifer Johnston are both FemTech founders, who created their companies in response to personal and professional frustrations with outdated tools and knowledge in women’s health.  They shed light on the persistent gender data gap, the importance of designing inclusive diagnostics and the massive economic and social opportunities that exist in women’s health innovation.  

Key Takeaways:

• Innovation is born of necessity.  Both Bartholomew and Johnston developed new tech after identifying major gaps in women’s care and treatment options. 
• Data is power.  FemTech offers new ways to generate objective, consistent health data.  This is essential to closing the gender data gap in medicine and in diagnostics. 
• It’s a sector on the rise.  FemTech in Canada is becoming a global player, but still receives just a fraction of healthcare funding. 

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• Rachel Bartholomew, founder and CEO  of Hyivy and founder of FemTech Canada
• Dr. Jennifer Johnston, family physician and founder of Elle, MD

The Fifth Wave is produced by Story Studio Network.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by the hosts, guests, and participants of the Fifth Wave belong solely to the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the IWK Foundation. The information discussed in this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical, legal, or professional advice from the IWK Foundation. While we strive for accuracy, the IWK Foundation makes no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this podcast and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its use. Listener discretion is advised.

Artificial Intelligence is not just here, it’s constantly advancing.  In this episode, we look at how AI can reshape women’s healthcare.  And the risks that come with it.  From smartwatches that collect gender specific data, to algorithms that are trained on male dominated data sets, we look at the promise, as well as the pitfalls of AI in a space that has long been underserved by medical research.  Our guests weigh in on how bias, data quality, and culture affect the tools shaping our future.  And what it will take to close the gender health gap.  

Key Takeaways: 

• If there is bias going in, we’ll have bias coming out.  AI tools often rely on existing healthcare data that skews male, which creates risks for misdiagnosis and inequity for women’s healthcare. 
• Wearables, like smart watches and rings, may be the tool that helps crack the gender data gap by providing a proliferation of gender specific health data. 
• AI is a support, not a substitute for medical advice.  While it can empower patients with more precise language and self tracking, we still need expert diagnosis and human oversight.

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• Giles Crouch, Digital Anthropologist https://www.gilescrouch.com/
• Dr. Gillian Einstein – University of Toronto Dr. Gillian Einstein U of T
• Dr. Maria Migas, Menopause Specialist, Halifax, NS
• Ujwal Arkalgud, Cultural Anthropologist, Author and Entrepreneur

The Jetsons Pillcam Episode 1962:  The Jetsons Pillcam (1962)

The Fifth Wave is produced by Story Studio Network.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by the hosts, guests, and participants of the Fifth Wave belong solely to the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the IWK Foundation. The information discussed in this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical, legal, or professional advice from the IWK Foundation. While we strive for accuracy, the IWK Foundation makes no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this podcast and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its use. Listener discretion is advised.

Where does Canada sit on the world stage when it comes to women’s healthcare?  We have some catching up to do.  In this episode of The Fifth Wave: Curing the Healthcare Bias Against Women, we look at what places like the UK, Australia and Nordic countries are doing right, and what we can learn from them.  Expert voices Dr. Jocelynn Cook and Dr. Martha Hickey weigh in on the importance of data, as well as tailored policies and community informed research.  While systems differ, it’s clear that in order to move forward, Canada must build a women centred strategy that reflects its own reality.  And that starts by listening to women and gathering the right data. 
 
Key Takeaways:

• Countries like the UK and Australia have national strategies for women’s health that include menopause care, stillbirth prevention and access to contraception and abortion. 
• The barrier in Canada is solvable.  Differences in delivery from province to province can make national coordination difficult, but we can still adopt best practices rooted in solid gender specific data.
• It has to start with listening to women.  With accurate data on women’s health issues, we can start to build an effective strategy.  Asking women what they want is the first step towards real progress.

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• Dr. Jocelynn Cook, Chief Scientific Officer for the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada.  https://www.pehe-esep.ca/jocelynn-cook
• Dr. Martha Hickey, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Melbourne.  https://www.thewomens.org.au/research/research-centres/womens-gynaecology-research-centre/wgrc-our-people/martha-hickey

The Fifth Wave is produced by Story Studio Network.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by the hosts, guests, and participants of the Fifth Wave belong solely to the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the IWK Foundation. The information discussed in this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical, legal, or professional advice from the IWK Foundation. While we strive for accuracy, the IWK Foundation makes no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this podcast and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its use. Listener discretion is advised.

