Jon Meddings
@jmeddings.bsky.social
Past Dean, Cumming School of Medicine; Gastroenterologist, Avid photographer in no particular order. Opinions are mine.
Tepid.
Great adjective for our AB government.
They are tepid.
Great adjective for our AB government.
They are tepid.
A rather tepid response from the Alberta Govt, IMO: "measures include...shifting to companies in Alberta, Canada or countries that possess a free trade agreement for procurement, avoiding future purchase of US alcohol & VLTs & directing grocers & retailers to properly identify and label goods..."
Danielle Smith announces Alberta’s tariff battle plan
www.ctvnews.ca/calgary/arti...
www.ctvnews.ca/calgary/arti...
March 5, 2025 at 9:49 PM
Tepid.
Great adjective for our AB government.
They are tepid.
Great adjective for our AB government.
They are tepid.
It really does seem as though there are a multitude of connections between this company, ASG and our government.
Good for AHS for trying to clarify what was in the public interest.
For government to fire the CEO and stop that investigation seems.... 'odd'... and self protective.
Good for AHS for trying to clarify what was in the public interest.
For government to fire the CEO and stop that investigation seems.... 'odd'... and self protective.
Mraiche Profited from Quick Sale of Property to UCP Government | The Tyee
The multimillionaire under scrutiny for lucrative Alberta Health Services dealings made $300,000 on land he owned just three months.
thetyee.ca
February 21, 2025 at 2:00 PM
It really does seem as though there are a multitude of connections between this company, ASG and our government.
Good for AHS for trying to clarify what was in the public interest.
For government to fire the CEO and stop that investigation seems.... 'odd'... and self protective.
Good for AHS for trying to clarify what was in the public interest.
For government to fire the CEO and stop that investigation seems.... 'odd'... and self protective.
Perhaps I'm too lost in this but I am shocked (and dismayed) by the lack of incredibly strong opposition to this.
There is a massive COI here. Nobody should be letting government get away with this.
There is a massive COI here. Nobody should be letting government get away with this.
This 👇💯
It’s like they’re not even trying to take this seriously.
It’s like they’re not even trying to take this seriously.
An undisclosed third party will deliver a confidential report to the premier about her own office's alleged involvement in a procurement scandal and cover-up.
That should clear the air.
That should clear the air.
February 12, 2025 at 1:38 PM
Perhaps I'm too lost in this but I am shocked (and dismayed) by the lack of incredibly strong opposition to this.
There is a massive COI here. Nobody should be letting government get away with this.
There is a massive COI here. Nobody should be letting government get away with this.
Yes - they ordered the takeover of CSF procurement by government and for AHS to cease and desist in checking the CSF pricing structures....
The allegations go from bad to worse.
If they’re true, Health Minister LaGrange, with the support of Premier Smith, ordered the coverup of investigations into the worst scandal Alberta’s ever seen.
A shocking level of political interference. #abpoli
If they’re true, Health Minister LaGrange, with the support of Premier Smith, ordered the coverup of investigations into the worst scandal Alberta’s ever seen.
A shocking level of political interference. #abpoli
February 11, 2025 at 2:34 PM
Yes - they ordered the takeover of CSF procurement by government and for AHS to cease and desist in checking the CSF pricing structures....
Absolutely.
And worth noting that in October 2024 the AB government took over sole procurement of CSF's from AHS.
And the allegged corruption? The procurement of CSF's of course...
And worth noting that in October 2024 the AB government took over sole procurement of CSF's from AHS.
And the allegged corruption? The procurement of CSF's of course...
Odd, because Dani previously told us her taking personal control of Alberta Health would solve all its problems
In truculent statement, Danielle Smith denies any responsibility for misconduct at Alberta Health Services by government staff. albertapolitics.ca/2025/02/in-t...
February 11, 2025 at 2:32 PM
Absolutely.
And worth noting that in October 2024 the AB government took over sole procurement of CSF's from AHS.
