Dr. Anna Wolak
@drawolak.bsky.social
Family Physician. Wife & mom. Broadway fan. 🇵🇭🇨🇦. Clinical Asst Professor @ UBC Posts are my own opinions & not medical advice. #MedSky
Pinned
Dr. Anna Wolak
@drawolak.bsky.social
· Jan 29
bit.ly
It’s been 5 years since BC’s first covid pt. I spoke w/ @CKNW about some lessons learned since then including Masking, ventilation, air purification, staying home when sick, fixing the health care system before the next pandemic. Also spoke a bit about long COVID. #bcpoli
bit.ly/3WzugF2
bit.ly/3WzugF2
In the aftermath of the Lapu Lapu Festival tragedy, it is worth sharing that research suggests playing Tetris shortly after witnessing trauma may reduce the risk of PTSD by disrupting visual memory consolidation. It’s not a treatment, but could help survivors & witnesses.
t.co/xgSaTST1JX
t.co/xgSaTST1JX
https://theconversation.com/can-playing-tetris-help-prevent-ptsd-if-youve-witnessed-something-traumatic-226736
t.co
May 1, 2025 at 5:52 AM
In the aftermath of the Lapu Lapu Festival tragedy, it is worth sharing that research suggests playing Tetris shortly after witnessing trauma may reduce the risk of PTSD by disrupting visual memory consolidation. It’s not a treatment, but could help survivors & witnesses.
t.co/xgSaTST1JX
t.co/xgSaTST1JX
Pagdadalamhati. It’s the Tagalog word for grief & mourning.
The Lapu Lapu Day Festival was meant to be a celebration of 🇵🇭 spirit & culture, but it ended in a senseless tragedy. I mourn with my kababayan, grieving the lives taken too soon.
Matatag ang Pilipino. Even in tragedy, we stand strong.
The Lapu Lapu Day Festival was meant to be a celebration of 🇵🇭 spirit & culture, but it ended in a senseless tragedy. I mourn with my kababayan, grieving the lives taken too soon.
Matatag ang Pilipino. Even in tragedy, we stand strong.
April 28, 2025 at 1:45 AM
Pagdadalamhati. It’s the Tagalog word for grief & mourning.
The Lapu Lapu Day Festival was meant to be a celebration of 🇵🇭 spirit & culture, but it ended in a senseless tragedy. I mourn with my kababayan, grieving the lives taken too soon.
Matatag ang Pilipino. Even in tragedy, we stand strong.
The Lapu Lapu Day Festival was meant to be a celebration of 🇵🇭 spirit & culture, but it ended in a senseless tragedy. I mourn with my kababayan, grieving the lives taken too soon.
Matatag ang Pilipino. Even in tragedy, we stand strong.
Horrified. Praying for everyone. This was a joyful celebration of Philippine culture that has ended in tragedy. t.co/3yNgB5elNy
https://globalnews.ca/news/11151298/car-drives-into-crowd-festival-vancouver-killed/
t.co
April 27, 2025 at 5:04 AM
Horrified. Praying for everyone. This was a joyful celebration of Philippine culture that has ended in tragedy. t.co/3yNgB5elNy
Measles was eradicated in Canada(1998) & the US(2000), but ⬇️ vaccination rates have led to outbreaks. A child in TX has died from measles complications.
Please. Get yourselves & your children vaccinated. No one should die from a vaccine-preventable illness.
@DoctorsOfBC #bcpoli
Please. Get yourselves & your children vaccinated. No one should die from a vaccine-preventable illness.
@DoctorsOfBC #bcpoli
February 28, 2025 at 7:32 PM
Measles was eradicated in Canada(1998) & the US(2000), but ⬇️ vaccination rates have led to outbreaks. A child in TX has died from measles complications.
Please. Get yourselves & your children vaccinated. No one should die from a vaccine-preventable illness.
@DoctorsOfBC #bcpoli
Please. Get yourselves & your children vaccinated. No one should die from a vaccine-preventable illness.
