The Doc Talk Podcast – Détails, épisodes et analyse

The holidays are around the corner, and for many people, that means more conversations about drinking. In this episode, Shazma and Sheila answer a listener question, explore what the newest evidence says about alcohol, and reflect on how it shows up in real life, especially in midlife, perimenopause, and sleep.  We break it all down with clarity and zero judgment.

This is a practical, compassionate conversation meant to help you understand your own relationship with alcohol and make informed choices that match your health goals.

Resources: 

• You can find the Canadian Mental Health Association here. 
• You can find the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction here. 

Thank you to our season sponsor, FIGS.  In our line of work, we basically live in our scrubs, and we love FIGS for making ones that are comfortable, breathable, durable, and actually flattering. Beyond great scrubs, FIGS builds real community for healthcare workers with meaningful events, conversations, and (let’s be honest) the best memes online. If you work in healthcare or know someone who does, visit wearfigs.com and use code FIGSCA for 20% off your first order.

And thank you our episode sponsor, Sobr Market.  In a time when personal health has become the ultimate luxury, the choices we make each day have never mattered more. And perhaps the most transformative choice is the one we remove: alcohol.

Sobr Market exists for those looking for a sophisticated beverage, without the booze.  No compromise, no dull substitutes. Just exceptional alternatives that support the mindset of abstinence or moderation.  

If you’re elevating your routines, protecting your focus, or simply choosing a more conscious path, Sobr Market is your partner in that journey.

Discover more at SobrMarket.co or visit in person one of their bottle shops across Canada. For listeners, use code DOCTALK for 10% off your first order.

Sobr Market.  Make it a great day!

Before we jump into the details of episodes 10 and 11, we're joined by the brilliant OB-GYN and medical educator Dr. Fran @pagingdrfran, to discuss the intense delivery case, a chaotic shoulder dystocia and postpartum hemorrhage that had all of our heart rates spiking. She breaks down what was accurate, what wasn’t, and shares important insight into equity in maternal care for Black women in both Canada and the U.S.

Tune in for her top 3 takeaways for learners and a message for pregnant patients.

Beyond the delivery case, we touch on:

• McKay’s decision to call the police and the emotional fallout
• Workplace violence in the ED and how common it truly is
• Robbie’s substance use storyline and stigma in medicine
• The opioid withdrawal arc and compassion in addiction care
• A few high-acuity moments (burns, stroke, eye trauma) that sparked teaching points
• Our favourite character beats, line of the week, MVPs, and the most relatable ED moment
• Teaching corners for learners and patients

Follow us on Instagram: @TheDocTalkPodcast

Send us your questions, we may feature them in an upcoming episode!

A Quick Reminder

The Doc Talk is for general information only. It’s not medical advice — even though we are doctors, we’re not your doctor. Always speak to your own healthcare provider for personal care.

This week, we’re joined by our very first guest of Season 2, Canadian comedian, writer, and viral sensation Brittlestar (Stewart Reynolds).

If you’ve scrolled TikTok or Instagram lately, chances are you’ve laughed at one of his sharp, family-friendly takes on modern life. With more than 650 million views worldwide, collabs with Ryan Reynolds and Gordon Ramsay, an invite from the Obamas, and even a new international bestselling book, Stewart has turned suburban Ontario into a global comedy stage.

We dive into:

• Whether comedy really is “medicine” when the world feels heavy
• Parenting, family chaos, and surviving online culture
• How creators are shaping public health conversations (and whether governments should partner with them)
•  A rapid-fire round of true-or-false and health-inspired quick takes

It’s a fun, thoughtful conversation about laughter, connection, and why humour matters, especially in tough times.

This episode is brought to you by FIGS. Medicine is more than scrubs—but the scrubs you wear matter. Get 20% OFF your first order of FIGS by heading to wearfigs.com and using code FIGSCA at checkout.

Listen in, subscribe, send us your questions, and share with fellow parents @thedoctalkpod - we're in this together. 

