What does affirming, respectful, and safe health care look like for transgender and gender diverse individuals- and why does it matter now more than ever? In this episode, we discuss the importance of gender-affirming care and how we can make health care safer and more inclusive for transgender and gender diverse individuals.

How is GEMINI using AI to turn routine hospital records into tools for national healthcare reform? In this episode we discuss how AI and health data can be harnessed to improve healthcare and how we ensure these tools are used responsibly.

Does assisted living adequately balance older adults’ need for independence and regulated medical care? In this episode we shed light on assisted living—its benefits, shortfalls, and why so many Canadians prefer to age in place.

Does the answer to improving the primary care system lie in the ideas of patients and the public? In this episode we discuss Canada’s primary care crisis and how the OurCare project is involving the public in reimagining primary care.

Tune in September 10 for season two of In Our VoICES, the podcast that brings you the health data, without the drama. This season, we’re diving into all new topics with trusted experts, scientists, and we’ve invited extra special guests to give voice to the public and patients—because behind every number is a story, and that story matters. Make sure to follow us on your favourite podcast app so that you don’t miss an episode and learn more by visiting our website at ices.on.ca!

Why should healthcare research be "by us," not just "for us"? This episode of In Our VoICES explores the power of public and patient involvement in shaping healthcare research. Join guest host Laura Ferreira-Legere and ICES Public Advisory Council members Jenny Kirk and Jemal Demeke as they discuss the importance of lived experience, addressing misinformation, and ensuring research truly reflects community needs.

Can your local pharmacist do more than just fill prescriptions? Millions of Canadians struggle to access timely primary care. Could your local pharmacist be part of the solution? And what does the data really say about the impact of expanded pharmacy services? #ICESOntario Dr. Mina Tadrous joins In Our VoICES to unpack the numbers, the debates, and the future of healthcare delivery in Ontario. We're diving deep into how pharmacists are stepping up to fill critical gaps in our system. Listen now to understand this major shift and how it might affect you and your health.

Are older women seen and heard in healthcare? Why do drug therapies often fail to account for their specific needs? ICES scientist Dr. Paula Rochon joins us to discuss the groundbreaking work of the Women’s Age Lab and tells us how her research tackles unique health challenges faced by older women, such as polypharmacy (taking more than five medications) and social isolation. Dr. Rochon also uncovers the gender gap in aging studies and advocates for a future where older women are not only visible but where their health and well-being are prioritized, paving the way for healthier and more fulfilling lives.

Could a data-driven revolution be the answer to Canada's mental health crisis? In this episode of In Our VoICES, #ICESOntario scientist Dr. Paul Kurdyak and host Misty Pratt pull back the curtain on the systemic failures plaguing mental health care, revealing disparities between mental health and other medical fields. Join us as we explore the urgent need for change, the surprising power of lived experience, and the hopeful green shoots of progress that could finally transform mental health care in Canada!

Autism research is evolving—and so is the conversation. In this episode of In Our VoICES, ICES scientist Yona Lunsky and CAMH scientist Meng-Chuan Lai explore how research has shifted from a focus on diagnosis and treatment to understanding and improving the lives of autistic individuals, particularly in healthcare. Join us as we dive into the real challenges autistic people face—healthcare barriers, sensory needs, and communication hurdles—and why empathy, acceptance, and collaboration with the autistic community are the keys to building a more inclusive and accessible system.

In this episode, we explore the evolving landscape of cannabis use in Canada with Dr. Daniel Myran, a family doctor and researcher specializing in the societal impact of substance use. We discuss the potential health impacts of cannabis, including its link to psychosis, the rise of cannabis hyperemesis syndrome, and the dangers of high-potency products. Dr. Myran also shares his insights on the challenges of communicating health risks, the importance of social accountability in research, and the emerging field of psychedelic research.

Get the scoop on the new ICES podcast, In Our VoICES.