Pulse: The Ottawa Hospital Foundation Podcast

The Ottawa Hospital’s mental health program provides early diagnosis and treatment of severe mental illness. Major depressive disorder is a mental health condition in which someone is feeling very low and not able to enjoy things the way they normally would over a prolonged period. It’s persistent and can go on for months or even years but there is hope. In this episode, we learn more about depression with Dr. Andrew Greene, a psychiatrist at The Ottawa Hospital. (19:42)       If you know someone who may be suffering from depression and needs help, the best place to start is by visiting your family doctor. If you don’t have access to a family doctor, you can go to AccessMHA.ca.  If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, you can call or text 9-8-8: where a crisis supporter will help you without judgment or go to the nearest emergency department.  

Brandon Peacock was an innocent victim of a shooting in June 2020. He was in the wrong place at the wrong time. After being rushed to The Ottawa Hospital Trauma Centre by ambulance with a life-threatening injury, a team of medical experts was ready. Today, Brandon’s here to share how that moment changed his life. (28:19)

When Dr. Jay Baltz, senior scientist emeritus at The Ottawa Hospital, first started in his field, researchers struggled with a puzzle that blocked the progress of in vitro fertilization (IVF). Through pioneering research and his work with one of the creators of IVF, Dr. Baltz would go on to push fertility science to new heights.  In this conversation, Dr. Baltz talks about when the first test-tube baby was born, how fertility science has changed since then, and what it's meant for families around the world. (19:00)

As the Founder and President of Gab Group Inc., Ginger Bertrand is a leading communications professional, award-winning publicist, talent agent, and business owner. She loves her hometown of Ottawa and we’re thrilled to have her as a co-chair of the Campaign to Create Tomorrow.  Ginger is an Ottawa Forty Under 40 recipient, a three-time RBC Women of Influence nominee, and a fierce advocate for women in business, animal welfare, and engaging the next generation in the future of healthcare. In this engaging conversation, you’ll learn more about why she’s passionate about being a part of this once-in-a-generation opportunity. You’ll find out what Mahatma Gandhi quote inspired her to take on this role, what new fact she’s learned about The Ottawa Hospital, and one researcher in particular whose work she’s interested in — a hint, she’s been on this podcast as a guest.

Dr. Miller MacPherson is the Head of Medical Physics at The Ottawa Hospital. In this conversation, he takes us behind the scenes to better understand the radiation medicine program at The Ottawa Hospital’s Cancer Centre.  Throughout his career, he’s seen significant advancements in the technology used to treat patients facing a cancer diagnosis. You’ll find out why our hospital is described as one of North America's best-equipped radiation medicine facilities. He tells us about an exciting delivery that arrived this past summer and the impact it will have on patient care, and he talks about the vital role philanthropy plays in bringing the latest technology to our hospital for patients. (20:29)

From reflections on the Civic’s 100th to planning for the next century of care in Eastern Ontario – Tim Kluke, President and CEO of The Ottawa Hospital Foundation, joins the 100th episode.  He looks back on how the community rallied to make the Civic a reality 100 years ago and the pride when the new hospital opened its doors on November 27, 1924. Tim discusses the parallels between what we’re seeing today for the new hospital campus on Carling Avenue and how people are stepping forward to support the Campaign to Create Tomorrow — Eastern Ontario’s largest fundraising initiative. He also shares how there is a place for everyone and why you should join us. (27:07)

From a very young age, Dr. Melissa Forgie had her sights set on medicine. Today, as the Vice President of Medical Education at The Ottawa Hospital, she is shaping the next generation of healthcare providers. In this conversation, Dr. Forgie talks about the hospital’s strategic plan for medical education and describes it as the boldest and most ambitious she has ever seen. You’ll hear about TOH’s plan to recruit and retain young professionals, along with all the possibilities with the new hospital campus and the impact of research. (22:36)

Frankie Nadeau is a senior occupational therapist at The Ottawa Hospital Rehabilitation Centre. She’s dedicated more than two decades to caring for patients, combining her knowledge and humour. In this conversation, she talks about the pivotal role of an occupational therapist at the Rehab Centre and the special bond her team creates with patients, including the “TSN turning point” in Sean Sisk’s story. Frankie also shares how she's known as a bit of a "MacGyver" when required. (24:36)

Jill Barr is a young professional who has stepped forward to help lead the next generation of philanthropy. As a childhood cancer survivor, Jill has a unique perspective on the importance of having state-of-the-art healthcare. She has raised her hand to support the Campaign to Create Tomorrow and engage others to do the same.  Listen to learn about Jill’s first introduction to The Ottawa Hospital at the age of 11 and a special memory that she holds close. You’ll also find out why she wanted to get involved in our Foundation’s Young Leaders Network and how she’ll run her first half-marathon to support TOH at Race Weekend — she’s a part of TOH Trailblazers. (18:05)

It’s not just the stuff you see in science fiction movies anymore. VR technology is changing the way complex surgeries are planned. Picture a virtual reality system taking hundreds of medical images and giving a surgeon a 3D view that allows them to move within the patient’s body — just like a video game — before surgery. It’s a whole new way of surgical planning and this new VR program was used for the first time in Canada right here at The Ottawa Hospital.   Dr. Kawan Rakhra, a senior Musculoskeletal Radiologist, takes us behind the scenes of this game-changing technology and the impact it will have on the future of care not just here in Ottawa but internationally as well. (16:37)