And the allegged corruption? The procurement of CSF's of course...
And worth noting that in October 2024 the AB government took over sole procurement of CSF's from AHS.
And the allegged corruption? The procurement of CSF's of course...
If true, I don't think I've seen anything worse in AB healthcare.
It also underscores the point that private care cannot compete with public unless it is given a leg up.
For the sake of all of us we should be using these $ to make the public system better.
It also underscores the point that private care cannot compete with public unless it is given a leg up.
For the sake of all of us we should be using these $ to make the public system better.
Athana Mentzelopoulos’s bombshell allegations about sketchy deals at AHS pushed by officials and political staffers set off huge storm. albertapolitics.ca/2025/02/atha...
Athana Mentzelopoulos’s bombshell allegations about sketchy deals at AHS pushed by officials and political staffers set off huge storm - Alberta Politics
It will be hard for Alberta’s United Conservative Party to shake off former Alberta Health Services CEO Athana Mentzelopoulos’s bombshell allegation she was fired for launching an investigation of ske...
albertapolitics.ca
February 7, 2025 at 2:03 PM
If true, I don't think I've seen anything worse in AB healthcare.
It also underscores the point that private care cannot compete with public unless it is given a leg up.
For the sake of all of us we should be using these $ to make the public system better.
It also underscores the point that private care cannot compete with public unless it is given a leg up.
For the sake of all of us we should be using these $ to make the public system better.
This is an excellent op-ed about the AB pandemic report from two people who really know.
"Some statements in the report don’t hold up to a basic reality check." All true.
This report should be withdrawn.
"Some statements in the report don’t hold up to a basic reality check." All true.
This report should be withdrawn.
Albertans deserved a post-pandemic review. Instead, they got misinformation cloaked in science
The Alberta COVID-19 Pandemic Data Review Task Force report is littered with anti-science talking points, many already debunked by fact-checkers
www.theglobeandmail.com
February 1, 2025 at 1:49 PM
This is an excellent op-ed about the AB pandemic report from two people who really know.
"Some statements in the report don’t hold up to a basic reality check." All true.
This report should be withdrawn.
"Some statements in the report don’t hold up to a basic reality check." All true.
This report should be withdrawn.
Well... I guess...
If at first you don't succeed...
If at first you don't succeed...
Over to you, @jmeddings.bsky.social
If only the Alberta UCP government would axe itself.
#ableg #abpoli #fireDanielleSmith
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
#ableg #abpoli #fireDanielleSmith
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
January 31, 2025 at 10:40 PM
Well... I guess...
If at first you don't succeed...
If at first you don't succeed...
Not surprisingly, I completely support these goals. A short thread (can't help myself).
I recall many years ago advocating for a national physician supply and demand database with Geny and the AFMC to run and use this data.
AFMC are the combined medical schools. /1
I recall many years ago advocating for a national physician supply and demand database with Geny and the AFMC to run and use this data.
AFMC are the combined medical schools. /1
Ground-breaking new report reveals Canada can’t train enough doctors and other health professionals. Unless we dramatically change how we do things.
As the health ministers met in Halifax over the past few days, the federal government released the first detailed report on the gaps in the health care workforce and the data lays bare the extent of t...
www.cma.ca
January 31, 2025 at 6:27 PM
Not surprisingly, I completely support these goals. A short thread (can't help myself).
I recall many years ago advocating for a national physician supply and demand database with Geny and the AFMC to run and use this data.
AFMC are the combined medical schools. /1
I recall many years ago advocating for a national physician supply and demand database with Geny and the AFMC to run and use this data.
AFMC are the combined medical schools. /1
A warning about declining healthcare from the AMA. Once again nothing from government.
The major problem with AB healthcare?
Lack of Access. Lack of healthcare workers. Not poor organization....
The major problem with AB healthcare?
Lack of Access. Lack of healthcare workers. Not poor organization....
