Welcome to the Raw Talk Reunion mini series where we touch base with past team members! In the previous episode (#124), we spoke with our Co-Founders to hear all about how the podcast came about. In this episode (#125), we catch up with more Raw Talk Podcast alum who were integral members of the podcast during past seasons. We explore how their involvement with the podcast influenced their personal and professional lives, where their paths have led since their time with us, and the wisdom they offer to our listeners.

Welcome to the Raw Talk Reunion mini series where we touch base with past team members! In this first episode (#124), we sit down with our Co-Founders, Richie Jeremian and Jabir Mohamed, to delve into their founding visions for the podcast. They share insights into the evolution of the podcast and reflect on how the team and structure of Raw Talk has expanded over the past eight seasons. Keep an eye out for the next episode (#125), where we catch up with more Raw Talk Podcast alum!

When 911 is called for medical assistance, paramedics are the personnel that are dispatched to provide transport and emergency medical care. Paramedics are generally known to play an essential role in our healthcare systems and are often regarded as the first-line of medical services in the community before reaching the hospital setting. However, paramedicine is more than just ambulatory and emergency care. In this episode, we hear from Cheryl Cameron (Paramedic from Alberta; Director of Operations of Canadian Virtual Hospice; PhD Student at Monash University; Senior Fellow with the NcNally Project for Paramedicine Research), Melissa Vose (Advanced Care Paramedic from British Columbia) and Amir Allana (Paramedic from Ontario and British Columbia; Masters Degree in the Institute of Health Policy Management and Evaluation at the University of Toronto; Fellow at the McNally Project for Paramedicine Research) who provide us with a deep dive into the fascinating and dynamic discipline of paramedicine. Our guests share their experiences as paramedics, address systemic issues within paramedicine, and introduce us to the expansion of paramedicine outside of primary and emergency care.  

On this episode of Raw Talk, we focus on a topic that affects us so intimately: sleep. Join Jabir as he sits down with sleep physiologist and author, Dr. Richard Horner, to discuss why we and other living things sleep, how the brain changes during sleep, and what makes sleep different from anesthesia. The two also speak in great detail about Dr. Horner's book, The Universal Pastime: Sleep & Rest Explained, and his thoughts on a second project. Finally, Swapna and Anton draw our attention to the consequences of sleep deprivation and the impact of general anesthesia on patients and medical care, with the help U of T students and faculty. Special thanks to Dr. Beverly Orser, a clinician-scientist and long-time collaborator of Dr. Horner, for her valuable insights. Until next time, keep it raw!

Written by: Jabir Mohamed

Although the relief of pain and suffering is inherent in all fields of medicine, there's one specialty in particular where this aspect of care is truly the focus. While you may be unfamiliar with the field of palliative care, which aims to improve quality of life and provide comfort to patients and loved ones, it has made great strides in the last few decades. In this episode, Eryn and Kat sit down with Dr. Camilla Zimmermann, Head of the Division of Palliative Care at the University Health Network. Dr. Zimmermann debunks some of the myths surrounding palliative care and discusses its past and current clinical and research landscape. She also shares her personal training journey and details the recent development of the new Royal College subspecialty training program in palliative medicine. Eryn also met with Dr. Mitali Vatsraj, one of the program's first residents, who shares the story of how she became inspired to work in this field. Until next time, keep it raw!

Written by: Eryn Tong

What do sex and gender have to do with neuroscience? Join Jabir as he sits down with Dr. Gillian Einstein, neuroscientist in the Department of Psychology and the Wilfred and Joyce Posluns Chair of Women's Brain Health and Aging, to find out! Hear about her transition from studying art history to systems neuroscience, how the fields of sex/gender research and neuroscience intersect, the importance of a "situated" approach to neuroscience, and get a taste of the diverse research going on in Dr. Einstein's lab, from exploring sex differences in dementia to untangling the interactions between estrogen, cognition, and aging in women. Tune in to hear about the groundbreaking study that found the link between hormones, brain development, and behaviour, in our "Journal Club" segment. Until next time, keep it raw!

Written by: Kat An

What structure holds the three smallest bones in the body? If you guessed the ears, you're right! Kicking off 2018, the first episode of this year is all about our auditory system, and its influence on brain development. In this episode, Jabir sits down with Dr. Karen Gordon, a scientist, audiologist, and Director of Research in Archie's Cochlear Implant Laboratory at Sick Kids Hospital. They discuss the different types and causes of hearing loss, the consequences of hearing loss on language and learning and how the brain adapts when hearing is restored. We also hear from Marija, who speaks with Noah, one of Dr. Gordon's patients. Noah shares his incredible story of what every day is like living with two cochlear implants and how devices have changed over the years. Until next time, keep it raw!

