The HQ

In Episode 39 of The HQ podcast, we dive into a vital discussion on “Just Culture” with David Marx, the celebrated thought leader who is considered by many to be the “father of just culture” in contemporary healthcare. Together, we unravel the intricacies of Just Culture—what it is, why it is critical in high-consequence industries such as healthcare, and how it can be fostered.  David guides...

About This Episode In Episode 38 of The HQ podcast, we have the honour of engaging with Stephanie Nixon, Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences and Director of the School of Rehabilitation Therapy at Queen's University. Throughout our conversation, Stephanie expertly guides us through the complexities of privilege and allyship shedding light on their significance and their relevance to health...

In this thought-provoking episode of The HQ podcast, we examine the crucial relationship between healthcare and the environment. Canada’s healthcare system stands as one of the largest energy consumers, purchasers of goods, and employers, giving it a significant role in both the environmental challenges we face and influencing the potential solutions we can embrace. In episode 37, we are joined by...

About this Episode In episode 36 of The HQ podcast, Jeffrey Moat, CEO of Pallium Canada, joins us for a candid and thought-provoking conversation about palliative care. Throughout our conversation, we discuss palliative care's "brand problem", how palliative care and those who provide it have been affected by the pandemic, and how the palliative care approach, one of the best examples of team-base...

In episode 35 of The HQ Podcast, we delve into the crucial relationship between health research and citizens (e.g. patients and families) who partner in this critical work. We explore the invaluable insights and contributions that “ patient partners ” bring to the table and how their involvement shapes the health research and many other healthcare decisions we all depend upon. Our guests, three ex...

Join us for episode 34 of The HQ podcast, as we welcome two esteemed health leaders, Vesna Kos, Senior Advisor, and Stevie Colvin, Manager of Organizational Development, from Alberta Health Services' Talent Management Strategies department. Together, we delve into the crucial role that coaching plays in the organizational development of AHS, exploring the relationship between leading and coaching,...

In recognition of Mental Health Week 2023, we are excited to re-release one of our most popular episodes, where we dive into the pressing healthcare human resource crisis in Canada and its impact on the well-being of healthcare professionals. In this episode, we are joined by two experts who contributed to a report published by the Mental Health Commission of Canada late in 2022. The report analyz...

On Episode 32 of The HQ Podcast, we're pleased to be joined by Dr. Christopher McCabe, Professor of Health Economics at Queens University in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and renowned health economics leader. During our conversation, we discuss the notion of "value" as it relates to healthcare (what it is, why it's important, how we measure it) and the crucial questions that need to be asked when it...

Welcome to Episode 31 of The HQ Podcast! We're excited to have Heather Keller, Schlegel Research Chair in Nutrition & Aging at the Schlegel-UW Research Institute of Aging, and professor at the University of Waterloo, join us for a special #NutritionMonth discussion about food and the importance of thinking beyond nutrition when it comes to mealtimes in long-term care homes. Heather shares...

In Episode 30 of The HQ Podcast, Dr. Tim Willett, President & CEO of Simulation Canada, joins us to discuss the role of simulation in addressing critical healthcare human resource challenges. Throughout our conversation, Dr. Willett shares how simulation can improve the supply of healthcare professionals, prepare new hires for their roles, and support the health and wellness of our current hea...

In this special two-part episode of The HQ podcast, we examine the state of our health human resource (HHR) data and information and explore how our HHR data is being collected and used by our healthcare and system leaders across Canada to make decisions about our health workforce and our future needs. To discuss this, we're thrilled to welcome back Steve Ashton, Vice-President of People & Org...

This is part two of our special two-part episode of The HQ podcast, where we examine the state of our health human resource (HHR) data and information and explore how our HHR data is being collected and used by our healthcare and system leaders across Canada to make decisions about our health workforce and our future needs. To discuss this, we're thrilled to welcome back Steve Ashton, Vice-Preside...