Disclaimer:  A reminder that The Doc Talk is for general information purposes only. This podcast is not intended to replace medical advice from your doctor. While we are doctors, we are not your doctor.  Always speak to your own healthcare provider for questions related to your personal health needs. 

In this mini episode, we team up with Heart & Stroke’s Dr. Christine Faubert to introduce Risk Screen: a quick, evidence-based tool that helps Canadians understand their risks for heart disease and stroke — including helping women understand their unique risks for these conditions. We share what surprised us when we tried it ourselves, and why this tool could be a game-changer for prevention. Try it yourself at heartandstroke.ca/riskscreen, share it with the women in your life, and start protecting your heart and brain health today. 

We’re kicking off our recap series with the pilot episode of The Pitt. our favourite medical drama that’s already sweeping awards season. In this first look inside the ER, the tone is set with a jam-packed morning shift, quick-fire decisions, and the introduction of the learners who give us an entry point into the chaos.

We dive into the cases, unpack the character introductions, and share what felt real versus what was made for TV. With Dr. Shazma’s emergency room perspective guiding us through the accuracy of the details, we close with the moments that resonated most, the MVPs of the episode, and the key take-home messages for listeners.

Follow along with us as we recap and catch up, just in time for The Pitt Season 2, dropping January 2026. 

Listen in, subscribe, send us your questions, and share with fellow fans @thedoctalkpod - we're in this together. 

Disclaimer:  A reminder that The Doc Talk is for general information purposes only. This podcast is not intended to replace medical advice from your doctor. While we are doctors, we are not your doctor.  Always speak to your own healthcare provider for questions related to your personal health needs. 

Welcome to Season 2 of The Doc Talk Podcast! We’re Dr. Shazma Mithani (ER doctor, Edmonton) and Dr. Sheila Wijayasinghe (family doctor, Toronto) two physicians, moms, and friends here to bring you no-nonsense, evidence-based health information for Canadian families.

Every September, classrooms turn into germ factories. From coughs and fevers to itchy scalps and stomach bugs, it can feel like kids are constantly sick. In this episode, we break it all down:

• Flu & respiratory viruses: how to manage, when to worry, and what’s new in NACI’s 2025–26 flu vaccine guidance
• Lice: real-life management tips, what actually works, and why kids can go back to school right after treatment
• Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease (HFMD): classic symptoms, comfort care, and when to call the doctor
• Gastro bugs: hydration strategies, red flags, and what to avoid giving kids
• Medicine cabinet essentials: our checklist for surviving back-to-school season

Plus, a quick-fire True or False segment where we bust common myths about flu shots, lice, HFMD, and must-have meds.

Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or just bracing for viral boot camp, this episode is packed with practical, up-to-date strategies to get your family through September (and beyond). 

This episode is brought to you by FIGS. Medicine is more than scrubs—but the scrubs you wear matter. Get 20% OFF your first order of FIGS by heading to wearfigs.com and using code FIGSCA at checkout.

Resources: Lice facts sheet - https://tinyurl.com/246zd7e5 

Listen in, subscribe, send us your questions, and share with fellow parents @thedoctalkpod - we're in this together. 

Disclaimer:  A reminder that The Doc Talk is for general information purposes only. This podcast is not intended to replace medical advice from your doctor. While we are doctors, we are not your doctor.  Always speak to your own healthcare provider for questions related to your personal health needs. 

We’re wrapping up an incredible first season of The Doc Talk Podcast! From the best sleep tips to practical advice on tackling loneliness, advocating for yourself as a patient, and why teamwork really does make the dream work—we’re highlighting the moments that stuck with us.

Plus, get a sneak peek into what’s coming in Season 2, including exciting new guests and topics we can’t wait to share.

Listen in for your dose of real talk, practical advice, and what to expect next. 

Disclaimer: The Doc Talk Podcast is for general information purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for questions related to your health needs.

Connect with us: Follow us on Instagram @thedoctalkpod!

Send us your questions—we love hearing from you!