Written by: Marija Zivcevska

Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, but what makes it so difficult to treat? What is tumor hypoxia and how can it influence biology to drive a poor prognosis? In this episode, Richie sits down with Dr. Brad Wouters, the Executive Vice President of Science and Research at UHN to discuss the vast advancement in the field and the need for collaborative integration between basic and clinical research in order to drive treatment and improve outcomes. In this episode we get to see an interesting perspective from both a researcher and a policy maker. Then we hear from Marija who delves deeper into what personalized medicine is, and how it fits into our current healthcare system. Until next time, keep it raw!

Written by: Marija Zivcevska

Over the past decade, academics and media outlets alike have been telling us that stem cells are going to revolutionize regenerative medicine. But what does this really mean? What are stem cells, how do they work and why have they been generating so much public interest? On this episode, Richie sits down with Dr. Andras Nagy, world-renowned Senior Scientist at the Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute at Mount Sinai Hospital, to discuss his breakthroughs in stem cell research and the ethical challenges facing the field. We also hear from Anton and James, as they break down the history of stem cell research and where we stand today. They also speak on how stem cell hype can be harmful to patients.

Written by: James Saravanamuttu and Anton Rogachov

Throughout their many years of training, medical students will learn everything they need to know to provide adequate medical care. This curriculum includes specialized medical knowledge and skills, but also encompasses all the specific behaviours we consider to be "professional". On this episode, you'll hear from Dr. Shiphra Ginsburg, a clinician-educator at the Wilson Centre for Research in Education. Dr. Ginsburg is a staff respirologist at Mount Sinai Hospital, and Director of both the Eliot Phillipson Clinician-Educator Training Program as well as Education Research and Scholarship in the Department of Medicine at the University of Toronto. On this episode we explore what Dr. Ginsburg refers to as a series of "happy accidents" that led her to study the understanding and assessment of professionalism in medical learners. She subsequently completed her PhD in medical education and discusses how this process led her to focus on the language used by clinical supervisors to assess medical learners in the workplace. You'll also hear James and Eryn chat with one of Dr. Ginsburg's mentees, Dr. Lindsay Melvin, who discusses her work assessing the efficacy and role of podcasts and other technologies in medical education. Until next time, keep it raw!

Written by: Melissa Galati

By the time you are finished reading this, one person somewhere in world will take their own life - suicide is the second leading cause of death in young people, aged 15-29. This week, join Richie as he sits down with Dr. Sakina Rizvi, a neuroscientist in the Arthur Sommer Rotenberg (ASR) Suicide and Depression Studies Program at St. Michael's Hospital. In this episode, Dr. Rizvi outlines the complex relationship between suicide and depression, and how her team uses imaging to study brain biomarkers that put some individuals at higher clinical risk. Anton and Kat chat with Robb Johannes, who details his lived experiences with suicide, commitment to social activism, and how the two have shaped his perspective. Until next time, keep it raw!

Written by: Anton Rogachov

Have you ever wondered what mathematical modelling can teach us about how and why HIV and sexually transmitted infections spread in various geographical areas? Or why it's important to engage the public when discussing research priorities? What about the serious implications of stigma and the language associated with it? In this episode of Raw Talk, Alex sits down with infectious disease clinician and scientist, Dr. Sharmistha Mishra to discuss the magic of mathematics, vulnerability and stigma, and what it really means to do community-centered research. We also hear from Steven Tingley, who talks openly with Jabir about living with HIV, managing his health, and trying to break the stigma. Until next time, keep it raw!

Written by: Jabir Mohamed

Many of us have experienced depression or have loved ones who have. Reaching out for help is never easy, and when frontline treatments don't work, the effect on quality of life can be devastating. On this week's episode, Kat sits down with MRI-Guided rTMS Clinic Co-Director Dr. Jonathan Downar from the Toronto Western Hospital. Dr. Downar shares his insights on rTMS as an intervention for treatment-resistant depression and other mental illnesses, and discusses recent transformative developments in rTMS procedures that could greatly increase accessibility to those who need it most. Kat and Grace poll the public about their knowledge of alternative treatments for depression and the challenges faced by those who suffer from it. Until next time, keep it raw!

Written by: Grace Jacobs

The sports and fitness spaces play an important role in fostering communities – we can challenge our physical and mental capabilities, form ever-lasting bonds with teammates, find an avenue to relieve stress and find a sense of connectedness with other people. Our very own Braeden and Swapna sit down to talk about their love for sports and their journeys in this space. We hope their conversation inspires you to start your own journey in this space. In this episode, we listen to valuable insights about the different barriers Muslim women face when pursuing athletic activities in our conversation with Rishada, a program director at Hijabi Ballers, an organisation based in the Greater Toronto Area that aims to recognize and celebrate the athleticism of Muslim girls and women.

http://www.hijabiballers.com/

Hey Raw Talk listeners! The start of October also marks the start of Mental Illness Awareness Week, so we sat down with Dr. Robert Levitan, a clinician-scientist at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. In this episode, Dr. Levitan talks about how his patients inspired him to pursue research on seasonal mood disorders, the role of both genetics and the social environment in causing mood disregulation, and what physicians and researchers can do to battle stigma around mental illness. Tune in to hear from Craig & Kat as they take to the streets of Toronto to find out what people think about the influence of technology on mental health.

