While our parliaments and our media focus intently on medical assistance in dying, another important end-of-life question needs to be brought to the forefront: How do we build a high-quality palliative care system?

Palliative care is the part of our health care system that deals not only with death, but...

For many people, visiting a primary care provider isn't just about receiving care for an isolated injury or illness in the moment that matters. It's about building a long-term relationship -- one that gradually unfolds and many involve working together with several other specialists to address different ailments or chronic...

With harm from opioids and alcohol on the rise, Dr. Joshua Tepper takes a closer look at two programs in Ontario that prioritize integrating care to treat mental health and addictions issues.

Chances are, you've seen the recent news about the rise of fentanyl use in Canada, and even more...

Caregiver distress is growing: Health Quality Ontario's report highlights challenges faced by the province's informal and unpaid caregivers

My recent late-night emergency department shift was like many others. I saw patients of all ages and a broad range of medical issues. As I reflect back, two patients stood out....

"We're winning the race to the bottom."

Words from my colleague Dr. Jeffrey Turnbull, Health Quality Ontario's Chief of Clinical Quality, as he spoke about the growing rate of health care inequities in Canada at our Health Quality Transformation conference last year.

While the incomes of...

It's Digital Health Week in Canada (Nov. 16 to 22, 2015).

While the impact of digital in health care is not new nor limited to a week, this is a chance to reflect upon the changes and new opportunities coming our way.

Over the last few years, entire...

Quality seems like a word that's easy to define and easier to understand.

But that's not quite the reality. In health care, quality is a term invoked by many, but often lacking a shared meaning. And in the absence of a single vision, it can be hard to collaborate...

Getting the best primary care in Ontario may depend on where you live or who you are.

That's because not everyone can access same-day or next-day care when they are ill, or receive a timely call back after phoning their primary care provider. Some Ontarians feel more involved than others...

"I am leaving you," she said. "I'm finding a new doctor."

I remember feeling stunned. My patient looked at me and continued, "You aren't here often enough."

Over the next few minutes, she explained how difficult she felt it was to get an appointment with me. She said...

As a family doctor, I have seen a dramatic shift in the range of people I work alongside every day -- all for the better. When I was in training, most family doctors worked only with other family doctors and registered nurses. Today, my health care team is rich with...

Canadians take pride in having a universal health care system, but there are always differences in the way health care is delivered to each person. You can see these variations in every part of the health system: After-hours access to a family doctor varies by province, Caesarian section rates vary...