Episode Summary: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common—but misunderstood—hormonal conditions. In this episode, Dr. Sheila Wijayasinghe (family doctor) and Dr. Shazma Mithani (ER physician) break down what PCOS really is, why it often goes undiagnosed, and what to watch for beyond irregular periods.

We cover:

• What PCOS is—and isn’t
• Symptoms that show up in clinic and the ER
• The risks of untreated PCOS, like diabetes and endometrial cancer
• Why it’s not just about fertility or weight
• A myth-busting lightning round you won’t want to miss

Whether you’re living with PCOS, suspect you may have it, or just want to learn more—this episode is for you.

Sponsor: This episode is brought to you by Always Discreet — your dependable solution for bladder leaks. Learn more and grab a coupon at: https://www.checkout51.com/offer/Always-Discreet-Underwear-and-Pads-coupon69862

Disclaimer: The Doc Talk Podcast is for general information purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for questions related to your health needs.

Connect with us: Follow us on Instagram @thedoctalkpod!

Send us your questions—we love hearing from you!

Episode Summary: In this powerful conversation, Drs. Shazma and Sheila sit down with psychologist and author Dr. Jody Carrington to unpack the loneliness epidemic. Why are women more prone to loneliness? How can we be more intentional in raising our children to foster emotional intelligence? And what role does social media play in perpetuating disconnection?

Dr. Carrington shares profound insights on the importance of human connection, offering practical strategies for calming the nervous system and creating meaningful relationships in a digital world. If you’ve ever felt alone in the chaos of life, this episode will remind you that you’re not—and that change starts with deliberate action.

Topics Covered:

• Why loneliness is more prevalent than ever
• The unique challenges women face in combating loneliness
• The importance of deliberate parenting in raising emotionally intelligent kids
• How social media influences connection (and isolation)
• Dr. Carrington’s recommendations for regulating the nervous system

Guest Bio: Dr. Jody Carrington is a psychologist, speaker, and best-selling author specializing in connection, resilience, and mental health. With a no-nonsense, compassionate approach, she’s changing the conversation around human relationships, helping people reclaim their power in a disconnected world.

Sponsor: This episode is brought to you by Always Discreet — your dependable solution for bladder leaks. Learn more and grab a coupon at: https://www.checkout51.com/offer/Always-Discreet-Underwear-and-Pads-coupon69862

Disclaimer:
The Doc Talk Podcast is for general information purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for questions related to your health needs.

Connect with us:
Follow us on Instagram @thedoctalkpod!

Send us your questions—we love hearing from you!

Menstrual pain, heavy periods, absent periods—what’s normal and what’s not? In today’s episode, we tackle the many types of menstrual disorders that impact millions but often get dismissed.

From painful periods (dysmenorrhea) and heavy bleeding (menorrhagia) to absent periods (amenorrhea) and emergency situations like ovarian torsion, we break down symptoms, causes, and when to seek help. Plus, we bust common myths and offer practical advice for navigating menstrual health with confidence.

If you or someone you love struggles with their period, this episode is for you.

In this episode, we cover:

• What’s considered a normal period—and what isn’t
• Dysmenorrhea (painful periods): causes, treatments, and when to worry
• Endometriosis: why it’s so misunderstood and how it’s managed
• Menorrhagia (heavy bleeding): how much is too much
• Fibroids and adenomyosis: hidden causes of pelvic pain and heavy periods
• Amenorrhea (absent periods): common reasons and why it shouldn’t be ignored
• Ovarian cysts and torsion: recognizing true emergencies
• Debunking common period myths
• Tips for advocating for yourself in the healthcare system

Bottom line: whether it’s pain, bleeding, or irregular cycles—don't ignore it. Seek medical care early to get the support and treatment you deserve.

Sponsor: This episode is brought to you by Always Discreet — your dependable solution for bladder leaks. Learn more and grab a coupon at: https://www.checkout51.com/offer/Always-Discreet-Underwear-and-Pads-coupon69862

Disclaimer:
The Doc Talk Podcast is for general information purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for questions related to your health needs.

Connect with us:
Follow us on Instagram @thedoctalkpod!

Send us your questions—we love hearing from you!