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Hospital News

Dr. Thomas Parker

January 6, 2010: Dr. Thomas Parker brings heart to new role as Physician in Chief

A cardiologist who has dedicated his career to improving the lives of patients through exemplary care and research has been named Physician in Chief, St. Michael’s Hospital, following a North American-wide search.

Gender gap exists in cardiac care: study

December 18, 2009: Gender gap exists in cardiac care: study

Differences remain in the quality of cardiac care between men and women in Ontario, according to a new study by researchers at St. Michael’s Hospital and the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES).

Ontario deaths from opioid use rising: study

December 18, 2009: Ontario deaths from opioid use rising: study

Deaths related to opioid use in Ontario doubled in a period from 13.7 deaths per million in 1991 to 27.2 deaths per million in 2004, according to a study led by physicians at St. Michael’s Hospital and the Institute for Clinical Evaluate Sciences (ICES) in Toronto.

Partnership aims to improve urban healthcare in Ontario

December 2, 2009: St. Michael’s celebrates innovation award wins

St. Michael’s Hospital recently garnered two Provincial awards honoring our groundbreaking programs – the only institution in the province to do so.

Partnership aims to improve urban healthcare in Ontario

November 27, 2009: Partnership aims to improve urban healthcare in Ontario

St. Michael’s Hospital has partnered with Ryerson University and George Brown College to help define the future of urban healthcare.

Novel circulation in eye could lead to new glaucoma treatments: study

November 2, 2009: Novel circulation in eye could lead to new glaucoma treatments: study

Researchers at St. Michael’s Hospital, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and the University of Toronto have discovered a previously unidentified circulation within the Human eye, which may bring new insights into glaucoma treatment, a leading cause of irreversible blindness.

Alzheimer

October 8, 2009: Alzheimer's drug puts patients at increased risk of abnormally slow heart rate: study

According to a new study by researchers at St. Michael’s Hospital and Ontario’s Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, patients who initiated cholinesterase inhibitor therapy, generally prescribed for Alzheimer or dementia treatments, are at increased risk for hospitalization for a serious condition called Bradycardia.

POWER Study Depression chapter

September 30, 2009: Less than 50 percent see doctor to treat depression: study

Less than half of men and women in Ontario who may be suffering from depression see a doctor to treat their condition, according to a new study by researchers at St. Michael’s Hospital and the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES).

Kidney Dialysis

September 15, 2009: Acute kidney injury patients more likely to need dialysis within five years: study

Patients who sustain injury to their kidneys and require in-hospital dialysis are three times more likely to need long-term dialysis later in life compared to those without a history of this condition, says a new study from St. Michael’s Hospital.

POWER Study Cancer chapter

August 20, 2009: Many women not receiving cancer follow-up care: study

Less than half of women in Ontario who have abnormal Pap tests are receiving the recommended follow-up care that could save their lives, according to a new women’s health study led by St. Michael’s Hospital researcher Dr. Arlene Bierman.

Effect of stress, pollution and smoking on kids susceptibility to asthma

August 17, 2009: Angioplasty within 6 hours of clot-busting drugs cuts complications, study

Transferring heart attack patients to hospitals that do angioplasty within six hours of receiving clot-busting drugs reduces complications like repeat heart attacks, according to a new study from the Hospital.

Myrna Whiteside with some of the neurovascular team

August 14, 2009: Alberta senior travels 3,500 km for life-saving procedure

Myrna Whiteside of Edmonton had a drooping left eye lid. It was a minor sign of a major problem. Her scan revealed a brain aneurysm, approximately 2 to 2.5 centimeters in diameter, which, if left untreated, could rupture. At 77, with an aneurysm that size, brain surgery wasn’t an option for her.

Effect of stress, pollution and smoking on kids susceptibility to asthma

July 22, 2009: Family stress combined with pollution increases asthma risk: study

Children from stressful homes may be more susceptible to developing asthma linked to environmental factors such as traffic-related pollution and smoking during pregnancy, according to a new study co-authored by a St. Michael’s Hospital post-doctoral fellow.

Dr. Kamran Khan

June 29, 2009: Hospital physician develops system that uses air travel patterns to predict spread of disease

St. Michael's Hospital physician Dr. Kamran Khan has developed a new scientific system that predicted the spread of the H1N1 virus earlier this year by analyzing commercial air travel patterns.

