In Our VoICES

What does the latest data say about ADHD and pregnancy, and how should those findings be understood without stigma or fear? In this episode, Dr. Jonathan Zipursky discusses why supportive, personalized care and informed decision-making are key for people navigating pregnancy with ADHD. This episode is a shorter, refreshed take as we try out a new format that zooms in on a single study, giving us t...

How can linked genetic and health data transform cancer research? In this episode, we explore how the Ontario Hereditary Cancer Research Network (OHCRN) works with patients and researchers to improve prevention and care, and how linking with ICES data supports a better understanding of hereditary cancers across Ontario.  Dr. Raymond Kim is a Medical Geneticist and hereditary cancer syndrome resear...

How is social prescribing reshaping modern healthcare—and what could it mean for patients and caregivers? In this episode Dr. Kate Mulligan and Liv Mendelsohn discuss what social prescribing is, its impact on health care, and the need for investment and policy change to embed the practice in care systems.  Dr. Kate Mulligan is an award-winning health geographer, implementation scientist, and polic...

What if reframing palliative care as an early, community‑rooted approach could transform how Canadians navigate serious illness? In this episode Dr. Hsien Seow and Sheli O’Connor discuss how education, public engagement, and patient‑centered care can reduce stigma and ensure more compassionate support for patients and families. Dr. Hsien Seow is the Canada Research Chair in Palliative Care and Hea...

How do you guide a research and data analytics institute through massive growth, a pandemic, and the rise of AI? In this episode, Michael Schull shares insights from 12 years as CEO of ICES, celebrating its achievements and outlining the opportunities he sees for ICES to advance health care and health research in Ontario.     Michael Schull , MSc, MD, FRCPC, is a nationally recognized leader with...

What does the Housing First program reveal about ending homelessness in Canada— and what challenges remain? In this episode, we explore how the Housing First program fits into the bigger picture, why long-term stability goes beyond shelter, and what comprehensive supports are needed to address the root causes of homelessness. Dr. Stephen Hwang is Director of St. Michael’s Hospital’s MAP Centre for...

How has First Nations data governance in Ontario transformed over the past decade? In this episode, Jennifer Walker and Carmen Jones discuss how the ICES and Chiefs of Ontario partnership has evolved—reflecting on its origins, its current impact, and the goals shaping its future.  Edit at 9:55: There were 137 boil water advisories at one time across Canada, not across Ontario.  Dr. Jennifer Walker...

What does the story of mifepristone reveal about healthcare equity in Canada? This episode explores how one medication reshaped care, the barriers that persist, and what it reveals about equity in reproductive health. Dr. Liz Darling is a professor and the assistant dean, midwifery at McMaster University, an adjunct scientist at ICES, and a registered midwife with graduate training in epidemiology...

What does affirming, respectful, and safe health care look like for transgender and gender diverse individuals- and why does it matter now more than ever? In this episode, we discuss the importance of gender-affirming care and how we can make health care safer and more inclusive for transgender and gender diverse individuals.     Dr. June Lam , MD, PhD, FRCPC is an Associate Scientist with the Ins...

How is GEMINI using AI to turn routine hospital records into tools for national healthcare reform? In this episode we discuss how AI and health data can be harnessed to improve healthcare and how we ensure these tools are used responsibly.   Amol Verma is a physician and scientist in General Internal Medicine at St. Michael’s Hospital and the Temerty Professor of AI Research and Education in Medic...

Does assisted living adequately balance older adults’ need for independence and regulated medical care? In this episode we shed light on assisted living—its benefits, shortfalls, and why so many Canadians prefer to age in place.   Dr. Derek Manis is an interdisciplinary health services and policy researcher and epidemiologist who has expertise in population-level analytics, observational and quasi...

Does the answer to improving the primary care system lie in the ideas of patients and the public? In this episode we discuss Canada’s primary care crisis and how the OurCare project is involving the public in reimagining primary care.    A family doctor and renowned primary care researcher, Tara Kiran investigates how changes in the health care system impact patients, particularly the most vulnera...

Tune in September 10 for season two of In Our VoICES, the podcast that brings you the health data, without the drama. This season, we’re diving into all new topics with trusted experts, scientists, and we’ve invited extra special guests to give voice to the public and patients—because behind every number is a story, and that story matters. Make sure to follow us on your favourite podcast app so th...

Why should healthcare research be done “by us” and not just “for us”?   Guest host Laura Ferreira-Legere chats with ICES Public Advisory members Jenny Kirk and Jemal Demeke about why lived experience matters and how communities can shape better research.  Welcome to our guest host, Laura Ferreira-Legere! Laura is Senior Manager of the Public and Community Engagement, Knowledge Translation team at...

Can your local pharmacist help fix the primary care crisis?   Dr. Mina Tadrous, host of I’m Pharmacy, joins us to explore the data behind expanded pharmacy services in Ontario — and what this shift means for the future of healthcare.  A note that this episode was recorded during the Ontario provincial election. We also make mention of a few acronyms: UTI : Urinary tract infection PPIs : Proton pum...

Do older women feel seen and heard in healthcare?  We explore how the Women’s Age Lab is tackling gender gaps in aging — from medication overload to social isolation — and pushing for change.  Our Guest:  Dr. Paula Rochon is the Founding Director of Women’s Age Lab, at Women’s College Hospital, Professor in the Department of Medicine and Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, and R...

Is data the cure for Canada’s mental health crisis?   In this episode, we pull back the curtain on systemic failures and explore how combining data with lived experience could finally drive real change. Join us as we unpack what it will take to truly transform the system.  Our Guest: Dr. Paul Kurdyak joined ICES in April 2009 where he leads the Mental Health and Addictions research program. He is...

From diagnosis to dignity: Join us as we explore how autism research is shifting focus — centering the real-life experiences of autistic people, breaking down barriers in healthcare, and building a future rooted in empathy, inclusion, and understanding.  Dr. Yona Lunsky is an adjunct scientist at ICES and Scientific Director of the Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre and Director of the Health...

What are the "highs" and "lows" of cannabis legalization in Canada?   From rising cases of psychosis and a puzzling vomiting syndrome to the struggle of spreading accurate public health messages, we unpack the real-world health effects of legalization — made in Canada.  Please note, this podcast was recorded before the holidays, which is why we refer to holiday dinners in one of our questions. Our...

Want to understand more about data, health research, and analytics? We've got you covered in this pilot season of In Our VoICES. Follow the show on your favourite podcast app so that you don't miss an episode! EPISODE CREDITS: Produced, edited and mixed by Will Mcintyre, Richard Villeneuve and Pop Up Podcasting Artwork designed by Stella-Luna Ha Music licensed through Melodie Music LINKS: Be sure...