Written by: Kat An

Your favourite grad student science podcast is back for a second season! The crew welcomes its newest members, reflects on their journey in bringing the show to existence and the role social media has played in connecting with listeners. We also look ahead to what's in store for the upcoming season, including new topics, new segments and more stories from the biomedical research community at the University of Toronto. The episode concludes with previous guests sharing their feedback and words of wisdom. Until next time, keep it raw!

Written by: Richie Jeremian

For our 21st and final episode of Raw Talk Season 1, we decided to share something a little different with you guys. We've spent the last year talking to incredible scientists here at the University of Toronto; but we usually get them to discuss their research and personal journeys. Today's episode features discussion on an issue that has recently attracted a lot of media attention - namely, the gender and diversity gap in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine (STEMM). The discussion is an excerpt from a panel event called It was never a dress, hosted by several members of the Raw Talk team. You'll hear from several incredible clinicians and scientists at U of T including Dr. Renée Hložek, Dr. Gillian Einstein, Dr. Sharmistha Mishra, Dr. Molly Shoichet (who you may remember from Episode 2 of Raw Talk), and Dr. Kona Williams. We hope you enjoy their stories, candidness, and clear passion for their work. Until next Season, keep it raw!

Written by: Melissa Galati

Keynote by Dr. Renée Hložek

Moving forward with this month's theme of Our PIs, we sit down with behavioural pharmacologist and epilepsy research champion, Dr. McIntyre Burnham. Dr. Burnham is a Professor Emeritus at the University of Toronto and currently co-directs a province-wide epilepsy research program called EpLink. In this episode, we explore longevity in science, advances in epilepsy care, and training students as thinkers. We also hear from former student Dr. Melanie Jeffrey in "Patient Perspective", where she opens up about her experience living with epilepsy and journey becoming a scientist. Please enjoy this special conversation with our oldest and kindest guest to date. Until next time, keep it raw!

Written by: Jabir Mohamed

With July finally here, we embrace the warm weather and our new theme for the month, "Our PIs", featuring some of our own supervisors on the podcast. For this episode, we sit down with Dr. Elizabeth Pang, a Neurophysiologist and Senior Associate Scientist at SickKids. Dr. Pang is a specialist in MEG, a relatively new functional neuroimaging technique, which can record brain activity in real-time. Dr. Pang muses on her research in various developmental populations, and the unique abilities of MEG in enlightening our understanding of brain function. Peppered into the conversation, we have our exhilarating new segment "Meet the Inventor", where we have the honour of talking to Dr. David Cohen, the inventor of MEG. Dr. Cohen takes us back to the late 1960's and early 70's where he stood at the forefront of the field of biomagnetism, bridging the gap between physics and human biological research. Don't miss out on this stellar episode; until next time, keep it raw!

Written by: Alexandra Mogadam

Even the simplest movements, like picking up your coffee cup, are actually the result of very complex processes and signalling in your nervous system. While we might not put too much thought into the mechanisms that underlie how we move, this week's guest is interested in just that. Dr. Robert Chen, neurologist and scientist, is working to understand how our brain controls our movements, and how this process is impaired in patients with movement disorders, like Parkinson's Disease (PD). Tune in to the second episode under the theme of Neuroimaging to hear all about cutting-edge imaging techniques, learn about the plastic brain, and get a taste of the complexity of movement disorders. In "Ask a Student", we also hear from James Saravanamuttu, a student in Dr. Chen's lab, about his work using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation to study PD and get his advice on what students should know before applying to grad school. Until next time, keep it raw!

Written by: Ekaterina An

Episode 17 of Raw Talk focuses on chronic pain, and we are fortunate to have highly acclaimed researcher, Dr. Karen Davis, join us to share her expertise. We discuss the contribution of neuroimaging in understanding pain perception and pain mechanisms, in addition to some common misconceptions and advances in the field. This segment-packed episode brings research, patient and clinical perspectives together to let you hear the various voices that participate in the field of chronic pain. In "Ask a Student", PhD candidate Kasey Hemington talks about her experience as Dr. Davis' student and her motivations to pursue pain research. Complementing those insights, we sit down with a fellow graduate student living with chronic pain to uncover how their pain is perceived and managed, and why interprofessional care is the best way to go. Finally, we introduce a "Clinician's Corner" segment that explores chronic pain management from the lens of a physician, Dr. Najam Mian. Don't miss out! until next time, keep it raw!

