News

Oversight committee rules out mysterious brain disease in New Brunswick
The oversight committee of six neurologists was appointed last year after questions were raised about the existence of a mystery brain syndrome that had alarmed residents and stumped the medical community.
So what do plastic surgeons do all day?
A look into the typical workday of Dr. Christine Nicholas, a plastic surgeon who specializes in breast reconstruction and melanoma in the Toronto area.

What do we know about BA.2, the sublineage of COVID-19's Omicron variant?

BA.2 was detected in Canada as early as December, according to Health Canada data, but a report last week from the B.C. COVID-19 modelling group suggests the newer Omicron strain could be spreading faster in parts of the country than the current dominant version, BA.1.
Free COVID-19 rapid tests to be made available at B.C. pharmacies for 70 and up
Reader photo: Still smiling after all these shots

This week's reader photo captures a pharmacy team's happiness after a productive day of vaccinations.
Borrow a book then see a doctor? You could if you're in a Pictou County library

A new service makes use of existing library space and equipment to match residents to a family doctor or nurse practitioner through virtual care.
Pop quiz: Trulance for irritable bowel syndrome

All of the following statements about the new drug Trulance (plecanatide tablets) for irritable bowel syndrome are true, EXCEPT for . . .
Neurosurgeon gets two-month suspension for not doing five-minute brain drainage check

The device that controlled the drainage was made of magnet and the patient had an MRI post-surgery. Had Dr. Khalil Khalaf checked–as his patient had asked repeatedly–he would have seen the device was set for maximum flow.
Beyond the headlines: Examining the methodology of the Johns Hopkins paper that suggests lockdowns barely reduced mortality

Critics of public health measures to reduce transmission of COVID-19 continue to cite a working paper by economists at Johns Hopkins University, but the paper has been criticized by others. Here's what experts are saying about its strengths and weaknesses.
Meet Dr. Molyn Leszcz: Poker, Peloton and morning prayers

Dr. Molyn Leszcz lives in Toronto with his wife, Bonny, where he enjoys his family and grandchildren—and the Blue Jays. He is a professor in the department of psychiatry at the University of Toronto and the president of the American Group Psychotherapy Association.