In this episode of The Fifth Wave, host Avis Favaro sits around the virtual kitchen table with women to share deeply personal stories about gender bias.  From life threatening misdiagnosis to breaking down barriers in male dominated fields, the conversation reveals the hidden ways gender shapes women’s lived experiences.  And why talking about it matters.  Our guests, Rose Fisher and Carliegh Bell tell us about the consequences of being unheard, and the importance of creating inclusive spaces where women can be fully recognized.  

Key Takeaways:

• Gender bias is not just systemic, it is also personal.  Rose tells us how her heart attack was initially misdiagnosed as anxiety.  Carliegh describes the emotional toll it takes on women to be accepted in a male dominated sector.  
• Women’s voices are data.  The importance of listening to women’s stories to help bridge the gender data gap, and improve systems that have been designed without women in mind.  
• Representation is vital for equity and survival.  As Rose points out, women are not just “small men”,  and solutions have to account for gender specific realities.

The Fifth Wave is produced by Story Studio Network.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by the hosts, guests, and participants of the Fifth Wave belong solely to the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the IWK Foundation. The information discussed in this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical, legal, or professional advice from the IWK Foundation. While we strive for accuracy, the IWK Foundation makes no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this podcast and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its use. Listener discretion is advised.

The conversation around menopause has exploded….but are there complications with that?  In this episode of The Fifth Wave, we explore the public discussion, celebrity branding and online influencers shaping the menopause narrative.  We get insight from guests Jennifer Barsky, Dr. Heidi Bentley and Dr. Martha Hickey as we look at the tension between empowerment and exploitation.  As women look for answers and relief for symptoms that are often misunderstood or ignored, they are navigating a booming $600 billion industry where we sometimes see marketing and desperation collide.  

Key Takeaways:

• While visibility is rising, so is misinformation.  The flood of celebrity products and influencer advice can confuse or mislead women healthcare looking for real help.  
• Healthcare gaps are fueling the market.  Many women lack access to informed providers, which can push them towards unregulated supplements and social media for support. 

Education is empowerment.  Experts are urging women to turn to credible sources for guidance, like national menopause societies and certified providers.  And recommend a sceptical eye towards online advice that is attached to products and supplements. 

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• Jennifer Barsky, founder and executive director of the Menopause Global Alliance 
• Dr. Heidi Bentley, Halifax, NS
• Dr. Martha Hickey, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Melbourne.  https://www.thewomens.org.au/research/research-centres/womens-gynaecology-research-centre/wgrc-our-people/martha-hickey

The Fifth Wave is produced by Story Studio Network.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by the hosts, guests, and participants of the Fifth Wave belong solely to the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the IWK Foundation. The information discussed in this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical, legal, or professional advice from the IWK Foundation. While we strive for accuracy, the IWK Foundation makes no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this podcast and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its use. Listener discretion is advised.

In this eye-opening episode, we step aboard “The Menopause Train” to explore the biological, emotional, and societal impact of menopause. Once whispered about as “The Change,” menopause is now entering mainstream conversation thanks to advocates like journalist Tamsen Fadal and menopause specialist Dr. Maria Migas. We unpack the reality of perimenopause and menopause, the lack of medical training around it, and the pressing need for better education, support, and workplace accommodations.  This episode encourages us all—regardless of gender—to recognize, normalize, and support the menopausal journey.


Key Takeaways:

• Menopause is more than just hot flashes.  With over 30 potential symptoms, including brain fog, anxiety and bladder infections, menopause can significantly impact daily life and is often misunderstood or misdiagnosed.  
• Medical training and awareness are lagging behind.  Most doctors receive minimal education on menopause, leaving many women without adequate support or treatment options during this stage of life.  
• Advocacy is fueling change.  Voices like Tamsen Fadal’s are pushing menopause into public conversations.  These kinds of public conversations are calling for better research, resources and workplace policies to address the huge economic cost of unmanaged symptoms in Canada alone. 

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• Tamsen Fadal:  https://www.tamsenfadal.com/
• Dr. Maria Migas, Halifax, NS  The Menopause Society of Nova Scotia
• Jennifer Gillivan, President and CEO of the IWK Foundation, Halifax, NS  https://iwkfoundation.org/
• Menopause Foundation of Canada

The Fifth Wave is produced by Story Studio Network.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by the hosts, guests, and participants of the Fifth Wave belong solely to the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the IWK Foundation. The information discussed in this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical, legal, or professional advice from the IWK Foundation. While we strive for accuracy, the IWK Foundation makes no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this podcast and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its use. Listener discretion is advised.

This episode dives into the persistent gender data gap in medical research, highlighting how decades of bias have led to significant blind spots in diagnosing and treating women. We hear from leading experts, including Dr. Gillian Einstein and Dr. Jeffrey Mogil, about how medical research has historically defaulted to male subjects—resulting in treatments that often overlook or misrepresent women’s health outcomes. Through examples ranging from Alzheimer’s research to pain studies and drug trials, the episode explores why the gap exists, the consequences it causes, and what’s needed to fix it.