Written by: Swapna Mylabathula

We couldn't have chosen a better scientist to wrap up this month's theme of "Foundational Science" than Dr. Derek van der Kooy, Head of the Neurobiology Research Group at the Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research. His team conducts basic science research in developmental and stem cell biology, as well as in understanding the neurobiology of motivation and uncovering learning and memory genes. We sit down with Dr. van der Kooy to discuss his own graduate school experience, his lab's groundbreaking discovery of the presence of stem cells in the adult mammalian eye, and the perks and challenges of overseeing such a diverse range of research projects. In our popular Ask a Student segment, Kat and Eryn chat with one of Dr. van der Kooy's PhD students, Samantha Yammine, about her research on neural stem cells, why it is vital for basic scientists to make their work accessible to the general public, and her amazing strides in promoting science communication through social media (check her out on Instagram & Facebook: @science.sam). We also travel back in time to meet "the father of modern neuroscience," Santiago Ramon y Cajal, in our Flashback Friday segment. We hope you enjoy this episode as much as we do. Until next time, keep it raw!

Written by: Ekaterina An and Eryn Tong

This month, we're kicking off our theme of foundational research! On this episode, we hear from the amazing Dr. Helen McNeill, an expert in biology and molecular genetics. Dr. McNeil's passion and love for science are contagious as she discusses her current work involving cell organization and growth pathway models using drosophila (better known as fruit flies) and mice. You'll hear about her discovery of the Ft gene, the art of naming novel genes, emerging technologies in basic science, and her journey across a multitude of academic settings in the US, UK and Canada. This episode also features our first Journal Club segment, which discusses some of the translational aspects of this key work in cancer research, and a Word on the Street segment from our own Hillary Chan. Until next time, keep it raw!

Written by: Grace Jacobs

Every day, we take ~12-20 breaths per minute, that adds up to anywhere between 12,000-30,000 breaths per day! Now imagine if your lungs failed to function properly, what would happen to your quality of life? How long would you be able to live? What therapies are available to you? These are some of the questions patients diagnosed with cystic fibrosis (CF) have to pose. On Episode 14 of Raw Talk Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Felix Ratjen (Division Chief of Paediatric Respiratory Medicine at The Hospital for Sick Children, Senior Scientist at the Research Institute in the Translational Medicine research program, and co-lead of the CF Centre at SickKids) to discuss CF, from its cause to current treatments, and how his research has not only prolonged but improved quality of life in CF patients. We also feature our second "Classics" segment on this episode, highlighting Dr. Lap-Chee Tsui's remarkable research contributions to the field of CF, which was conducted right here at The Hospital for Sick Children! Finally, we unveil our first ever "Patient Perspective" segment as we sit down with the very awesome and humble, Jeremie Saunders, to discuss his experiences after being diagnosed with CF and how this inspired him to start the amazing SickBoy podcast! Until next time, keep it raw!

Written by: Romina Nejad

In this special episode, we reflect on our Raw Talk Live event, themed "Finding the Cutoff" - an interesting panel discussion on identifying and addressing social biases in healthcare data. Through a candid conversation between members of the Raw Talk Podcast team and data science and healthcare experts on this ever-evolving topic, we touch on what biases exist in healthcare data, how they affect clinical practice, and how they inform care of racially marginalized communities. We hear from Dr. Pascal Tyrell (Associate Professor, Medical Imaging & Statistical Sciences, University of Toronto), Sara Fung (Healthcare Advocate and Co-host of the "Gritty Nurse Podcast"), and Dr. Azadeh Yadollahi (Senior Scientist at the KITE Research Insitute, University Health Network), as they discuss these topics with our Events Coordinator and Show Host, Adrian Dychiao. 

We can't live without air, but we also can't live with air if we can't breathe. Tune into this episode to hear Dr. Shaf Keshavjee (Surgeon-in-Chief at the University Health Network, Officer of Order of Canada, innovator of the ex-vivo lung perfusion system, and co-founder of the Latner Thoracic Surgery Research Laboratories with Dr. Mingyao Liu) talk everything lung transplants, including his insights on the Toronto technique, and the future of patient outcomes. With regeneration and stem-cells being all the talk of the century, it's important to understand what this means for us when it comes to breathing, living better, and beyond. To add onto this theme, Word On The Street gives you coverage on what the public has to say about the idea of super organs as a developing result of regenerative medicine. Until next time, keep it raw!

Written by: Hillary Chan

Keeping with the theme of Student Engagement, we're ending the month with the woman who has figuratively (and nearly literally) done it all, Dr. Darlene Homonko! She's Director of the Office of Technology Transfer and Industrial Liaison at the Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute and, she took the time to share her incredibly winding journey with us. Dr. Homonko tells us why it's okay to switch fields once, twice, or maybe even five times, why failure is a boon to personal growth, and offers her advice to students who aren't sure what the heck they want to do after grad school. Finally, Melissa dishes the inside scoop on the Graduate Professional Skills (GPS) program by catching up with Liam O'Leary- Graduate Programming Coordinator for the School of Graduate Studies at the University of Toronto - who discusses the nitty gritty of GPS, and gives his top picks from the program. If you're in need of a pep-talk, this is just the episode. Until next time, keep it raw!

