Discussions

As we mourn the loss of lives and livelihoods, so much is different. But 2020 didn't change absolutely everything. This past year also saw an outdated healthcare system continuing to rely on the fax machine, even for urgent matters. Some clinics continued to ask for their form to be used for all consultation requests, even if all of the information was included in the original request letter. And doctors continued to receive all manner of medico-legal paperwork.

Specificity saves lives. Specialization matters. This pandemic has revealed many cracks in our systems of patient care. It's certainly laying bare the lack of knowledge about mental illness, but we can correct that by having experts in various fields speak to this.

At November's #ChildHealthCan2020 virtual conference, Dr. Reshma Amin, a pediatric respirologist from the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto gave an overview of an innovative program she directs that provides a virtual care platform for those requiring mechanical ventilation at home.

The lockdowns and public health directives for Christmas 2020 could be an opportunity and an excuse to do things differently. With all the pivoting over the past months, humans have proven how creative and resourceful they are. Why not pick the favourite pieces of Christmas and fold them into new alternatives? Why not make Christmas 2020 the opportunity of a lifetime to create fresh traditions that could be more fun and possibly permanent?

Most physicians are altruistic individuals who unfortunately finish medical school in substantial debt. A fixation on the monetary may merely be the culmination of many years of delayed gratification and the newfound ability to generate capital. Newly minted grads need to be money conscious to get out of debt and lay down a solid financial future.

I’ve contributed to countless conversations during the pandemic by simply saying, ‘My family’s mostly in the states.’ Canadians immediately grasp the added layer of worry implied, typically following up with something like, ‘Oh whereabouts?’ seeking a clearer picture of the level of healthcare system chaos my relatives may be contending with, and whether any additional public foolishness may be afoot.