Thousands of women and babies at risk from OBGYN shortages: Alberta doctors
“The outcomes in these pregnancies can be substantially worsened by anybody with medical comorbidities."
edmontonjournal.com
January 30, 2025 at 6:21 PM
A warning about declining healthcare from the AMA. Once again nothing from government.
The major problem with AB healthcare?
Lack of Access. Lack of healthcare workers. Not poor organization....
The major problem with AB healthcare?
Lack of Access. Lack of healthcare workers. Not poor organization....
Nice, short article about the shortcomings of the AB covid report.
In a first year university class it would get a failing grade.
Perhaps that's why we see so few degrees in our cabinet?
In a first year university class it would get a failing grade.
Perhaps that's why we see so few degrees in our cabinet?
‘Bad science’: Academics tear apart Alberta’s $2-million report on COVID
“We've given literally billions of doses of this vaccine around the world with the best surveillance we've ever had."
edmontonsun.com
January 29, 2025 at 3:53 PM
Nice, short article about the shortcomings of the AB covid report.
In a first year university class it would get a failing grade.
Perhaps that's why we see so few degrees in our cabinet?
In a first year university class it would get a failing grade.
Perhaps that's why we see so few degrees in our cabinet?
It is interesting how the 'Trump Threats' break into those with immediate problems and some like this with a longer time horizon.
Public health does not easily stay colored in between map borders. For the safety of us all we need organizations like WHO.
Public health does not easily stay colored in between map borders. For the safety of us all we need organizations like WHO.
The U.S. withdrawal from the WHO: A #GlobalHealth crisis in the making www.bmj.com/content/388/... via @bmj.com @jmeddings.bsky.social
The US withdrawal from the WHO: a global health crisis in the making
In a major blow to global health, the US administration has announced plans to withdraw from the World Health Organization. Kent Buse and colleagues propose urgent actions for the international commun...
www.bmj.com
January 29, 2025 at 2:22 PM
It is interesting how the 'Trump Threats' break into those with immediate problems and some like this with a longer time horizon.
Public health does not easily stay colored in between map borders. For the safety of us all we need organizations like WHO.
Public health does not easily stay colored in between map borders. For the safety of us all we need organizations like WHO.
This is an interesting article. Common sense I guess.
However, it is hard to think of a more compelling point to prove that the AB healthcare system has failed.
Like abandoning a sinking ship - look after the sickest.....
However, it is hard to think of a more compelling point to prove that the AB healthcare system has failed.
Like abandoning a sinking ship - look after the sickest.....
New rules for doctors struggling with too many patients as Alberta health system under strain www.cbc.ca/news/canada/... @jenleecbc.bsky.social
Get weekly updates: CanadaHealthwatch.ca/newsletter 🍁
Get weekly updates: CanadaHealthwatch.ca/newsletter 🍁
January 22, 2025 at 11:36 PM
This is an interesting article. Common sense I guess.
However, it is hard to think of a more compelling point to prove that the AB healthcare system has failed.
Like abandoning a sinking ship - look after the sickest.....
However, it is hard to think of a more compelling point to prove that the AB healthcare system has failed.
Like abandoning a sinking ship - look after the sickest.....
Can I agree with this 200%?
Long term the quality of life in Canada is going to be about the quality of people we have here. This is a golden opportunity to recruit some outstanding people to Canada.
Recruitment always takes a push and a pull. Trump has helped us by giving the push.
Long term the quality of life in Canada is going to be about the quality of people we have here. This is a golden opportunity to recruit some outstanding people to Canada.
Recruitment always takes a push and a pull. Trump has helped us by giving the push.
If I was the Canadian Govt, I’d be offering all NIH people immediate funding and relocation support to bring their work here and give a large chunk of $ to universities to get the space to set things up.
January 22, 2025 at 11:07 PM
Can I agree with this 200%?
Long term the quality of life in Canada is going to be about the quality of people we have here. This is a golden opportunity to recruit some outstanding people to Canada.
Recruitment always takes a push and a pull. Trump has helped us by giving the push.