Art Donation

June 25, 2009: Brain injury survivor’s art inspires Hospital

Ben Sloetjes was like many teens – a creative, athletic, fun-loving, aspiring musician with strong spirit.

Dr. Arlene Bierman

June 24, 2009: Low-income women face greater burden of illness: study

Women with less education and lower incomes are more likely to suffer from more chronic illnesses, greater disabilities and shorter life expectancies compared to women in high-income groups, according to a new women’s health study led by St. Michael’s Hospital researcher Dr. Arlene Bierman.

Stroke treatment

June 10, 2009: Few patients likely to meet stroke treatment goals: study

A majority of stroke patients are unlikely to meet treatment targets to prevent repeat stroke episodes, according to a study led by St. Michael’s Hospital neurologist Dr. Gustavo Saposnik.

Eco-Atkins diet

June 9, 2009: 'Eco-Atkins' Diet May Improve Cholesterol Levels: study

Doctor and researcher at St. Michael's Hospital, Dr. David A Jenkins, has shown that diet can help control diabetes and factors that can contribute to heart disease.

Cardiovascular surgery and cardiology team perform the PAVR

June 8, 2009: Hospital joins elite heart units performing valve replacement

St. Michael’s heart and vascular program has joined a select group of facilities in Canada that perform Percutaneous Aortic Valve Replacements (PAVR).

Dr. Rick Glazier

June 4, 2009: More doctors needed to treat disadvantaged: study

The province of Ontario’s efforts to improve access to family physicians has been successful, but the people who may need care most are not benefiting, according to a study led by St. Michael’s Hospital’s Dr. Rick Glazier.

Dr. James Maskalyk

June 3, 2009: Hospital ER doc publishes memoir of Sudan posting

Ask physician Dr. James Maskalyk why he chose emergency medicine, and he will tell you it armed him with the skills needed to treat the sick in some of the poorest corners of the globe.

Dr. Anna Banerji

June 1, 2009: Study identifies risks for respiratory infections in Inuit children

Inuit children have the highest rate of hospitalization for lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) globally. New research by St. Michael’s Hospital pediatric disease specialist Dr. Anna Banerji showed that lowering risk through an enhanced immunization program could improve child health and lower costs significantly.

Hockey concussions

May 28, 2009: Young hockey players unable to identify concussion symptoms: study

Twenty-five percent of minor league hockey players do not know if an athlete with symptoms of a concussion should continue to play hockey, according to a new study by St. Michael’s Hospital neurosurgeon Dr. Michael Cusimano calling for greater education to prevent long-term head injuries.

Dr. Joel Ray

May 27, 2009: Newborns of Asian descent may be misclassified as underweight: study

Babies of East Asian and South Asian descent are more likely to be misclassified as underweight at birth when compared to their Canadian counterparts, according to a study led by St. Michael’s Hospital physician Dr. Joel Ray.

Dr. Chaim Bell

May 22, 2009: Prostate enlargement drug increases risk of adverse events for patients after cataract surgery: study

A study led by a St. Michael’s Hospital physician has found patients treated with a drug commonly prescribed for an enlarged prostate before cataract surgery are at higher risk of experiencing an adverse event. This can range from requiring injections of antibiotics into the eye to additional surgeries.

StExcellence in Patient Care

May 13, 2009: Hospital and RNAO partner to advance excellence in patient care and nursing practice

In April 2009, St. Michael’s Hospital became one of 16 organizations across the province to become a Registered Nurses Association of Ontario (RNAO) Best Practice Spotlight Organization (BPSO) candidate.

St. Michael

May 12, 2009: Emergency nurses help reduce wait times

Mary Dimeo is a nurse practitioner who works in a dedicated Fast Track area of St. Michael’s Hospital’s Emergency department. Fast Track, which is supported by donor Marjorie Waters, is staffed by two nurse practitioners.

Nursing Excellence

May 11, 2009: Nursing research improves patient care

Every 15 minutes an Emergency nurse is interrupted. How does this impact care? Nurses June Tavenor-Brake and Karen Olivero’s findings are leading to safer medication practices.