@DoctorsOfBC #bcpoli
Please make sure you and your children are up to date with your measles vaccines. Measles is one of the most contagious diseases and is not always benign. It can lead to long term disability and can even be fatal. Please protect yourselves & the vulnerable. #bced
www.vch.ca/en/news/meas...
www.vch.ca/en/news/meas...
Measles case confirmed in the Lower Mainland | Vancouver Coastal Health
Surrey – A new case of measles infection has been confirmed in the Lower Mainland. Fraser Health and Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) have determined the infection was acquired by a Fraser Health reside...
www.vch.ca
February 16, 2025 at 1:36 AM
Please make sure you and your children are up to date with your measles vaccines. Measles is one of the most contagious diseases and is not always benign. It can lead to long term disability and can even be fatal. Please protect yourselves & the vulnerable. #bced
www.vch.ca/en/news/meas...
www.vch.ca/en/news/meas...
Influenza is on the rise in Canada.
We know how to deal with this
Get vaccinated.
Stay home when sick.
Ventilation and air purification.
Mask in crowded indoor public spaces and transit.
Wash your hands.
Protect yourselves and your kids.
Data from BC shows ⬆️influenza A
#bcpoli
We know how to deal with this
Get vaccinated.
Stay home when sick.
Ventilation and air purification.
Mask in crowded indoor public spaces and transit.
Wash your hands.
Protect yourselves and your kids.
Data from BC shows ⬆️influenza A
#bcpoli
February 10, 2025 at 10:01 PM
Influenza is on the rise in Canada.
We know how to deal with this
Get vaccinated.
Stay home when sick.
Ventilation and air purification.
Mask in crowded indoor public spaces and transit.
Wash your hands.
Protect yourselves and your kids.
Data from BC shows ⬆️influenza A
#bcpoli
We know how to deal with this
Get vaccinated.
Stay home when sick.
Ventilation and air purification.
Mask in crowded indoor public spaces and transit.
Wash your hands.
Protect yourselves and your kids.
Data from BC shows ⬆️influenza A
#bcpoli
Happy Women Physicians Day to a fantastic group of people!
February 3, 2025 at 9:54 PM
Happy Women Physicians Day to a fantastic group of people!
It’s been 5 years since BC’s first covid pt. I spoke w/ @CKNW about some lessons learned since then including Masking, ventilation, air purification, staying home when sick, fixing the health care system before the next pandemic. Also spoke a bit about long COVID. #bcpoli
bit.ly/3WzugF2
bit.ly/3WzugF2
bit.ly
January 29, 2025 at 12:34 AM
It’s been 5 years since BC’s first covid pt. I spoke w/ @CKNW about some lessons learned since then including Masking, ventilation, air purification, staying home when sick, fixing the health care system before the next pandemic. Also spoke a bit about long COVID. #bcpoli
bit.ly/3WzugF2
bit.ly/3WzugF2
Today is Holocaust Memorial Day. On this day, I like to remind everyone about the Philippines’ actions. In 1930, Pres. Quezon welcomed 1,200 Jewish refugees (his “Open Doors Policy”) to Manila. We took them in, while the world was looking away. #NeverAgain
youtu.be/a157JgY3xW4?...
youtu.be/a157JgY3xW4?...
How The Philippines Saved 1200 Jews During The Holocaust
YouTube video by Hananya Naftali
youtu.be
January 28, 2025 at 2:51 AM
Today is Holocaust Memorial Day. On this day, I like to remind everyone about the Philippines’ actions. In 1930, Pres. Quezon welcomed 1,200 Jewish refugees (his “Open Doors Policy”) to Manila. We took them in, while the world was looking away. #NeverAgain
youtu.be/a157JgY3xW4?...
youtu.be/a157JgY3xW4?...
I spoke with Global News today about the state of respiratory illnesses in BC.
Key points:
Influenza & RSV numbers are high & are rising
Covid is present but stable
Get vaccinated
Large % of healthcare visits are for respiratory illnesses ➡️ mask mandate in health care
globalnews.ca/news/1095180...
Key points:
Influenza & RSV numbers are high & are rising
Covid is present but stable
Get vaccinated
Large % of healthcare visits are for respiratory illnesses ➡️ mask mandate in health care
globalnews.ca/news/1095180...