Written by: Melissa Galati

Someone wise once said, "a great mentor does all the things a good mentor does, but also knows when to let go." On this month's theme of Student Engagement, we sit down with some people who've helped influence us along our paths, and talk all things inspiration, professional development and translational skills. We begin with the world's one and only Dr. Reinhart Reithmeier, Professor of Biochemistry at the University of Toronto, Special Advisor to the Dean of Graduate Studies on graduate professional and leadership development, and mentor extraordinaire. Dr. Reithmeier tells us about how his interest in science was piqued after going squirrel watching in the Ottawa Valley, recalls a few pivotal figures in his life who taught him to excel in academia, and details what he's doing to pass on his wisdom to the next generation of graduates- a must-listen for all students. Until next time, keep it raw!

Written by: Richie Jeremian

We are wrapping up this month's theme of "Student Voices" by focusing on the perspectives of future graduate students. On this episode, Richie, Alex and Eryn team sit down to play our favourite game, "Kat Chats", to answer some of the most common questions from our undergrad listeners. We talk about applying to (and enduring) grad school, and what doors can open after graduation. We also hear from Dr. Vasu Venkateswaran, who tells us more about the application process to the IMS and what stands out in successful applicants, and touches upon the IMS Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP). This episode is certainly not one to miss, especially if you are a current undergrad student who's curious about pursuing grad school! Until next time, keep it raw!

Written by: Alexandra Mogadam and Eryn Tong

February is the month to highlight Student Voices. To kick off our theme, we take a break from talking to established researchers and scientists to sit down with some current graduate students at the University of Toronto. Tune in to hear from PhD students, Kasey, Marmendia, Katie, and Beatrice; MD/PhD candidates Swapna and Robert; and MSc candidate Fadl, on perseverance, battling self-doubt, the importance of a strong community, and asking the right questions in graduate school.

Written by: Ekaterina An

Are you a visual learner? Do you have a passion for art and science? Are you curious about how augmented reality can help you learn? Tune in to this week's episode, featuring Dr. Jodie Jenkinson, a professor in the Biomedical Communications (BMC) program at the Institute of Medical Science. Dr. Jenkinson talks about how she was able to combine her two loves: science and art, the research going on in her lab on visualization strategies to improve life science education, and details the unique aspects of the BMC program. In this episode's #AskAStudent, Matan Berson, a MScBMC candidate and creator of the Raw Talk logo, shares his own experience in the BMC program. Until next time, keep it raw!

Written by: Ekaterina An

Welcome to episode seven of the Raw Talk podcast! We're excited to introduce this month's theme of "IMS Professional Programs" with a special focus on translational research. This week's episode features Mr. Richard Foty, the Network and Community Coordinator of the Translational Research Program (TRP), a new master's degree for health research translators. Rich talks about he got involved in the program, the tools students of the TRP learn to make an impact on the healthcare delivery system, and where he sees himself after the completion of his graduate studies. To top it off, we have some excellent segments in store, including a sit-down with Director Dr. Joseph Ferenbok in  "Mentor's Corner" and this week's "Ask A Student" features members of Timely, a student-led initiative out of the TRP. Until next time, keep it raw!

Written by: Alexandra Mogadam

When you're watching a hockey game or even playing sports yourself, do you ever think about concussions? What do athletes or the public think know about concussions? What do our experts at U of T say? In the sixth episode, we continue the theme of "Neurotrauma" with a special focus on sport concussions.  Tune in as we hear Jabir & Richie interview Dr. Andrew Baker, Hillary ask U of T-ers what they know about concussions, and Dr. Michael Hutchison of U of T's Concussion Program emphasize what we need to be cautious about when dealing with a potential concussion on our new segment, Life Supply. Until next time, keep it raw!

Written by: Hillary Chan

Welcome to the fifth episode of the Raw Talk Podcast! We are excited to reveal this month's theme: "Neurotrauma". In our first instalment, surgeon-scientist Dr. Michael Fehlings joins us to speak about his early training, translatable research focus, and his experience as one of the Institute of Medical Sciences' first MSc-to-PhD transfer students. We cover the impact of his thesis work in our very first "Classics" segment and in "Mentor's Corner", we sit down with Dr. Fehlings' former supervisor and long-standing collaborator, Dr. Charles Tator. Here, Dr. Tator describes his personal and professional relationship with Dr. Fehlings over the years and gives his advice to those interested in pursuing concussion and spinal cord research. Be sure to tune in! Until next time, keep it raw.