Key Takeaways:

• Exclusion Creates Risk: Historically, medical trials and drug testing were predominantly conducted on men, even for conditions that primarily affect women. This lack of representation has led to ineffective or harmful treatments for half the population.
• Inclusion Alone Isn’t Enough: Including women in studies without analyzing sex based differences renders that inclusion meaningless.  Many studies report male and female participation but fail to examine how outcomes vary between sexes.  
• Closing the Gap Benefits Everyone: Gender aware research isn’t just about fairness.  It leads to better science.  Both men and women suffer when sex differences are ignored.  Researchers must treat sex as a critical discovery variable, not an afterthought.  

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• Dr. Gillian Einstein – University of Toronto Dr. Gillian Einstein U of T
• Dr. Jeffrey Mogil – McGill University  Dr. Jeffrey Mogil - Mogilab
• John Oliver’s Last Week Tonight (2020 episode on medical bias) You can see this episode here:  John Oliver Last Week Tonight Medical Bias 2020
• IWK Foundation – Jennifer Gillivan, President and CEO of the IWK Foundation in Halifax, NS  https://iwkfoundation.org/

Special thanks to Farideh for the use of her song “Female Body”  You can find the song on Apple, Spotify, YouTube and more.  Her website is www.ilovefarideh.com

The Fifth Wave is produced by Story Studio Network.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by the hosts, guests, and participants of the Fifth Wave belong solely to the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the IWK Foundation. The information discussed in this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical, legal, or professional advice from the IWK Foundation. While we strive for accuracy, the IWK Foundation makes no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this podcast and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its use. Listener discretion is advised.

In this first episode of The Fifth Wave, host Avis Favaro explores the pervasive issue of gender data gaps and how women have been historically excluded from research that shapes our daily lives all over the planet.  Drawing from Caroline Criado Perez’s book “Invisible Women”, this episode unpacks the systemic biases in medicine, urban planning and public policy that continue to favour men.  Featuring thought provoking insights from Jennifer Gillivan, Dr. Maria Migas and Dr. Jeffrey Mogil, this episode shines a light on the unseen forces that make women “invisible” in data.  And what can be done to change it.  

Key Takeaways:

• The gender data gap is real.  Most research, from drug trials to urban planning, has historically been conducted using male subjects, leaving women’s unique needs unaddressed.  
• Medical bias puts women at risk.  Women experience diseases differently, but treatments and diagnoses are often based on male data, leading to misdiagnoses and improper care. 
• Change starts with awareness and action.  Advocates like Jennifer Gillivan, Dr. Maria Migas and Dr. Jeffrey Mogil, emphasize the need for better education and inclusive research to ensure policies and systems that work for everyone.  

Listen in to uncover why gender data disparities matter – and how we can create a more equitable world for all. 

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- Invisible Women by Caroline Criado Perez
- Jennifer Gillivan, President and CEO of the IWK Foundation in Halifax, NS https://iwkfoundation.org/
- Dr. Maria Migas, family physician and certified menopause practitioner, Halifax, NS
- Dr. Jeffrey Mogil, EP Taylor professor of pain studies at McGill University in Montreal, QC

The Fifth Wave is produced by Story Studio Network.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by the hosts, guests, and participants of the Fifth Wave belong solely to the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the IWK Foundation. The information discussed in this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical, legal, or professional advice from the IWK Foundation. While we strive for accuracy, the IWK Foundation makes no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this podcast and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its use. Listener discretion is advised.

In The Fifth Wave: Curing the Healthcare Bias against Women, healthcare champions, the IWK Foundation, bring to light the profound and often dangerous consequences the gap in women’s health and research has had on women. The study of human biology has defaulted to the male body, which has hindered understanding of sex-based biological differences and results in fewer available and less effective treatments for women. We have been living in a world built for men, not only in heath care, but transportation, technology and beyond. This series will spark both curiosity and outrage leaving you wanting large scale change – a movement even. With insights from medical experts and researchers, The Fifth Wave challenges the default male standard and asks: What happens when half the population is left out of the equation? We hope to empower every woman and girl with the awareness and information to take charge of her health. Hosted by Avis Favaro.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by the hosts, guests, and participants of the Fifth Wave belong solely to the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the IWK Foundation. The information discussed in this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical, legal, or professional advice from the IWK Foundation. While we strive for accuracy, the IWK Foundation makes no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this podcast and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its use. Listener discretion is advised.