Flu and RSV cases spike in B.C., but COVID-19 remains low | Globalnews.ca
New data shared by B.C.'s Centre for Disease Control shows the province has one of the worst flu rates in Canada, as a holiday-season spike in respiratory illnesses continues.
globalnews.ca
January 11, 2025 at 3:52 AM
I spoke with Global News today about the state of respiratory illnesses in BC.
Key points:
Influenza & RSV numbers are high & are rising
Covid is present but stable
Get vaccinated
Large % of healthcare visits are for respiratory illnesses ➡️ mask mandate in health care
globalnews.ca/news/1095180...
Key points:
Influenza & RSV numbers are high & are rising
Covid is present but stable
Get vaccinated
Large % of healthcare visits are for respiratory illnesses ➡️ mask mandate in health care
globalnews.ca/news/1095180...
Confirmed H5N1, same clade as the one affecting migratory birds. The child is hospitalized, in critical condition. It is still not known how they caught it.
Layers of protection: clean the air, vaccinate, stay home when 🤒Smart masking with N95.
#bcpoli
t.co/Y7NxF3nevn
Layers of protection: clean the air, vaccinate, stay home when 🤒Smart masking with N95.
#bcpoli
t.co/Y7NxF3nevn
https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/avian-influenza-bird-flu/canadas-national-lab-confirms-h5n1-hospitalized-teen
t.co
November 14, 2024 at 12:48 AM
Confirmed H5N1, same clade as the one affecting migratory birds. The child is hospitalized, in critical condition. It is still not known how they caught it.
Layers of protection: clean the air, vaccinate, stay home when 🤒Smart masking with N95.
#bcpoli
t.co/Y7NxF3nevn
Layers of protection: clean the air, vaccinate, stay home when 🤒Smart masking with N95.
#bcpoli
t.co/Y7NxF3nevn
I spoke with @EmilyLazatin about Avian flu. While not a cause for panic yet, preparation is key. Schools should improve ventilation. Parents, ensure kids' vaccines are up to date. Stay home when sick. Stay away from sick/dead birds. @GlobalBC #bcpoli
globalnews.ca/news/1086417...
globalnews.ca/news/1086417...
With B.C. teen sick in hospital with suspected bird flu, what should parents know? | Globalnews.ca
Dr. Anna Wolak, a family physician in Vancouver, said many parents are likely having flashbacks to the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, despite this flu being a single case.
globalnews.ca
November 12, 2024 at 5:15 AM
I spoke with @EmilyLazatin about Avian flu. While not a cause for panic yet, preparation is key. Schools should improve ventilation. Parents, ensure kids' vaccines are up to date. Stay home when sick. Stay away from sick/dead birds. @GlobalBC #bcpoli
globalnews.ca/news/1086417...
globalnews.ca/news/1086417...
This is not good.
I really hope schools have updated their air purification & ventilation systems so that our kids go back to clean air in their learning environments.
In the meantime: make sure your vaccines are up to date, stay home when sick, clean the air. #bcpoli
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
I really hope schools have updated their air purification & ventilation systems so that our kids go back to clean air in their learning environments.
In the meantime: make sure your vaccines are up to date, stay home when sick, clean the air. #bcpoli
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
B.C. investigating 1st presumptive human avian flu case caught in Canada | CBC News
B.C. health officials are investigating what's believed to be the first human case of avian influenza caught in Canada after a teenager tested presumptively positive for the disease, the Ministry of Health announced Saturday.
www.cbc.ca
November 11, 2024 at 9:51 PM
This is not good.
I really hope schools have updated their air purification & ventilation systems so that our kids go back to clean air in their learning environments.
In the meantime: make sure your vaccines are up to date, stay home when sick, clean the air. #bcpoli
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
I really hope schools have updated their air purification & ventilation systems so that our kids go back to clean air in their learning environments.
