Primary Medicine Podcast

Dear listeners, Although breastfeeding initiation rates in Canada remain among the highest in the world, maintaining exclusive breastfeeding for the recommended six months continues to be a major challenge. In this episode, pediatrician and lactation consultant Dr. Rajinder Gulati joins us to unpack why so many mothers stop breastfeeding earlier than they intended and what healthcare systems can do differently. We discuss the striking regional differences across Canada, including why British Columbia consistently outperforms other provinces, and explore what lessons can be learned from both successful provincial programs and immigrant communities, whose breastfeeding outcomes often exceed those of Canadian-born mothers. Dr. Gulati explains why “not enough breast milk” is one of the most commonly reported reasons for stopping breastfeeding—and why true low milk supply is far less common than many people believe. We also examine the importance of early lactation support, healthcare provider training, family and workplace support, and addressing the socioeconomic barriers that disproportionately affect vulnerable families. Finally, Dr. Gulati shares the evidence-based interventions he believes would have the greatest impact if adopted by health leaders across Canada, from expanding access to skilled lactation support to creating policies that enable mothers to continue breastfeeding for as long as they choose. Listen to the full podcast episode here. Cheers, Dr. Dimitre The post Episode 122: Building a Breastfeeding Friendly Healthcare System with Dr. Rajinder Gulati appeared first on Primary Medicine Podcast.

Dear Listeners, This week on the Primary Medicine Podcast, we’re joined by Todd Minerson, Country Director for Movember Canada and a global leader in men’s health advocacy. Since 2003, Movember has raised over $1.6 billion worldwide to support initiatives in men’s mental health, prostate and testicular cancer, and overall wellbeing. Todd brings a wealth of experience in community leadership and social change, including his past work with the White Ribbon Campaign and youth homelessness in Toronto. In this episode, Todd shares how Movember’s Canadian initiatives are breaking down barriers and starting critical conversations around men’s health. We dive into creative engagement strategies, the newly released national Men’s Health report, and how data and partnerships are driving impactful change. Whether you’re new to the movement or a longtime supporter, this conversation offers valuable insights into how we can all help change the face of men’s health. Listen to the Podcast Episode here! Cheers, Dr. Dimitre The post Episode 108: Movember and the Mission for Men’s Health A Conversation with Todd Minerson appeared first on Primary Medicine Podcast.

Dear Listeners, In this episode of the Primary Medicine Podcast, we welcome back Dr. Sam Gharbi—clinician, educator, and health tech innovator—to discuss the rapid growth of Arya Health, one of Canada’s fastest-growing EMRs. Dr. Gharbi shares how Arya is transforming physician workflows with AI tools like AI Scribe, eFaxTriage and Co-Pilot, and we explore its recent milestones and its potential as a game-changer for physician sustainability and retention. Listen to the Podcast Episode here! Cheers, Dr. Dimitre The post Episode 106: Building the Future of EMRs with Dr. Sam Gharbi on Arya Health and AI Innovation appeared first on Primary Medicine Podcast.

Dear Listeners, Welcome to the Primary Medicine Podcast! Today, we’re exploring a groundbreaking approach to chronic pain—one that challenges the idea that all persistent pain stems from injury or disease. Our guest, Dr. David Clarke, President of the Association for Treatment of Neuroplastic Symptoms (ATNS), specializes in stress-related, brain-generated conditions and helps patients overcome pain without drugs or surgery. We’ll discuss how stress and trauma can manifest as physical symptoms, the science behind neuroplastic pain, and evidence-based strategies for lasting relief. Listen to the Podcast Episode here! Hope you enjoy! Cheers, Dr. Dimitre The post Episode 104: Rewiring Chronic Pain, The Science of Neuroplastic Healing with Dr. David Clarke appeared first on Primary Medicine Podcast.

Dear Listeners, Welcome back to the Primary Medicine Podcast! Today, we’re diving into the world of healthcare technology and innovation with a guest who has been a driving force in transforming digital health across Canada. Mike Checkley is the President of QHR Technologies, the company behind Accuro EMR—one of the leading electronic medical record systems used by healthcare providers nationwide. With over two decades of experience, Mike has a unique journey through technology and healthcare, from his early days in software programming to shaping QHR’s mission to improve patient care through innovative digital solutions. In today’s episode, we’ll explore Mike’s career path, the evolution of QHR and Accuro, and his perspectives on the future of healthcare technology. We’ll also dig into the exciting, sometimes challenging role that artificial intelligence is starting to play in electronic medical records, and how AI could reshape the way we deliver and experience healthcare. Whether you’re a healthcare provider, a tech enthusiast, or simply curious about the future of medicine, there’s a lot to look forward to in today’s discussion. Let’s dive in! Listen to the Podcast Episode here! Hope you enjoy! Cheers, Dr. Dimitre The post Episode 102: Mike Checkley, President of Accuro, on EMRs, AI, and the Future of Digital Health appeared first on Primary Medicine Podcast.

Dear Listeners, Welcome to today’s podcast, where we have the pleasure of speaking with Rima Sehgal, a dedicated mental health professional with over three decades of experience. Rima’s journey in psychotherapy has been marked by her unwavering passion for empowering clients to regain control and confidence in their lives.As the founder of TherapySupports, Rima has expanded her practice by bringing together a talented team of psychotherapists in Toronto, Ontario. This diverse and experienced team is dedicated to offering virtual psychotherapy services that are convenient, accessible, and tailored to meet each client’s unique needs.Join us as we explore the world of virtual psychotherapy, the benefits of online sessions, and how TherapySupports is making mental health care more accessible to people across Ontario. Listen to the Podcast Episode here! Hope you enjoy! Cheers, Dr. Dimitre The post Episode 100: Rima Sehgal(PhD, RP), founder of TherapySupports, on the benefits of virtual psychotherapy appeared first on Primary Medicine Podcast.