In episode 27 of The HQ podcast, and in the aftermath of the highly anticipated health summit that was held on February 8th in Ottawa, we're joined by Dr. Michael Gardam, a veteran of healthcare systems in three Canadian provinces and the Chair of the HealthCare CAN Board of Directors, to discuss his views on not only what is ailing Canadian healthcare, but what are the conditions for truly transf...

In order to provide comprehensive and effective healthcare to our communities, it is essential to consider both the healthcare industry and the broader realm of health sciences and research. The innovations arising from research in the health and life sciences are critical in improving health outcomes across Canada and addressing global health challenges such as the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. In t...

The challenges of working in healthcare are well-documented and undeniable. From the emotional and mental demands of caring for patients and their families, to grappling with complex ethical dilemmas, healthcare professionals are constantly exposed to difficult and potentially traumatic situations. The current healthcare crisis in Canada, with increased demands on our health system and a shortage...

If most people strive to be good and want to do good things, why is it that we have problems like racism, discrimination, and oppression? What are the obstacles that prevent us from being good leaders and fostering equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI)? For Part 8 of our series focused on EDI, we are joined by Bashir Jiwani, Executive Director, Ethics and Diversity Services, at the Fraser Health A...

What is a land acknowledgement, what is the intended purpose, and why are they important? For Part 7 of our series focused on equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), we are joined by two members of the Saskatchewan Health Authority:  Mike Northcott, Chief Human Resource Officer, and Andre Letendre, Senior Specialist Cultural Health Systems – First Nations & Metis Health. Together, they an...

Racism in the Canadian health system is an issue that can no longer be denied or overlooked. For many Canadians – especially for those who are members of a visible minority - systemic racism has been, and continues to be, a barrier to achieving health equity and outcomes for all – and for creating inclusive, safe workspaces for all those who work (or want to work) in healthcare. For Part 6 of our...

In Episode 21 of The HQ podcast, we explore the structural barriers that impede the ability of international educated health professionals (IEHPs) to navigate arrival into Canada and find employment in healthcare organizations and explore some of the strategies to improving this. To discuss this topic, we are joined by two members of the National Newcomer Navigation Network (N4) - Christine K...

In Episode 20 of The HQ podcast, we are joined by Milena Braticevic, Founder of Nondual Perspectives, to discuss the concept and need for mental resilience and psychological safety in healthcare. Throughout our conversation, Milena provides insight into how those in healthcare who are dealing with exhaustion, which is significantly contributing to our health human resource crisis, can build or reb...

In Episode 19 of The HQ podcast, we are joined by Neil Pretty, CEO and Co-Founder of Aristotle Performance . During our conversation, we discuss how leadership has changed since the onset of the pandemic and how, as a result of the pandemic, some leaders adopted a command-and-control style of leadership. We address important questions such as: What is the command-and-control style of leadership? W...

Laura Salmon, Director of First Nations Health Programs at the Yukon Hospital Corporation , joins us on Episode 18 of The HQ podcast as we continue our series on equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). Laura shares the innovative strategies that are being used in the Yukon to help increase Indigenous and First Nations representation in the health system. Follow along as we learn how these strategi...

In Episode 17 of The HQ podcast, we are joined by Dr. Bill Howatt - Behavioural Scientist, Founder and CEO of Howatt HR . During our conversation, we explore equity, diversity and inclusion in the context of neurodiversity, as well as learn and understand how our health system currently supports - and how it can improve support for - those who are neuro-atypical. Tune in for Part 4 of our series o...

In Episode 16, we are joined by Maria Tassone, Executive Director of the University Health Network (UHN) and the Michener Institute , to discuss the pandemic's impact on our ability to learn and to teach those working in the health system. Tune in to discover how lessons learned and innovations in teaching throughout the pandemic can be expanded to address our current HHR Crisis. About Maria Tasso...

In Part 3 of our series on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) , we are joined by healthcare thought leader Jake Starratt-Farr - a social worker, counsellor, and member of CMA's Patient Voice - to explore how well our health system serves and supports those who don't identify as cisgender and those who identify as transgender. Tune in as we continue our series on EDI, one of the most important t...