In the meantime: make sure your vaccines are up to date, stay home when sick, clean the air. #bcpoli
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
As an HCW in #bcpoli, I got my invite for a Covid💉today. When I went to schedule it, I noticed that only a handful of pharmacies indicated that they had the updated XBB💉
Maybe the others hadn’t updated yet, but when booking, it’s prudent to ensure you’re getting the correct💉
Maybe the others hadn’t updated yet, but when booking, it’s prudent to ensure you’re getting the correct💉
Canada has made Covid-19 vaccines convoluted. In the US, FDA de-authorized OG + bivalent versions, we have yet to do so. We will be seeing many reports of incorrect vaccines being administered.
There also aren't clear guidelines re: primary doses with XBB for those above age 5.
There also aren't clear guidelines re: primary doses with XBB for those above age 5.
October 5, 2023 at 2:52 AM
As an HCW in #bcpoli, I got my invite for a Covid💉today. When I went to schedule it, I noticed that only a handful of pharmacies indicated that they had the updated XBB💉
Maybe the others hadn’t updated yet, but when booking, it’s prudent to ensure you’re getting the correct💉
Maybe the others hadn’t updated yet, but when booking, it’s prudent to ensure you’re getting the correct💉
Covid numbers are starting to rise & kids are back at school.
I spoke on the Steele and Vance show about this.
Key phrase: layers of protection!
Vaccinate when available. Ventilation. Stay home when sick. Hand hygiene. Smart masking with N95.
Stay safe!
I spoke on the Steele and Vance show about this.
Key phrase: layers of protection!
Vaccinate when available. Ventilation. Stay home when sick. Hand hygiene. Smart masking with N95.
Stay safe!
Here we go AGAIN. COVID
Covid concerns are back with the fall weather — Dr. Anna Wolak gives us the list we need to check to protect our kids and stay as safe as possible.
m.youtube.com
September 9, 2023 at 3:20 PM
Covid numbers are starting to rise & kids are back at school.
I spoke on the Steele and Vance show about this.
Key phrase: layers of protection!
Vaccinate when available. Ventilation. Stay home when sick. Hand hygiene. Smart masking with N95.
Stay safe!
I spoke on the Steele and Vance show about this.
Key phrase: layers of protection!
Vaccinate when available. Ventilation. Stay home when sick. Hand hygiene. Smart masking with N95.
Stay safe!
I spoke with Stirling Faux about the fall covid shots.
Key messages: covid shots need to be updated annually, don't rely on the strategy of infection-induced immunity, vaccinate kids. #bcpoli
https://open.spotify.com/episode/7z0s8QBNgj42ziEptsqpNg?si=c119889447554b3b
Key messages: covid shots need to be updated annually, don't rely on the strategy of infection-induced immunity, vaccinate kids. #bcpoli
https://open.spotify.com/episode/7z0s8QBNgj42ziEptsqpNg?si=c119889447554b3b
How Can B.C. Be More Prepared for Fall Covid Boosters?
Listen to this episode from Weekend Mornings with Stirling Faux on Spotify. How Can B.C. Be More Prepared for Fall Covid Boosters? Dr. Anna Wolak - Family Physician and Assistant Professor at UBC
open.spotify.com
July 15, 2023 at 5:02 PM
I spoke with Stirling Faux about the fall covid shots.
Key messages: covid shots need to be updated annually, don't rely on the strategy of infection-induced immunity, vaccinate kids. #bcpoli
https://open.spotify.com/episode/7z0s8QBNgj42ziEptsqpNg?si=c119889447554b3b
Key messages: covid shots need to be updated annually, don't rely on the strategy of infection-induced immunity, vaccinate kids. #bcpoli
https://open.spotify.com/episode/7z0s8QBNgj42ziEptsqpNg?si=c119889447554b3b
Medical practices cannot run on “IOUs”. Bills must be paid.
But a raise negotiated in 2022 won’t be paid to BC doctors until late 2023/early 2024.
If you want to know why doctors are leaving practice, maybe they just can’t afford to stay. Much less want to stay in a province that disrespects them.
But a raise negotiated in 2022 won’t be paid to BC doctors until late 2023/early 2024.
If you want to know why doctors are leaving practice, maybe they just can’t afford to stay. Much less want to stay in a province that disrespects them.
July 14, 2023 at 5:24 PM
Medical practices cannot run on “IOUs”. Bills must be paid.
But a raise negotiated in 2022 won’t be paid to BC doctors until late 2023/early 2024.
