Ditch The Labcoat

• Why Access, Not Innovation, Holds Healthcare Back with Mike Druhan

  Welcome to this episode of Ditch the Lab Coat, hosted by Dr. Mark Bonta—a show where curiosity meets science and skepticism, all in the name of practical healthcare innovation.This week, we tackle a problem plaguing healthcare systems across Canada (and beyond): the painfully long wait times to see a dermatologist, especially when it comes to skin cancer. Our guest is Mike Druhan, President of Dermatology Services at MedX Health. Mike is on a mission to save lives by closing the gap between a suspicious mole and a potentially life-saving diagnosis.Together, Dr. Bonta and Mike explore the bottlenecks of Canadian healthcare, the trust required for new technologies to be accepted, and the real-world journey of bringing evidence-based digital solutions—like secure skin imaging and teledermatology—to market. You'll hear the candid realities behind innovation in medicine, the hurdles of building clinician confidence, and why access—not just technology—can be the biggest lifesaver of all.Plus, Mike shares eye-opening stories from the field, including how a routine golf outing and a sharp eye led to an early melanoma diagnosis that made all the difference for a patient. If you’ve ever wondered why game-changing ideas in medicine can take so long to become reality—or how technology can help us fight diseases hiding in plain sight—this conversation is for you.Plug in, enjoy, and get ready for a deep dive into the art and science of making innovation practical, trustworthy, and patient-centered.Episode HighlightsTrust Drives Healthcare Adoption — Healthcare innovation only moves as fast as stakeholders trust new systems and tech, making trust central to successful adoption.Early Detection Saves Lives — Catching skin cancer at the earliest stage dramatically improves outcomes and reduces treatment costs and patient suffering.Access Is a Critical Barrier — Long wait times to see specialists like dermatologists can be deadly; smart solutions must address these systemic access issues.Tech Complements, Not Replaces — Innovative tools are designed to support, not substitute, specialists—helping prioritize urgent cases and manage the patient queue.Design for Clinical Reality — Successful tools require clinician input, regulatory compliance, and clear workflow integration to earn real-world adoption.Iterate with Frontline Feedback — Regular collaboration with diverse healthcare professionals refines questions, workflows, and builds essential clinical buy-in.Evidence First, Hype Later — Robust evidence and pilot programs—rather than flashy promises—pave the path for credible healthcare innovation.AI Is an Assistant, Not Judge — AI is best used as a double-check for clinicians, enhancing accuracy but not replacing expert human decision-making.Economic Incentives Matter — Insurers and employers increasingly see the financial sense in proactive screening and early intervention for high-risk groups.Human Factor Still Critical — Even with tech, “right place, right time” expert intervention can make the difference between early cure and late-stage tragedy.Episode Timestamp03:59 – Canadian Healthcare Access Challenges 09:40 – Dermatology Digital Patient Platform Development 13:25 – Trust Barriers in Healthcare Innovation 15:57 – Dermatology Investment Collaboration Insights 19:05 – Prioritizing Urgent Pathology Reports 22:54 – Dermatology: Ownership and Patient Insights 24:19 – Dynamic Approach to Skin Cancer Tracking 28:38 – Early Detection through Stool Testing 32:56 – Canada's Dermatology Shortage and Insurance Solutions 33:38 – Predictive Analytics in Workplace Safety 37:07 – AI-Assisted Skin Cancer Detection 42:15 – Human Error vs. AI Expectations 45:47 – AI Enhancing Medical Diagnostics 46:46 – Trusting Emerging Healthcare Technologies DISCLAMER >>>>>>    The Ditch Lab Coat podcast serves solely for general informational purposes and does not serve as a substitute for professional medical services such as medicine or nursing. It does not establish a doctor/patient relationship, and the use of information from the podcast or linked materials is at the user's own risk. The content does not aim to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and users should promptly seek guidance from healthcare professionals for any medical conditions.   >>>>>> The expressed opinions belong solely to the hosts and guests, and they do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the Hospitals, Clinics, Universities, or any other organization associated with the host or guests.    Disclosures: Ditch The Lab Coat podcast is produced by (Podkind.co) and is independent of Dr. Bonta's teaching and research roles at McMaster University, Temerty Faculty of Medicine and Queens University. 

