Digital Health in Canada – Details, episodes & analysis

AI scribes have been piloted in multiple provinces and territories – but what's the verdict so far? We explore the data, the potential impacts…and the balance between hype and hope. 

Guests: 

• Dr. Onil Bhattacharyya, Frigon Blau Chair in Family Medicine Research and Director, Women's College Hospital Institute for Health Systems Solutions and Virtual Care
• Simon Hagens, Consultant; Adjunct Professor, University of Ottawa

Learn More:

Clinical Evaluation of Artificial Intelligence and Automation Technology to Reduce Administrative Burden in Primary Care (WIHV)

Canada Health Infoway AI Scribe Program

Summary:

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:16 Introduction to AI Scribes

00:28 Meet the Experts: Dr. Onil Bhattacharyya and Simon Hagens

04:08 AI Scribes: Initial Studies and Findings

06:23 Scaling AI Scribes: Challenges and Successes

14:03 Long-Term Evaluation and Data Quality

16:31 Patient Experience and AI Scribes

19:43 Future of AI in Healthcare

25:08 Patient-Driven AI

30:44 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Music: RetroFuture Clean and Breakdown, by Kevin MacLeod. Used under Creative Commons.

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What is possible if we unlock the full potential of health data in Canada? Across the digital health sector, organizations are striving to move us from silos to seamless systems. In today's conversation, two leaders share what excites them about this transformation, what's at stake, and what it means for our health – and our health systems.

Guests: 

• Dr. Anderson Chuck, President & CEO, Canadian Institute for Health Information
• Dr. Fahad Razak, co-founder, GEMINI; Canada Research Chair in Healthcare Data and Analytics, University of Toronto 

Learn More:

Summary of CIHI's Transformation Plan

GEMINI

Artificial intelligence at Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada

Episode Summary:

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

01:20 Dr. Anderson Chuck's Leadership Journey

03:23 Dr. Fahad Razak's Leadership Journey

07:26 The Culture Problem in Digital Health

10:28 CIHI's Transformation Agenda

15:19 Canada's Unique Strengths in Health Data

25:06 The Urgency of Innovation

27:35 Collaborations and Success Stories

37:22 Leadership and Vision for the Future

Music: RetroFuture Clean and Breakdown, by Kevin MacLeod. Used under Creative Commons.

Canada's health policy landscape is dynamic, nuanced, and continuously evolving. What do health care leaders need to know about this space, and what key topics are lighting up dashboards – or slipping under the radar? 

Guests:

• Helen Angus, Chief Executive Officer, AMS Healthcare
• Rosalie Wyonch, Associate Director of Research, C.D. Howe Institute 

Learn More:

• AMS Healthcare
• C.D. Howe Institute
• Data Disarray: The root of health data dysfunction in Canada (Alberta Virtual Care Coordinating Body)

Music: RetroFuture Clean and Breakdown, by Kevin MacLeod. Used under Creative Commons.

Episode Summary:

00:00 Welcome to Digital Health in Canada

00:50 Introducing Our Guests: Helen and Rosalie

01:19 Rosalie's Journey: From Economist to Health Policy Leader

03:37 Helen's Path: From Urban Planning to Healthcare Leadership

05:07 The Role of Policy in Digital Health

06:53 Lessons from the Pandemic: Rapid Digital Health Transformation

08:40 Challenges and Opportunities in Policy Implementation

22:55 Leadership in Healthcare: Skills and Inspiration

26:16 Accountability and Incentives in Healthcare

29:33 Breaking Down Silos: A System-Wide Approach

38:20 Final Thoughts and Advice for Healthcare Leaders

 

Data drives our health system – and digital health research is a formidable engine for innovation! In today's episode, we explore how research turns into impact, knowledge spurs action, and what leaders need to know to support the next generation of digital health professionals. 

Guests:

• Dr. Kimberlyn McGrail, Professor, UBC School of Population and Public Health; CEO and Scientific Director, Health Data Research Network Canada
• Dr. Tracie Risling, Associate Dean of Innovation, Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary; president-elect, Canadian Nurses Association

Learn more:

• Canadian Medical Association 2025 Health and media annual tracking survey
• World Economic Forum: Global Risks Report 2025

Music: RetroFuture Clean and Breakdown, by Kevin MacLeod. Used under Creative Commons.

Summary:

00:00 Introduction to Digital Health in Canada

01:43 Guest Journeys: From Journalism to Nursing and Beyond

03:55 Mentorship and Inspiration in Academia

07:45 Learning from Students: Fail Space and Connectivity

14:02 Impact of Research on Policy and Practice

16:30 Knowledge Mobilization and Applied Health Research

27:52 Equity and Access in Digital Health

35:30 Key Messages for Health Research Enthusiasts

38:42 Conclusion and Reflections

When it comes to health system transformation, the frontlines are at the forefront. Explore how clinical expertise and leadership drive innovation as two physician leaders share their journeys – and what past lessons we need to carry into our future health systems

Guests: 

• Dr. Chandi Chandrasena, Chief Medical Officer, OntarioMD
• Dr. Lisa Bryski, former emergency department physician

Learn more:

• OntarioMD
• Physician Burnout: Potential Causes & Solutions

Music: RetroFuture Clean and Breakdown, by Kevin MacLeod. Used under Creative Commons.

Summary:

00:00 Meet the Hosts and Guests 02:08 Challenges and Mentorship in Medicine 06:01 Digital Health Technologies in Practice 07:22 Adoption and Evolution of EMRs 11:45 The Role of Change Management 23:59 Leadership and Public Health During COVID-19 28:07 Lessons from the Pandemic 35:51 Final Thoughts and Future Directions

Technology has long been used to provide access to mental health care: from telephone and texting lines, to emerging solutions integrating AI. But as more people in Canada need mental health support—and encounter barriers to access—how are digital health solutions evolving to meet these challenges? Two leaders share their organizations' missions and their career journeys through the e-mental health space.