Written by: Romina Nejad

To continue this month's theme of "The Physician-Scientist", we are thrilled to bring you an episode featuring the incredible Dr. Albert Wong, Professor of Psychiatry and Pharmacology at the Institute of Medical Sciences, and Research Scientist & Staff Psychiatrist at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. In this episode, Dr. Wong discusses the importance of conducting research in psychiatry, as well as sharing his insights from his research on the molecular and genetic aspects of schizophrenia. This dose of Raw Talk also features two brand-new segments, hosted by Eryn and Kat! In "Myth busters", they take a few minutes to debunk some of the most common misconceptions surrounding schizophrenia. Then they take to the streets of the University of Toronto campus to find out the "Word on the Street" is about mental health and what it means to students! Be sure to tune in and until next time, keep it raw!

Written by: Ekaterina An and Eryn Tong

The spaces we live, work, play in shape our health and our psyche - and healthcare spaces are no different. In this episode, we take a deep, multifaceted look at the field of healthcare architecture. Our guests give us valuable insights into how hospitals are designed and how elements of clinical care, sound design, and innovative research combine to create spaces we all experience sickness and health in. We hear from "dochitect" Dr. Diana Anderson (board-certified healthcare architect and internist at VA Boston Health System), Dr. Michaela Cada (hematologist-oncologist and Chief Clinical Planning Officer of Project Horizon), and Dr. John Straube (registered professional engineer and Associate Professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Waterloo).

We're excited to introduce October's theme of "The Physician-Scientist" with a man whose talents go beyond the bench and bedside: Dr. Norman Rosenblum. In this episode, you'll hear what led Dr. Rosenblum to combine clinical practice with research, his opinion on the physician-scientist being an "endangered species", and the emerging technologies that have, and continue to shape the future of pediatric nephrology research - a topic further explored in our very first "Flashback Friday" segment. "Ask a Student" is back, and this time, MD-PhD candidate Swapna Mylabathula joins us to talk about her motivations and the work she has been involved with so far. Be sure to tune in. Until next time, keep it raw!

Written by: Ekaterina An and Eryn Tong

In this session of the Raw Talk Podcast, we are happy to welcome the incredibly accomplished Dr. Molly Shoichet to the show! Dr. Shoichet shares her love for collaboration, working at the interface of different fields, and engaging the public in science. You'll also learn how she found her way back to academia after a successful industry career and what she looks for in potential trainees. We're also excited to introduce our very first "Ask a Student" segment with PhD Candidate, Nick Mitrousis. Nick provides insight into being a student in the Shoichet lab and what he sees as the future of polymer science and regenerative medicine. This one is not to miss. Until next time, keep it raw!

Written by: Melissa Galati

On the first episode of the podcast, the Raw Talk team discusses all you need to know about the show, from inspiration to implementation, and everything in between. You'll learn why a podcast and video series make a winning combination, and how we're using themes, to provide more engaging content. We also spend a good portion introducing ourselves - sometimes revealing a little too much - while playing a game of "Kat Chats." We've got big plans for Season 1, and we can't wait for you to hear what's in store. Until next time, keep it raw!

Written by: Jabir Mohamed

In this episode of Raw Talk Podcast, we dive into the big world of little humans as we explore the topic of neonatology. Our guests give us an overview of what neonatology as a field encompasses and the very special population that neonatologists serve. This episode also dives into the impacts of research and new medications in the NICU, challenges regarding disparities of care, and the real life experience of a NICU family. This episode features notable guests like Dr. Estelle Gauda (Division Head, Neonatology at SickKids and Professor of Pediatrics at University of Toronto), Dr. Pia Wintermark (Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics at McGill University), Dr. Tamorah Lewis (Division Head for Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology at SickKids), Dr. Zulfiqar Bhutta (Director of Research at the Centre for Global Child Health, SickKids), and most especially, Kimberley and Christina Foreman, who kindly shared their personal experiences at the NICU with us. 

Back to school season is in full force, and students ride the rollercoaster of academia for another year. This is where students face new joys, opportunities and challenges along the way. As technology and scientific advancements progress at a rate faster than we’ve ever seen before, graduate, post-graduate, medical and other professional students embark on a journey of research and of adulthood all at once. In today’s episode, we have a roundtable discussion to exchange views on our hopes and struggles as a graduate student. Our teams shared stories of our first research experiences, tips on finding balance between personal and academic life and keys to success learned along the way. Each of our stories are unique but common themes of resilience, collaborative work, networking with faculty and peers, coping with societal expectations and finding ways to balance a busy lifestyle can be seen. Things aren’t always easy, and they definitely aren’t pretty all the time, but through these experiences we gain knowledge that helps contribute to science, and changing the world. Although it’s a struggle, it is a collective one and we lean on one another to be the best version of ourselves. We have fun together, we support each other, and we grow stronger. 

Written by Radha 

[This episode was hosted by Angela and Noor. Hannah, Sonika, Braeden, Julia, and Belinda participated in our roundtable discussion. Alex and Junayd were our audio engineers. Noor was the executive producer]

Think back to the last time you fell ill or were having a bad day - you likely reached out to your loved ones for support to help you feel better and get through the day productively. Now, think of those with terminal illness or those from marginalized communities seeking care for a chronic condition - for many of them, the first point of contact is a caregiver, helping them with following treatment regimens to even daily activities of living, like eating or changing. 