  --------  

  48:01

  --------

  48:01
• Why Virtual Medicine Might Be Better Than In-Person Visits with Dr. William Cherniak

  Welcome back to Ditch the Lab Coat! In this episode, host Dr. Mark Bonta sits down with Dr. William Cherniak, an emergency physician, global health leader, and CEO of Rocket Doctor—a Canadian tech company on a mission to shake up how we access healthcare. As the world continues to grapple with the lessons learned from COVID-19, Dr. Cherniak and Dr. Bonta dive deep into the evolution of virtual care and its role in both episodic and chronic healthcare.Together, they challenge the misconceptions around virtual medicine, exploring how digital innovation is not just a convenient alternative but often a superior solution for patients who need fast, efficient, and ongoing medical attention. From navigating Canada’s complex healthcare policies to leveraging AI and Bluetooth-enabled devices, Dr. Cherniak shares his journey as a physician-entrepreneur working to make healthcare more accessible—whether you’re managing blood pressure from your living room or urgently treating poison ivy without a trip across town.Tune in as we unravel the myths of hands-on-only healthcare, the future possibilities of remote diagnostics and procedures, and what it will take for medicine to truly enter the 21st century. If you’re curious about how virtual care is changing the patient-doctor relationship, cutting through red tape, and building a compassionate, tech-savvy future, this is an episode you can’t miss.(https://www.linkedin.com)(http://rocketdoctor.io/)Episode Lessons 1 – Virtual Care Is Effective – Virtual healthcare can match or even surpass in-person care for many conditions, especially when accessibility is an issue.2 – Breaking Down Healthcare Barriers – Virtual care improves access for patients struggling with long waits or limited transportation to clinics.3 – Episodic vs. Chronic Care Needs – Healthcare isn’t just for chronic patients; episodic care can be efficiently managed through modern virtual models.4 – Innovation Born From Necessity – Rocket Doctor’s creation was driven by gaps in primary care, especially for those without family doctors.5 – Team-Based Medical Support – Virtual platforms enable teams of physicians to support each other, ensuring continuity even when one doctor is away.6 – Navigating Bureaucracy and Policy – Different provinces and health systems determine how virtual care can be provided and reimbursed, affecting implementation.7 – Seeing Beyond Clinic Walls – Virtual visits provide unique insights into patients’ home and social environments, revealing valuable context for care.8 – Tech Empowers Doctors and Patients – Electronic records, AI tools, and Bluetooth devices streamline tasks, allowing more focus on patient care and faster follow-up.9 – Busting Medical Tradition Myths – Not every visit needs physical examination; much required care can be accurately delivered without in-person touch.10 – Envisioning Healthcare’s Future – Real integration of AI, seamless records sharing, and patient-driven portals will further revolutionize how care is delivered virtually.Want me to bold all the lesson titles for consistency, or keep only the last one bold as the highlight?Episode Timestamps00:00 – Medical Podcast Disclaimer 05:28 – Reimagining Virtual Care in Canada 08:04 – Canadian Tech-Driven Medical Practice 11:54 – Bureaucratic Challenges in Healthcare 13:39 – Embracing Virtual Healthcare 19:53 – Virtual Care: Beneficial vs. In-Person 20:54 – Canada's Acute vs. Preventative Care 26:14 – Virtual Care Evolution 2019 30:08 – Healthcare Innovation and Streamlining 32:59 – Home Ultrasound Study for Pneumonia 35:40 – Virtual Care: Medicine's Evolution 37:42 – Science Skepticism Podcast Promo DISCLAMER >>>>>>    The Ditch Lab Coat podcast serves solely for general informational purposes and does not serve as a substitute for professional medical services such as medicine or nursing. It does not establish a doctor/patient relationship, and the use of information from the podcast or linked materials is at the user's own risk. The content does not aim to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and users should promptly seek guidance from healthcare professionals for any medical conditions.   >>>>>> The expressed opinions belong solely to the hosts and guests, and they do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the Hospitals, Clinics, Universities, or any other organization associated with the host or guests.    Disclosures: Ditch The Lab Coat podcast is produced by (Podkind.co) and is independent of Dr. Bonta's teaching and research roles at McMaster University, Temerty Faculty of Medicine and Queens University. 