Guests:

• Dr. Patricia Lingley-Pottie, President and CEO, Strongest Families Institute
• Maggie Inrig, Senior Director, Population Mental Health Innovation, Stepped Care
  Solutions

Learn More:

Strongest Families Institute

Stepped Care Solutions 

A Generation at Risk: The State of Youth Mental Health in Canada - Mental Health Research Canada report

The State of Mental Health in Canada 2024 - Canadian Mental Health Association report

Music:  RetroFuture Clean and Breakdown, by Kevin MacLeod. Used under Creative Commons.

Summary:   00:00 Introduction to Digital Health in Canada 00:55 Introducing the Guests: Dr. Patricia Lingley-Pottie and Maggie Inrig 04:13 The Evolution of Digital Health Solutions 08:44 Leveraging AI and Technology for Mental Health 11:33 Capacity Building and Team Development 14:53 Balancing Flexibility and Evidence-Based Practices 18:42 The Importance of Co-Design 22:07 Optimism and Challenges in Mental Health 31:18 Closing Thoughts and Future Outlook

When entrepreneurship and patient care meet, startups are driving innovation, spreading new models of care, and offering creative solutions to shared challenges. Join us to hone your entrepreneurial skills, learn from two leading innovaors - and spark your next great idea.

Guests:

• Chenny Xia, CEO, Gotcare
  
• Rick Menassa, CEO, iCare Home Health and Health Espresso

Learn More:

Gotcare

iCare Home Health

Health Espresso

Music:  RetroFuture Clean and Breakdown, by Kevin MacLeod. Used under Creative Commons.

Summary:

00:52 Meet the Innovators: Chenny Xia and Rick Menassa 01:32 Journey to Entrepreneurship in Healthcare 03:01 Innovative Approaches in Home Care 08:00 Defining and Evolving Startups 14:36 Building Trust and Relationships 25:10 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs 29:42 Reflections and Takeaways

When data saves lives, cybersecurity doesn't only protect systems. It protects patients. In this episode, we explore a remarkable international collaboration to advance cybersecurity in digital health, and learn how health professionals can empower themselves to stay cyber-safe. Digital Health in Canada goes international as we speak to two co-chairs of the Global Digital Health Partnership's cybersecurity work stream!

Guests:

Mikki Smith, Chief Information Security Officer, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy and Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology

Fuller Yu, Chief of IT Operations and Cybersecurity, Hong Kong Hospital Authority

Learn More:

Global Digital Health Partnership - Cyber Security Work Stream

Proposed Global Digital Health Model Security Notice

Guidance for Medical Device Cybersecurity

Cyber Security Awareness Month 2024

Music:  RetroFuture Clean and Breakdown, by Kevin MacLeod. Used under Creative Commons.

Episode Summmary:

00:00 Introduction to AI and Cybersecurity Concerns

01:38 Mikki Smith's Journey in Cybersecurity

06:41 Fuller Yu's Experience and Insights

09:20 Health Care as a Prime Target for Cyber Attacks

15:51 Global Collaborations in Cybersecurity

26:08 Human Factors in Cybersecurity

32:03 Future Trends and Preparedness

37:39 Empowering Professionals and Final Thoughts

There are many ways to think about health; it's multi-faceted, multi-sectoral, and influenced by the social determinants of health. So, what does it look like to care for the whole person, and what are different ways to be well? Today, we speak with two leaders to explore how these factors shape health and wellness – as individuals and communities.

Guests: 

Dr. Andrew Boozary, Executive Director, Gattuso Centre for Social Medicine, University Health Network

Pam Nolan, Executive Director, First Nations Digital Health Ontario

Learn More:

Gattuso Centre for Social Medicine - UHN

Social Medicine Housing Program

First Nations Digital Health Ontario (FNDHO)

Indigenous Digital Health Ecosystem 

Music:  RetroFuture Clean and Breakdown, by Kevin MacLeod. Used under Creative Commons.

Episode Summmary:

00:00 Introduction to Digital Health in Canada

00:54 Introducing the Guests: Pam Nolan and Dr. Andrew Boozary

01:37 Pam Nolan's Journey in Digital Health

04:55 Dr. Andrew Boozary's Path and Social Medicine

07:35 Housing Initiatives and Health Outcomes

14:47 Understanding Community Needs and Digital Integration

19:15 Social Medicine and Policy Decisions

21:38 The Role of Hospitals in Social Medicine

32:31 The Power of Data and Partnerships

41:10 Closing Thoughts and Key Takeaways

Is now the most challenging time for health care leaders? Across our health systems, leaders are navigating increased complexity, demands, and opportunities. In this episode, we learn from two leaders about their leadership philosophies, their journeys, and how they and their organizations are rising to the challenge.

Guests: 

Tracey MacArthur, President and CEO, Hamilton Health Sciences

Dr. Victoria Lee, President and CEO, Fraser Health

Learn More:

Hamilton Health Sciences

Fraser Health

Music:  RetroFuture Clean and Breakdown, by Kevin MacLeod. Used under Creative Commons.

Episode Summary:

00:00 Introduction to Digital Health in Canada

00:09 Meet the Hosts and Guests

01:03 Leadership Journeys and Philosophies

04:11 Attributes of Effective Leadership

06:28 Navigating the COVID-19 Pandemic

17:08 Changing Expectations of Leaders

23:26 The Transformational Potential of Digital Health

36:11 Advice for Aspiring Leaders

39:50 Hosts' Debrief