If you want to know why doctors are leaving practice, maybe they just can’t afford to stay. Much less want to stay in a province that disrespects them.
But a raise negotiated in 2022 won’t be paid to BC doctors until late 2023/early 2024.
If you want to know why doctors are leaving practice, maybe they just can’t afford to stay. Much less want to stay in a province that disrespects them.
I spoke with Global BC about the Covid-19 vaccine fall rollout. NACI's message is clear: a dose of the new vaccine formulation in the fall will increase protection against severe illness. I hope that BC has learned from previous rollouts & will make access as easy as possible. https://bit.ly/3D7LIqd
B.C. preparing for fall rollout of new Omicron COVID-19 vaccine | Globalnews.ca
"I am almost not calling it a booster dose anymore. It is more an updated dose of the vaccine," Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry told Global News.
globalnews.ca
July 13, 2023 at 3:32 AM
I spoke with Global BC about the Covid-19 vaccine fall rollout. NACI's message is clear: a dose of the new vaccine formulation in the fall will increase protection against severe illness. I hope that BC has learned from previous rollouts & will make access as easy as possible. https://bit.ly/3D7LIqd
NACI releases new COVID-19💉 recommendations
bit.ly/44BNEmr
NACI recommends Canadians in authorized age groups get an updated COVID-19💉this fall (6 mos since last dose/infection).
It remains to be seen what ages fall in the “authorized age groups”, but one hopes they include school age kids.
bit.ly/44BNEmr
NACI recommends Canadians in authorized age groups get an updated COVID-19💉this fall (6 mos since last dose/infection).
It remains to be seen what ages fall in the “authorized age groups”, but one hopes they include school age kids.
July 11, 2023 at 8:26 PM
NACI releases new COVID-19💉 recommendations
bit.ly/44BNEmr
NACI recommends Canadians in authorized age groups get an updated COVID-19💉this fall (6 mos since last dose/infection).
It remains to be seen what ages fall in the “authorized age groups”, but one hopes they include school age kids.
bit.ly/44BNEmr
NACI recommends Canadians in authorized age groups get an updated COVID-19💉this fall (6 mos since last dose/infection).
It remains to be seen what ages fall in the “authorized age groups”, but one hopes they include school age kids.
I've noticed that samples have been coming back as reported by Quest. While I've also noticed that we're catching up with the backlog & results are coming in weeks, not months, I hope this doesn't become standard practice.
However, I implore women not to delay getting their pap.
However, I implore women not to delay getting their pap.
BC isn’t just sending some cancer patients to the US for treatment
The govt is also outsourcing some cancer screening to an American company by quietly sending pap samples across the border — for the past year
My latest #bcpoli scoop for @CTVVancouver ⬇️
The govt is also outsourcing some cancer screening to an American company by quietly sending pap samples across the border — for the past year
My latest #bcpoli scoop for @CTVVancouver ⬇️
B.C. quietly outsourcing cervical cancer screening to U.S. company
Thousands of pap smear samples from B.C. women have been sent to an American company for cancer screening amid a pandemic backlog, CTV News has learned.
bc.ctvnews.ca
July 7, 2023 at 6:19 AM
I've noticed that samples have been coming back as reported by Quest. While I've also noticed that we're catching up with the backlog & results are coming in weeks, not months, I hope this doesn't become standard practice.
However, I implore women not to delay getting their pap.
However, I implore women not to delay getting their pap.
I do want this new registry to work. But I don't know if there are enough physicians with the capacity to accept more pts. What I see is an unbalanced seesaw, where 900,000 pts sign up hoping to be matched on one side & not enough doctors with spaces on the other side.
https://bit.ly/3D3rWvK
https://bit.ly/3D3rWvK
CityNews
vancouver.citynews.ca
July 6, 2023 at 7:59 AM
I do want this new registry to work. But I don't know if there are enough physicians with the capacity to accept more pts. What I see is an unbalanced seesaw, where 900,000 pts sign up hoping to be matched on one side & not enough doctors with spaces on the other side.
https://bit.ly/3D3rWvK
https://bit.ly/3D3rWvK