Bob Howard

April 27, 2009: Robert Howard brings expert medical knowledge to new post

Dr. Bob Howard says when he first started at St. Michael’s Hospital more than 25 years ago as a resident, he was hooked. “I quickly came to love this place because of the people and their willingness to always go the extra mile for patients,” he says. Now, Dr. Howard is the new president and CEO of St. Michael’s, which under his leadership, will continue to grow in clinical excellence, research and education.

April 16, 2009: Physician educator garners U of T President’s Award

Hospital nephrologist and internal medicine specialist Dr. Martin Schreiber was one of three professors recently awarded the 2009 University of Toronto President's Teaching Award.

April 9, 2009: Report shows disparities in Indigenous Children’s health

A groundbreaking study led by St. Michael’s Hospital’s Dr. Janet Smylie shows that Indigenous children in Canada, the United States, Australia and New Zealand experience higher rates of infant mortality, child injury, and many other health ailments compared to non-Indigenous children.

April 8, 2009: Increased fish consumption may cause more harm than good: study

New research led by Dr. David Jenkins of St. Michael’s Hospital questions the health benefits of eating fish, especially in light of the depletion of worldwide fish stocks.

April 7, 2009: St. Michael’s Hospital named one of nation’s Best Employers for New Canadians

For the second consecutive year, St. Michael’s Hospital was honoured with a prestigious national award for reducing barriers for new Canadians making the transition to work life in Canada.

March 12, 2009: March 12 is World Glaucoma Day

Don't leave your vision to chance!

March 2, 2009: Urban moods and urban myths

In this year’s first instalment of the Centre for Research on Inner City Health’s (CRICH) Café Scientifique series, the discussion addressed the issue of why neighbourhoods matter for our mental well-being.

February 18, 2009: Hospital cardiologist weighs in on food price inconsistencies

A St. Michael’s hospital cardiologist warns that healthy eating may be out of reach for many Canadians because of significant price differences across the country.

February 2, 2009: Hospital signs agreement to develop medical research program with Saudi Arabian University

St. Michael’s Hospital entered into a landmark agreement recently with King Saud University that will provide collaborative research opportunities to help speed the transfer of medical discoveries from the laboratory bench to patient bedsides.

Dr. Pat O

January 21, 2009: CRICH director honoured

A scientist and professor with St. Michael’s Hospital’s Centre for Research on Inner City Health (CRICH) was recently honoured with a prestigious health research award.

Photo credit: Martin van Dalen

January 20, 2009: Hospital blood donor clinic

St. Michael's Hospital will be hosting a blood donor clinic on Monday, February 16 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Upper Marketeria. Members of the public, as well as hospital staff are encouraged to make an appointment for this clinic by calling 1 888 2 DONATE (1-888-236-6283).

Dr. David Jenkins Photo credit: Michelle Gibson

December 18, 2008: Low GI diet best for type-2 diabetics: study

A study led by Dr. David Jenkins of St. Michael’s Hospital and University of Toronto shows that foods with a low glycemic index (GI) manage blood glucose levels better than high-fiber diets.

Dr. Nancy Baxter Photo credit: Michelle Gibson

December 16, 2008: Colonoscopy less effective on right side: study

Colonoscopy appears to be ineffective at preventing death from cancers that originate in the right side of the colon, says a report co-written by Dr. Nancy Baxter of St. Michael's Hospital.

Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute

December 10, 2008: Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute construction progressing

Construction of the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute at St. Michael’s Hospital is well underway. Shoring work for the building was completed in August, and the concrete forming stage began in June.

Inspired Giving

November 11, 2008: Easy Holiday Shopping!

During the holidays, giving is something we focus on in a special way. We want to give something meaningful to those we love and we often want to help those who need our support.

Toni Danisi and Dr. David Youngs

October 30, 2008: $1 million gift to fund new intermediate Coronary Care Unit

A generous donation of $1 million will fund the creation of a new four-bed unit within the Coronary Care Unit.

Dr. Stephen Hwang

October 23, 2008: Toronto’s Street Saviour

Dr. Stephen Hwang has devoted his life to understanding and treating the homeless. The Globe and Mail recently profiled the St. Michael's Hospital physician and research scientist and discovered what motivates his research.

Top 75 Employers in the Greater Toronto Area

October 18, 2008: St. Michael’s Hospital named a top employer in GTA

St. Michael’s Hospital is proud to be named one of the GTA’s best employers after being recognized in a presitigious list of the city’s top 75 employers for 2009.