Long term the quality of life in Canada is going to be about the quality of people we have here. This is a golden opportunity to recruit some outstanding people to Canada.
Recruitment always takes a push and a pull. Trump has helped us by giving the push.
I'm going to use this reply as a stepping stone to something I think we need to do less of. While my leanings are similar to this poster I actually think that this is just as much of a problem as what 'we' complain about.
Hear me out please.
/1
Hear me out please.
/1
PH officials created the mess they're in. PH is a farce.
The disrespect and loss of credibility they've experienced should come as no surprise to anyone.
Public health is not in the business of protecting the public's health. Where is their integrity?
They carry out the govt's agenda. #Puppets
The disrespect and loss of credibility they've experienced should come as no surprise to anyone.
Public health is not in the business of protecting the public's health. Where is their integrity?
They carry out the govt's agenda. #Puppets
January 22, 2025 at 3:47 PM
I'm going to use this reply as a stepping stone to something I think we need to do less of. While my leanings are similar to this poster I actually think that this is just as much of a problem as what 'we' complain about.
Hear me out please.
/1
Hear me out please.
/1
This is worrisome.
Having the US pull out of WHO is a major setback for world public health (including the US).
This, at a time of increased zoonotic disease risk puts us all in peril. Imagine H5N1 in a world with reduced PH capacity.
The rest of world needs to step up.
Having the US pull out of WHO is a major setback for world public health (including the US).
This, at a time of increased zoonotic disease risk puts us all in peril. Imagine H5N1 in a world with reduced PH capacity.
The rest of world needs to step up.
The US withdrawal from the WHO: a global health crisis in the making
In a major blow to global health, the US administration has announced plans to withdraw from the World Health Organization. Kent Buse and colleagues propose urgent actions for the international commun...
www.bmj.com
January 21, 2025 at 4:22 PM
This is worrisome.
Having the US pull out of WHO is a major setback for world public health (including the US).
This, at a time of increased zoonotic disease risk puts us all in peril. Imagine H5N1 in a world with reduced PH capacity.
The rest of world needs to step up.
Having the US pull out of WHO is a major setback for world public health (including the US).
This, at a time of increased zoonotic disease risk puts us all in peril. Imagine H5N1 in a world with reduced PH capacity.
The rest of world needs to step up.
Forgive me for being cynical here.
I truly understand that sometimes job cuts can be part of a reorganization that increases work output.
But the history of Canadian healthcare is government rationing healthcare in an ill-guided attempt to reduce cost.
Delayed care is more expensive care.
I truly understand that sometimes job cuts can be part of a reorganization that increases work output.
But the history of Canadian healthcare is government rationing healthcare in an ill-guided attempt to reduce cost.
Delayed care is more expensive care.
Quebec cuts 1,000 health-care jobs in a month as it tackles deficit | CBC News
Announcements of job cuts in the health network have multiplied in recent weeks as Quebec tries to eliminate a $1.5 billion deficit in the public health-care system.
www.cbc.ca
January 17, 2025 at 2:04 PM
Forgive me for being cynical here.
I truly understand that sometimes job cuts can be part of a reorganization that increases work output.
But the history of Canadian healthcare is government rationing healthcare in an ill-guided attempt to reduce cost.
Delayed care is more expensive care.
I truly understand that sometimes job cuts can be part of a reorganization that increases work output.
But the history of Canadian healthcare is government rationing healthcare in an ill-guided attempt to reduce cost.
Delayed care is more expensive care.
Medical misinformation is a societal threat. We should treat it accordingly.
Good editorial from the Lancet.
Good editorial from the Lancet.
Combatting misinformation in health "cannot be left to voluntary, individual efforts," according to latest editorial in @thelancet.bsky.social. It requires "a systematic approach akin to curbing the spread of infectious agents"
www.thelancet.com/journals/lan...
www.thelancet.com/journals/lan...