  --------  

  37:56

  --------

  37:56
• Is Gambling the Next Public Health Crisis? with Dr. Daniela Lobo

  Welcome back to Ditch the Labcoat. Today’s episode dives deep into a topic that’s been quietly reshaping lives and families across the globe: gambling addiction. Host Dr. Mark Bonta sits down with Dr. Daniela Lobo, a leading expert in addiction psychiatry, to explore just how dramatically gambling—especially online and sports betting—has surged in prevalence, fueled by intensive marketing and made even more accessible by the pandemic’s isolation.Together, Dr. Bonta and Dr. Lobo break down the reality behind those flashy ads and glossy casino images, peeling back the curtain on the true costs of problem gambling. They explore not just the personal financial and mental fallout, but the ripple effects that devastate families, drive up debt, worsen mental health struggles, and even intersect with substance use disorders. As gambling apps, sports betting, and even crypto-trading continue to blur the lines between entertainment and addiction, the doctors unpack why so many young adults—and increasingly, teens—find themselves hooked.Dr. Lobo shares practical insights for recognizing gambling problems, supporting loved ones, and opening honest conversations with kids. Most importantly, they question whether the billions gained in gambling revenue are truly worth the social and health costs we’re only beginning to acknowledge.If you’ve ever wondered what really drives gambling addiction, how to spot it, or what responsible action looks like for individuals and society, you won’t want to miss this eye-opening, evidence-based conversation. Let’s ditch the lab coat and get real about gambling in our modern age.Episode LessonsGambling Addiction: Not a Choice — A medical disorder with devastating consequences, not a weakness or bad habit.Online Gambling’s Rapid Expansion — Pandemic and marketing fueled a surge, making betting more accessible than ever.Marketing Drives Gambling Behaviors — Aggressive ads and sports integration normalize betting, increasing risks across all ages.Health Impact Beyond Money — Gambling harms mental, emotional, and even physical health, adding layers of stress.Younger Generations at Risk — Sports and digital platforms expose youth to gambling without proper safeguards.Overlap With Other Addictions — Gambling often co-occurs with mental health and substance use disorders.Paths to Treatment and Recovery — Counseling, family support, financial planning, and early intervention provide hope.Financial Ruin and Family Toll — Hidden gambling devastates households, with debt triggering further destructive cycles.Policy and Regulation Matter — Weak oversight allows profit-driven expansion while shifting costs to families.Prevention Through Education — Open dialogue and awareness reduce risks, counter marketing, and build resilience.Episode Timestamps03:21 – Addiction's Evolving Forms: Gambling Alert 07:08 – COVID-19's Impact on Gambling Behavior 11:56 – Gambling's Mental and Physical Toll 13:48 – Accessibility Fuels Gambling Issues 18:03 – Teens, Gambling, and Sports Obsession 22:25 – Problem Gambling's Significant Impact 25:36 – Gambling Disorders and Mental Health 29:18 – iGaming Self-Exclusion & Support 30:30 – Supporting Families with Addicted Loved Ones 36:00 – Modern Gambling: Signs and Challenges 39:02 – Gambling and Risk Awareness Conversation 42:33 – Understanding Moderation and Gambling Risks 45:23 – Ethics of Gambling Expansion 47:03 – Cautionary Insights on Gambling AppsDISCLAMER >>>>>>    The Ditch Lab Coat podcast serves solely for general informational purposes and does not serve as a substitute for professional medical services such as medicine or nursing. It does not establish a doctor/patient relationship, and the use of information from the podcast or linked materials is at the user's own risk. The content does not aim to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and users should promptly seek guidance from healthcare professionals for any medical conditions.   >>>>>> The expressed opinions belong solely to the hosts and guests, and they do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the Hospitals, Clinics, Universities, or any other organization associated with the host or guests.    Disclosures: Ditch The Lab Coat podcast is produced by (Podkind.co) and is independent of Dr. Bonta's teaching and research roles at McMaster University, Temerty Faculty of Medicine and Queens University. 