Homeless

October 9, 2008: Early screening may prevent homelessness: study

A study indicates more than half of Toronto’s homeless population have experienced a traumatic brain injury, and in 70 per cent of these cases the injury occurred before the person became homeless.

October 1, 2008: Hospital employee honoured by Canadian Blood Services

St. Michael's Hospital needs blood to give our patients another chance at life. June Watkins feels it is important for the hospital community to support our blood supply.

Robot

September 19, 2008: Robot improves care for prostate cancer patients

St. Michael’s Hospital is pioneering the use of a less invasive robotic surgery system to improve the quality of care for prostate cancer patients.

Emergency Entrance

September 17, 2008: Just another night in major emergency…..

Maclean’s reporter Cameron Ainsworth-Vincze spent eight hours in the Hospital’s emergency room recently shadowing senior resident Telisha Smith-Gorvie.

Car Crash

August 15, 2008: Many teenager attitudes toward car crashes reflect sense of invincibility

A St. Michael's Hospital affiliated study finds teenage drivers have the highest crash and fatality rate of any demographic group in Canada.

Building Bridges Conference

August 8, 2008: Building Bridges II: Conference

A networking and learning opportunity for physicians, health policy makers, directors, clinicians, nurses, educators, leaders, chiropodists, podiatrists and allied health professionals

Urban Angel Golf Classic

July 21, 2008: Urban Angel Golf Classic 2008

The second annual Urban Angel Golf Classic was a huge success for St. Michael's Hospital.

Transforming the Hospital with IT

July 11, 2008: Transforming the Hospital with IT

At St. Michael's Hospital, our information management plan aligns with a strategic redesign of parallel systems and processes that support our commitment to knowledge-based care.

Neighbourhood

June 13, 2008: CRICH scientist appointed Research Chair in Public Health

James Dunn will continue to explore how neighbourhoods influence healthy living.

June 3, 2008: St. Michael's leads in workplace diversity

St. Michael's Hospital has led a number of innovative programs that reduce barriers and promote access for skilled immigrants and foreign-trained professionals.

Urban Angel Golf Classic

June 3, 2008: Urban Angel Golf Classic 2008

On July 16, 2008, Canada's most successful fundraising golf tournament, the Urban Angel Golf Classic, offers a great day of golf and fun at Angus Glen.

Filmstrip

May 29, 2008: TRIAGE to screen at Hart House

Documentary chronicles the humanitarian dilemmas of Dr. James Orbinski in Somalia and Rwanda.

Bill Downe announces BMO donation to St. Michael

May 21, 2008: BMO Announces $2M Donation for Inner City Health Research

St. Michael's Hospital received a $2M donation by BMO Financial Group for the creation of a new research unit to help Toronto's vulnerable and inner city populations.

George Smitherman

May 14, 2008: Health Minister takes a closer look at nursing

Health and Long-Term Care Minister George Smitherman walked in the shoes of three frontline nurses on Wednesday.

alcoholic drinks

May 13, 2008: Study links violent assaults and liquor sales

New research by Hospital scientist Dr. Joel Ray finds chances of being hospitalized for serious assults increases at peak sales of alcohol.

Filmmaker-In-Residence

May 9, 2008: Filmmaker-in-Residence wins website award

The National Film Board-affiliated program has won this year's Webby award for best online documentary series.

March 24, 2008: Hospital honoured by city for greening efforts

St. Michael's Hospital shows environmental leadership as first to pilot water-saving program.

Swing Into Spring

April 29, 2008: Swing Into Spring

Tickets are available to the Head Injury Clinic's springtime fundraising gala.

March 28, 2008: Caring globally has meaning at home

Dr. Julio Frenk, Mexico's national minister of health from 2000 to 2006, says consequences from far away can show up on your doorstep.

March 24, 2008: Hospital surgeons go where no surgeon has gone before

St. Michael's Hospital is the first in Toronto to acquire the surgical robotic device, the Da Vinci System.

March 6, 2008: Hospital Pariticipates in World Glaucoma Day

On March 6, 2008, the first World Glaucoma Day, leading glaucoma experts are asking those who may be at risk of the condition not to leave their vision to chance.