Health in the age of disinformation
Health misinformation (false or misleading data shared unintentionally) and disinformation
(deliberately deceptive information) are not new, but the COVID-19 pandemic marked
a turning point. The sense...
www.thelancet.com
January 17, 2025 at 1:54 PM
Medical misinformation is a societal threat. We should treat it accordingly.
Good editorial from the Lancet.
Good editorial from the Lancet.
I just attended a talk (by a real expert) on water insecurity in southern AB. To hear that the headwater glaciers of the Bow (Bow and Peyto) are likely to be gone in 10 years makes you sit up and think.
We. Can't. Afford. This. Government.
We. Can't. Afford. This. Government.
It was great to attend the Protect our Water rally yesterday.
Albertans should be deeply concerned at the UCP’s reckless plan to mine in the eastern slopes.
Albertans should be deeply concerned at the UCP’s reckless plan to mine in the eastern slopes.
January 16, 2025 at 12:10 AM
I just attended a talk (by a real expert) on water insecurity in southern AB. To hear that the headwater glaciers of the Bow (Bow and Peyto) are likely to be gone in 10 years makes you sit up and think.
We. Can't. Afford. This. Government.
We. Can't. Afford. This. Government.
It will be interesting to see the gov decision on this.
Let me just say that in all areas of medicine, prevention is far cheaper than treatment. Vaccines prevent incredible costs in the acute care system.
This should be a no-brainer. But I guess, therein lies the rub...
Let me just say that in all areas of medicine, prevention is far cheaper than treatment. Vaccines prevent incredible costs in the acute care system.
This should be a no-brainer. But I guess, therein lies the rub...
With federal funding for COVID-19 vaccines ending, I checked in with the Alberta government about its plans for the immunization program.
Will COVID shots continue to be free for Albertans?
The provincial government appears to be undecided
My latest👇
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Will COVID shots continue to be free for Albertans?
The provincial government appears to be undecided
My latest👇
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Alberta government weighs future of COVID-19 vaccination as federal program winds down | CBC News
The future of Alberta's COVID-19 vaccination program is unclear as the federal government shifts responsibility for the immunizations to the provinces this summer.
www.cbc.ca
January 16, 2025 at 12:04 AM
It will be interesting to see the gov decision on this.
Let me just say that in all areas of medicine, prevention is far cheaper than treatment. Vaccines prevent incredible costs in the acute care system.
This should be a no-brainer. But I guess, therein lies the rub...
Let me just say that in all areas of medicine, prevention is far cheaper than treatment. Vaccines prevent incredible costs in the acute care system.
This should be a no-brainer. But I guess, therein lies the rub...
This is a really important perspective on our healthcare system and how it compares to peers.
Key findings: 1) Quality is good. 2) Access is poor 3) Affordability is poor -we have too much private pay for the system to be equitable.
/1
Key findings: 1) Quality is good. 2) Access is poor 3) Affordability is poor -we have too much private pay for the system to be equitable.
/1
Canada’s health-care system falls behind most peer countries: C.D. Howe Institute report. Comparative analysis shows Canada’s quality of care is relatively high, but accessing that care is a challenge, by Hannah Alberga www.thestar.com/life/health-... via @torontostar.bsky.social
Canada’s health-care system falls behind most peer countries: Report
The comparative analysis shows Canada’s quality of care is relatively high, but accessing that care is a challenge.
www.thestar.com
January 14, 2025 at 9:07 PM
This is a really important perspective on our healthcare system and how it compares to peers.
Key findings: 1) Quality is good. 2) Access is poor 3) Affordability is poor -we have too much private pay for the system to be equitable.
/1
Key findings: 1) Quality is good. 2) Access is poor 3) Affordability is poor -we have too much private pay for the system to be equitable.
/1
A fascinating read.
Declining life expectancy for many complex reasons. However, one that shines through is the ineffectiveness of public health measures over the last 20 years.
Is that a surprise when health is considered a personal responsibility and to be paid for privately?