They are instrumental to the wellbeing of those who cannot care for themselves - but who cares for the caregivers?

This episode aims to explore the role of personal support workers and family caregivers in promoting health in families and communities, and the unique physical, cultural, and policy challenges they face, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. We speak with Taylor Booroff (spokesperson of the Ontario PSW Association), Ron Beleno (family caregiver and advocate for caregivers of older adults with AGE-WELL), and Danielle Alcock (patient navigator for Indigenous communities in Southwestern Ontario).

Love is a complicated, painful, wonderful, and abstract thing we are all familiar with. From the fleeting moments of bliss to the deepest relationships, love has also been the subject of objective study, yielding some diverse yet incredible insights. In this episode, we are joined by Rebecca Horne (PhD candidate in the Department of Psychology, University of Toronto), Carole Sandy (a couples and family therapist based in Toronto), and Dawn Maslar-Biggie (award-winning author and Adjunct Professor of Biology based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida) as we explore the science behind love, attraction, and relationships. We hope this episode can highlight some interesting facts about the neuroscience and psychology of love, and how we can use that to create better relationships.

In 2021, Dr. David Julius and Dr. Ardem Patapoutian won the Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine for their discoveries related to temperature and touch receptors. In this episode, Dr. Rose Hill and Dr. Robert Bonin introduce us to this topic of  sensory perception, specifically touch and pain. Dr. Bonin describes how we experience pain, delving into acute vs chronic pain, thresholds to pain, and the distinction between nociception and pain. Dr. Hill also shares about her experience being in Dr. Patapoutian's Nobel winning lab, and her work on the perception of itch. Additionally, we get a deeper look into the inner workings of the Nobel Prize, as Dr. Abdel El Manira shares about his time on the Nobel Committee and the inner workings of the Nobel. Join us on this episode, as we unravel touch and the Nobel Prize. 

Written by: Veena Sanmugananthan

Links

Discoveries of receptors for temperature and touch

Bonin Lab

UofT Centre for the Study of Pain

Dr. Hill profile

A trio of ion channels takes the heat

Profile of 2021 Nobel Prize winners

The field of forensics encompasses the intersection between law and science. This episode explores forensics in more detail. Our guests, Chief Coroner of Ontario, Dr. Dirk Huyer, and Deputy Chief Forensic Pathologist, Dr. Jayantha Herath, share the investigative perspective including behind the scenes of their professions, the intersection with the judicial system, and systemic social issues in forensics. Sheila Early, a forensic nurse and co-founder of the Canadian Forensic Nurses Association (CFNA), shares how healthcare contributes to this field, how it is to work with forensic patients, and her history with the CFNA. This episode takes a deep dive into the truth about forensics, its misconceptions, and how technology evolves alongside. 

Written by: Gil Angela Dela Cruz (Content Creator) and Veena Sanmugananthan (Content Creator and Science Writer)

Clinical Examination and Reporting of a Victim of Torture

Lawyer’s Guide to the Forensic Sciences

Making Sense of a Global Pandemic: Relationship Violence & Working Together Towards a Violence Free Society

Episode Team:

Atefeh Mohammadi (Episode Lead and Show Host), Kayvan Alfaki (Show Host), Gil Angela Dela Cruz (Content Creator), Veena Sanmugananthan (Content Creator and Science Writer), Anukrati Nigam (Audio Engineer), Anam Islam (Promotions), Janine Truong (Graphic Design). 

Conversations around generational differences in the workplace are becoming increasingly common. Contentious issues around working expectations and treatment are happening across many fields, including healthcare. Nurses, in particular, have faced many challenges in recent years, particularly as a result of the pandemic and widespread employee shortages, and the field has become a hotbed for conversations around generational working styles. To better understand how generational dynamics are impacting the field and how the newer generation of nurses see their futures, we spoke to undergraduate nursing students Vivian Li and Avery Russell, and graduate nursing students Kimberly Villacorta and Ben Le, at the Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing at the University of Toronto. Each guest shared their path to nursing and reflected on their education and experience thus far. They also shed light on the biggest challenges facing the field right now, particularly those impacting nursing trainees. Finally, our guests shared key lessons they’ve learnt from senior colleagues as well as what they would like them to know about the new generation. Join us in hearing from the newer generation of nurses! 