  --------  

  50:16

  --------

  50:16
• The Road from Suffering to Science with Dr. Diana Driscoll

  This week on Ditch the Labcoat, Dr. Mark Bonta sits down with Dr. Diana Driscoll, an optometrist, researcher, and internationally recognized authority on the autonomic nervous system—who also happens to be one of the rare non-MDs to join the show. After her own sudden and life-altering health collapse, Dr. Driscoll found herself deep in the world of dysautonomia—a group of disorders affecting the autonomic nervous system, responsible for all those automatic functions in our bodies we don’t usually have to think about. Finding few answers from doctors, and confronted by a system that too often shuns “invisible illnesses,” Dr. Driscoll became her own medical detective, pioneering research into conditions like Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) and unlocking innovative approaches to treatment.In this eye-opening conversation, Dr. Driscoll and Dr. Bonta tackle the complex, often misunderstood world of autonomic dysfunction, the science behind “mystery illnesses,” and the frustrating gaps in our medical knowledge. From the lived experience of being a patient who was told “it’s all in your head,” to developing new therapeutics and advocating for others, Dr. Driscoll’s story is as inspiring as it is informative.If you’ve ever struggled with unexplained symptoms, felt dismissed by the healthcare system, or just want to understand the evolving science behind these often-invisible disorders—this episode is for you. Plug in for a candid, practical, and hope-filled discussion that challenges the boundaries of what medicine knows today and explores the frontier where suffering finally meets science.Episode HighlightsInvisible Illness Is Real — Validation for patients with unexplained symptoms is crucial; their suffering is genuine, not imagined or "all in their head."Medicine’s Knowledge Blindspots — The medical establishment often lacks answers—and even language—for complex autonomic disorders like dysautonomia and POTS.Patient-Led Discovery Matters — Dr. Driscoll's personal journey from patient to researcher demonstrates the power of self-advocacy in pushing knowledge forward.Autonomic System Ignorance — Most clinicians receive minimal training about the autonomic nervous system, leading to missed diagnoses and inadequate care.One Size Doesn't Fit All — There is no single solution for autonomic dysfunction—treatments must be individualized to each patient’s complex presentation.Beyond Symptom Management — Suppressing symptoms (e.g., racing heart) without understanding the root cause can worsen patient outcomes or miss vital clues.The Inflammatory Connection — Inflammation, triggered by infections or stress, can drive autonomic dysfunction—a framework for science to pursue targeted therapies.Necessity of Clinical Innovation — When guidelines and therapies don’t exist, scientific curiosity and non-traditional research can inspire new approaches and hope.The Power of Lived Experience — Practitioner-patients like Dr. Driscoll bridge gaps between science, clinical care, and compassion through firsthand understanding.Hope Through Education — Educating both patients and practitioners fosters progress—there’s always hope, even if answers come step by step.Episode Timestamps04:15 – Post-COVID Dysautonomia Insights 07:12 – Invisible Illnesses and Tech Misguidance 13:07 – Central Sensitization and Unexplained Symptoms 16:44 – Nicotine Patch Stimulates Vagus Nerve 20:01 – Navigating Illness and Predatory Healthcare 20:51 – Navigating Autonomic Dysfunction Treatments 26:03 – Bridging Medical Knowledge Gaps 29:38 – Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension Insights 31:25 – Inflammation's Impact on Heart and Vision 36:07 – Chronic Illness: The Domino Effect 41:18 – Questioning Symptom-Driven Treatments 44:22 – Unseen Illness: Recognition Grows 45:26 – Advancements in Autonomic Dysfunction Treatments 49:06 – Championing Long Covid ResearchDISCLAMER >>>>>>    The Ditch Lab Coat podcast serves solely for general informational purposes and does not serve as a substitute for professional medical services such as medicine or nursing. It does not establish a doctor/patient relationship, and the use of information from the podcast or linked materials is at the user's own risk. The content does not aim to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and users should promptly seek guidance from healthcare professionals for any medical conditions.   >>>>>> The expressed opinions belong solely to the hosts and guests, and they do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the Hospitals, Clinics, Universities, or any other organization associated with the host or guests.    Disclosures: Ditch The Lab Coat podcast is produced by (Podkind.co) and is independent of Dr. Bonta's teaching and research roles at McMaster University, Temerty Faculty of Medicine and Queens University. 