Dr. Subdoh Verma

March 4, 2008: South Asians face increased heart risk

Dr. Subodh Verma comments on risks of heart disease among south Asians in a recent story in the Toronto Star.

February 23, 2008: St. Michael's Hospital Wins Canada's Best Employer for New Immigrants Award

On February 23, 2008, St. Michael's Hospital was recognized as one of Canada's Best Employers for New Immigrants.

Indian woman smoking

January 29, 2008: Smoking likely to cause nearly a million deaths by 2010

Study by St. Michael's Hospital researcher Dr. Prabhat Jha predicts one million people a year will die from tobacco smoking in India during the 2010s.

Image of Woman

January 29, 2008: Breast size linked with diabetes risk

Young women with a larger bra cup size may be at higher risk of diabetes in adulthood, says a new study led by St. Michael's Hospital physician Joel Ray. The study also suggests a woman can measure her breast size in her early 20s to gauge her risk for developing the disease in middle age.

Supplement in hand

January 18, 2008: Fish Oil: Helpful or Harmful?

Fish oil may not be the heart-healthy cure-all it's been thought to be, according to a study led by St. Michael's Hospital physician Dr. David Jenkins.

Epipens

January 4, 2008: Blood enzyme could ease allergic reactions

A study led by St. Michael's Hospital physician Dr. Peter Vadas has found an enzyme in the blood decreases the severity of allergic reactions. The discovery suggests medications can be developed to protect against life-threatening allergies to foods, drugs or insect stings.

Prescription bracelet

December 7, 2007: Research links variant of "Chia Pet" grain to benefits for diabetics

Research at St. Michael's Hospital has found that the same grain used to sprout the well-known Chia Pet novelty gifts can offer many health advantages to diabetics.

Diabetes linked to neighbourhood

November 1, 2007: Groundbreaking study links diabetes prevalence to neighbourhood characteristics

Doctors Rick Glazier and Gillian Booth lead study that finds disease rates connected to urban sprawl.

Stephen Lewis

October 15, 2007: Stephen Lewis visits St. Michael's Hospital

On October 15, 2007, Stephen Lewis, Chair of the Stephen Lewis Foundation and former UN Special Envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa, graced the Hospital with his presence.

Angel Golf Classic

July 30, 2007: Million dollar day for St. Michael's Hospital

St. Michael's Hospital Foundation hit a hole in one at Angus Glen on July 17, 2007, raising more than $1 million in net proceeds to support priorities at the Hospital.

Creative Works Studio

May 29, 2007: Tickets now on sale for Creative Art Gems 2007: a live and silent auction to benefit Creative Works Studio

The auction will benefit the Inner City Health program's Creative Works Studio, an art studio providing skills development, support and vocational opportunities for people living with mental illness.

Innovations Conference

May 24, 2007: St. Michael's participates in health care innovation conference

St. Michael's Hospital is honoured to have two of its innovative programs recognized at the Celebrating Innovations in Health Care Expo 2007.

Muhammad Mamdani

May 7, 2007: Renowned international expert joins Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute

Renowned international expert Dr. Muhammad Mamdani joined the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael's Hospital as the director of a new Applied Health Research Centre (AHRC) May 7.

McRae story image

January 23, 2007: Robert McRae Heart Health Unit Opens

St. Michael's Hospital has unveiled a new heart health unit to focus on patient-centered care in a facility that will combine leading-edge care in one of Canada's top five cardiac sites.

Lambert opening story image

January 23, 2007: Allen T. Lambert Trauma and Neurosurgery ICU Opens

St. Michael's Hospital marked a significant milestone on Jan. 10, unveiling a new state-of-the art trauma and neurosurgery intensive care unit, making it the leading centre in the country, Hospital president and CEO Jeff Lozon said.

Filmmaker in residence story image

January 13, 2007: Filmmaker-In-Residence Project Partners Media and Medicine

St. Michael's Hospital is the site of a groundbreaking experiment with film and media. Until Dec. 2007, award-winning documentary filmmaker Katerina Cizek will team up with frontline health care workers in the Filmmaker-in-Residence project.

Minister of Health story image

November 6, 2006: Minister of Health and Long-Term Care pledges $2 million for new critical care wing

St. Michael's Hospital received a huge boost recently when Health and Long-Term Care Minister George Smitherman pledged to dole out $2 million for planning of a new patient care wing.