One of the most underappreciated inventions in history can be dated back to 15th century Europe when German goldsmith Johannes Gutenberg developed the printing press which, for the first time ever, automated the book-printing process. This newfound ability to productively disseminate knowledge and ideas revolutionized society overnight. In fact, English intellectual Francis Bacon, who is known for popularizing the scientific method, famously wrote that the three inventions that forever changed the world were gunpowder, the nautical compass, and the printing press. Books and libraries opened science for citizens outside of the elite intellectual circle. And now, with the advent of computers and digitalization of information, we continue to see science become more accessible. On this episode, show hosts Zeynep and Sumi speak to Dr. Anthony Bonato, Mathematics professor at Ryerson University, Dr. Leslie Chan, principal investigator of the Open and Collaborative Science in Development Network, and Dr. Brian Baigrie, associate professor at University of Toronto’s Institute for the History and Philosophy of Science and Technology. We hear about their thoughts on open access, how it is generally perceived in the scientific community, its importance and feasibility globally, and finally, how it helped shape scientific communication throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Written by: Sumi 

Links:

Unsettling Knowledge Inequities Podcast

Bioline International

Information on Open Access

Budapest Open Access Initiative

For more on Publishing: Episode #65 Investing in Knowledge: The Life Cycle of Research 

Rachael Ainsworth TedTalk (TEDxMacclesfield): Research Culture is Broken; Open Science can Fix It 

Should bad science be censored on social media? This complex ethical dilemma, stemming from the Information Age beginning in the mid 20th century, is proving to be a real challenge as we continue to navigate the unprecedented repercussions of widespread technology implementation in human life. With the advent of computers, we’ve seen exponential growth in the capacity to process, store, and communicate information. This epochal shift in knowledge transmission has undoubtedly catalyzed many scientific discoveries, improving the lives of millions. However, among this information explosion we also find false, fabricated, or misleading information which ultimately countervails the goals of science to pursue truth. On this episode, show hosts Dennis and Jason interview Dr. Anna Blakney, assistant professor at the University of British Columbia, and Sandhya & Swapna Mylabathula (STEAM sisters), PhD students at U of T, to find out how they use TikTok, YouTube, and other social media platforms to communicate science responsibly and effectively. Additionally, Dr. Eric Merkley, assistant professor at U of T, shares his perspective on the political mechanisms of misinformation spread on mass media. Raw Talk members Jesse, Junayd, Jason & Sumi also contribute their thoughts on the potential for censorship as a means to regulate bad science.

Written by: Sumiha Karunagaran

How do I spot misinformation? University of Toronto Libraries

Birdwatch on Twitter: Twitter launched a pilot initiative called Birdwatch that allows users to write notes about Tweets that could be misleading.

ScienceUpFirst: A national initiative operated by the Canadian Association of Science Centres that works with a collective of independent scientists, researchers, healthcare experts and science communicators to share the best available science to stop the spread of misinformation. 

Canada’s Digital Citizen Research Program

Students from underrrepresented groups in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields often experience a myriad of challenges due to a variety of systemic barriers such as lack of representation or diversity, appropriate financial support, and having a supportive learning environment. In this episode, our team and guests take a deep dive into the importance of representation, mentorship and community within STEM fields, as well as elaborate on how they feel these environments should be improved. We speak to Mohsen Poorganji, the co-founder of the Institute of Medical Science (IMS) International Student Group, Layan Elfaki, the president of the Black Graduate Student Association (BGSA) at the University of Toronto (UofT), and Dr. Andrea Boggild, the Medical Director of the Tropical Diseases Unit at University Health Network and an Associate Professor at UofT. Listen to these conversations along with our hosts, Daniel and Rachel, who chime in and reflect on their learnings throughout the episode.

Incorporating Indigenous Cultures and Realities in STEM

IMS International Student Group 

Black Graduate Student Association 

Community of Support

As a patient, you would want the best care to come to you. You would want to be able to access health services, empathetic staff, and any medications you need. As a citizen, you likely want that for others who are in need of healthcare assistance. So why is this not the case once people are behind bars?

"Imagine yourself in a box trying to reach out for help." That is what one of our guests, Lawrence Da Silva, host of Voices Inside and Out, described what it was like to be in need of healthcare services in prison. 

In this episode, we dive deep into the reality that is healthcare in a prison setting. We are also joined by Catherine Latimer, the executive director of the John Howard Society, and Dr. Kiran Patel, a staff psychiatrist at CAMH's Forensic Division. They touch on topics like the accessibility of care as related to the Canada Health Act, specific challenges like mental health and the effect of prison transfers, and what is being done by organizations like the John Howard Society to help. We hope this episode can highlight some important aspects about the reality of life behind bars. 

Written by: Angela Dela Cruz

Links

The Nelson Mandela Rules

The Ashley Smith Inquest

Elizabeth Fry Toronto

The John Howard Society 

Voices Inside and Out Podcast

Canada Health Act

Corrections and Conditional Release Act (CCRA)

Indigenous People in Federal Custody: Government of Canada

Race and Incarceration: The Representation and Characteristics of Black People in Provincial Correctional Facilities in Ontario, Canada

Houses of hate: How Canada's prison system is broken 

How You Can Get Involved: John Howard Society of Canada 

CAMH: Services and Support After Incarceration