  --------  

  50:55

  --------

  50:55
• Burnout, Boundaries, and Breathwork with Dr. Judy Wright

  Welcome back to Ditch the Labcoat with Dr. Mark Bonta! In this episode, we dive into the world of burnout—what it really looks like, how it creeps into even the most resilient among us, and, most importantly, what we can do to prevent it. Dr. Mark sits down with Dr. Judy Wright, a physician, performance strategist, burnout survivor, and the founder of JW Health Consulting. Dr. Wright brings a unique blend of medical expertise and personal experience to the conversation, sharing hard-won insights and practical tools that go beyond the surface-level “self-care” advice.From the silent lessons learned in medical school anatomy labs to the coping strategies (and comical dinner table conversations) that help healthcare workers weather the toughest shifts, Mark and Judy unpack what it really means to build resilience in high-stress environments. But these lessons aren’t just for doctors and nurses. Whether you’re managing a team, running a classroom, or simply juggling daily life, you’ll find actionable advice—from five-minute reset techniques to the importance of building a support network before you desperately need one.Get ready for a candid, insightful, and wide-ranging conversation that will challenge you to rethink your approach to stress, burnout, and what it means to truly look after yourself at work and beyond.Episode HighlightsProactively Build Support Systems – Don’t wait for crisis—establish a network of support inside and outside work to safeguard mental health and resilience.Normalize Emotional Boundaries – Healthcare workers are taught to compartmentalize; this is protective but needs healthy awareness to prevent detachment or apathy.Coping Skills Should Be Taught – Resilience and compartmentalization should be addressed directly in training, not just absorbed by osmosis or workplace culture.Talking Helps Heal Trauma – Debriefing difficult experiences with colleagues, friends, or professionals significantly boosts emotional processing and resilience.Early Self-Awareness Is Critical – Recognizing feelings of overwhelm or burnout early on is the best prevention, allowing intervention before serious harm is done.Burnout Is a Slow Erosion – It’s not sudden; burnout creeps in gradually. Regular self-checks and honest reflection prevent it from taking root.Self-Care Is Individualized – Effective self-care goes beyond popular trends; it must be meaningful and restorative specifically for you.Small Pauses Make a Difference – Taking even a five-minute break—for breath work, movement, hydration, or reflection—can disrupt stress accumulation.Burnout Affects All Life Areas – Professional burnout inevitably spills into personal life, impacting thinking, relationships, and daily functioning.You Can Reinvent Your Career – There are multiple fulfilling paths beyond traditional clinical roles. If the current job isn’t right, change is possible.Episode Timestamps 06:02 – Adapting to Cadaver Work 09:05 – Healthcare Workers' Emotional Challenges 10:03 – Emotional Detachment and Coping Mechanisms 13:16 – Debriefing's Role in Mental Health 17:02 – Early Healthcare Career Challenges 19:44 – Balancing Emotions in Medical Training 25:50 – Work-Life Interconnection Dynamics 29:33 – Importance of Building a Support System 30:18 – Integrating Self-Care with Work 34:30 – Exploring Diverse Medical Careers 39:30 – Prioritize Individualized Self-Care 40:54 – Authentic Self-Care Beyond Mani-Pedis 43:29 – Self-Care for Post-Work Recharge 47:40 – Workplace Energy and Self-Assessment 51:10 – Grounding Techniques for ResilienceDISCLAMER >>>>>>    The Ditch Lab Coat podcast serves solely for general informational purposes and does not serve as a substitute for professional medical services such as medicine or nursing. It does not establish a doctor/patient relationship, and the use of information from the podcast or linked materials is at the user's own risk. The content does not aim to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and users should promptly seek guidance from healthcare professionals for any medical conditions.   >>>>>> The expressed opinions belong solely to the hosts and guests, and they do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the Hospitals, Clinics, Universities, or any other organization associated with the host or guests.    Disclosures: Ditch The Lab Coat podcast is produced by (Podkind.co) and is independent of Dr. Bonta's teaching and research roles at McMaster University, Temerty Faculty of Medicine and Queens University. 

  --------  

  52:31

  --------

  52:31

More Education podcasts

Trending Education podcasts

About Ditch The Labcoat