Declining life expectancy for many complex reasons. However, one that shines through is the ineffectiveness of public health measures over the last 20 years.
Is that a surprise when health is considered a personal responsibility and to be paid for privately?
All alarms should be going off with these new
@ihmeuw.bsky.social data which show a steadily declining life expectancy in the US
www.thelancet.com/journals/lan...
@ihmeuw.bsky.social data which show a steadily declining life expectancy in the US
www.thelancet.com/journals/lan...
January 14, 2025 at 1:46 PM
A fascinating read.
Declining life expectancy for many complex reasons. However, one that shines through is the ineffectiveness of public health measures over the last 20 years.
Is that a surprise when health is considered a personal responsibility and to be paid for privately?
Declining life expectancy for many complex reasons. However, one that shines through is the ineffectiveness of public health measures over the last 20 years.
Is that a surprise when health is considered a personal responsibility and to be paid for privately?
Very important post here.
In Canada we have 2 problems:
1. Not enough MD's
2. Not enough family MD's
Medical students choose their specialty at the end of med school.
They currently could all go into family medicine if they wanted and that would leave us only with a specialty problem. /1
In Canada we have 2 problems:
1. Not enough MD's
2. Not enough family MD's
Medical students choose their specialty at the end of med school.
They currently could all go into family medicine if they wanted and that would leave us only with a specialty problem. /1
Why is this a prediction for 2025 when it takes a minimum of 6 years to train a family doctor?
This paragraph even acknowledges that fewer and fewer family doctors are *willing* to do family medicine in Canada...
... but the solution is to train more family doctors?
What is this hopium BS?
This paragraph even acknowledges that fewer and fewer family doctors are *willing* to do family medicine in Canada...
... but the solution is to train more family doctors?
What is this hopium BS?
January 12, 2025 at 2:37 PM
Very important post here.
In Canada we have 2 problems:
1. Not enough MD's
2. Not enough family MD's
Medical students choose their specialty at the end of med school.
They currently could all go into family medicine if they wanted and that would leave us only with a specialty problem. /1
In Canada we have 2 problems:
1. Not enough MD's
2. Not enough family MD's
Medical students choose their specialty at the end of med school.
They currently could all go into family medicine if they wanted and that would leave us only with a specialty problem. /1
A very good analysis here. In my post on the other site I missed talking about the virtual care provisions.
Big health news today.
A long awaited Canada Health Act 'interpretation letter' re: new private-pay charges has dropped.
www.canada.ca/en/health-ca...
It's a mixed bag.
A brief thread on the news, good and bad. Expect more media on this as the day progresses.
1/
A long awaited Canada Health Act 'interpretation letter' re: new private-pay charges has dropped.
www.canada.ca/en/health-ca...
It's a mixed bag.
A brief thread on the news, good and bad. Expect more media on this as the day progresses.
1/
Statement from the Minister of Health on the Canada Health Act
Statement from the Minister of Health on the Canada Health Act
www.canada.ca
January 10, 2025 at 7:46 PM
A very good analysis here. In my post on the other site I missed talking about the virtual care provisions.
For a change. Astrophotography.
Calgary has had almost complete clouds for 2 months. I've been working on a 6 panel mosaic of the Heart and Soul nebula in the northern skies.
Here is the data so far - I think I'll collect a little more.'
Calgary has had almost complete clouds for 2 months. I've been working on a 6 panel mosaic of the Heart and Soul nebula in the northern skies.
Here is the data so far - I think I'll collect a little more.'
January 9, 2025 at 10:53 PM
For a change. Astrophotography.
Calgary has had almost complete clouds for 2 months. I've been working on a 6 panel mosaic of the Heart and Soul nebula in the northern skies.
Here is the data so far - I think I'll collect a little more.'
Calgary has had almost complete clouds for 2 months. I've been working on a 6 panel mosaic of the Heart and Soul nebula in the northern skies.
Here is the data so far - I think I'll collect a little more.'