Melissa Lem
LightNews LightNews
banner
drmelissalem.bsky.social
Melissa Lem
@drmelissalem.bsky.social
4.3K followers 950 following 250 posts
Family doctor | President, @cape-acme.bsky.social | #PaRx Co-Founder | Medical columnist, CBC News Vancouver | Clinical assistant prof, UBC Medicine | Salzburg Global Fellow | Opinions mine
www.parkprescriptions.ca
Posts Replies Media Videos
drmelissalem.bsky.social
Hallowe'en has passed—but for many parents, the scary part is far from over. Great to join @danburritt.bsky.social to talk sugar + kids' health, including:
🧠 immediate mental + physical effects
🏥 long-term health impacts
🍭 which sweets are worse for health
+ more.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=DuCC...
Melissa speaking in studio with CBC Vancouver News at 6 host Dan Burritt about how to handle your kids' Halloween candy hangover
November 4, 2025 at 9:45 PM
drmelissalem.bsky.social
Every time I meet with this crew I leave inspired.
Loved spending the afternoon learning + dialoguing with colleagues at @vanartgallery.bsky.social, @bcparksfoundation.ca's #PaRx, @unitedwaybc.bsky.social + more to advance nature, art and social prescribing across our region.
/1
Melissa at the Vancouver Art Gallery with Elder in Residence Buddy Joseph Melissa participating in a nature, art and social prescribing panel with Paula Toledo, Dr. Maryam Zeineddin and Prab Sandhu Melissa with Drs. Meaghan Thumath and Maryam Zeineddin in the Emily Carr Room at the Vancouver Art Gallery
November 4, 2025 at 6:30 AM
drmelissalem.bsky.social
Reflecting on memories with colleagues up in the trees + mountaintops after heading to South Korea this week to keynote the 2nd World Forum on Forest Therapy, on the Art + Science of Nature Prescribing.
This field is at a global inflection point—and I'm so grateful to be part of it.
wfoft.org/main
Melissa delivering her keynote onstage at the 2nd World Forum on Forest Therapy, on the Art and Science of Nature Prescribing, in Cheongju, South Korea Sunset on grasses on the Mt. Halla Natural Reserve Trail on Jeju Island, South Korea Melissa and colleague Darija Cvikl rope climbing among the trees at Saenggeo Jincheon Healing Forest, South Korea Melissa with colleagues Darija Cvikl, Tamberly Conway, Alex Gesse, Allen Stenstrup, Professor Won Sop Shin and Paul Chia-Min Lin at Art Fore in South Korea
November 3, 2025 at 4:46 AM
drmelissalem.bsky.social
Happy Hallowe'en from our pumpkin family to yours!
Though we're experiencing an atmospheric river here in @cityofvancouver.bsky.social, our spirits are far from damp. Stay safe out there everyone.
#happyhalloween
3 carved jack o'lanterns sitting on a railing in Vancouver
November 1, 2025 at 12:42 AM
drmelissalem.bsky.social
Is your protein powder contaminated with lead?
Good to cover @consumerreports.org's recent report today with @danburritt.bsky.social, including:
🧪 when (or if) to worry
☠️ symptoms of lead poisoning
💪 avoiding protein mania—most adults only need 0.8 g/kg/day
Watch: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xx3G...
Melissa speaking in studio with CBC Vancouver News at 6 host Dan Burritt about lead levels in protein powder and shakes flagged by Consumer Reports
October 21, 2025 at 4:35 AM
drmelissalem.bsky.social
Loved spending the day with physician leaders from across Canada at @cmadocs.bsky.social's Canadian Conference on Physician Health today in Vancouver.
The future of medicine, and physician health, looks brighter because of you all!
More about the conference here: events.cma.ca/website/8372...
Melissa onstage at CCPH with Dr. Sarah Fraser, Dr. Joss Reimer, Dr. Katharine Smart, Dr. Kathleen Ross, Dr. Tamara Hinz, Dr. Shazma Mithani and Dr. Sarah Newbery Dr. Sukhmeet Singh Sachal, Dr. Shazma Mithani, Dr. Sarah Newbery and Dr. Joss Reimer talking misinformation onstage with Dr. Mike at CCPH Melissa smiling with CMA board chair Dr. André Bernard and CEO Alex Munter at CCPH
October 19, 2025 at 5:19 AM
drmelissalem.bsky.social
Do you know accounting, finance or business administration, and want to join the board of @cape-acme.bsky.social, one of the most effective environment and health charities in Canada?
Apply to our treasurer posting: www.charityvillage.com/job/treasure...
#healthyfuture
@jvipondmd.bsky.social
Dr. Joe Vipond carrying a globe on his shoulder at COP28 in Dubai
October 17, 2025 at 3:37 PM
drmelissalem.bsky.social
Home after a heart- and mind-filling few days in Ontario celebrating this year's @clean50.bsky.social winners and visiting family, friends and colleagues who feel like family over Thanksgiving weekend.
Learn more about the 2026 Clean50 honourees here:
clean50.com/honourees/
#healthyfuture
With Laurel Collins, former Canadian MP and current Executive Director of the Raffi Foundation, at the Evergreen Brick Works Onstage at the Evergreen Brick Works with the Clean50 Advocates category winners With CAPE co-Executive Directors Sabrina Bowman and Anjali Helferty in Dufferin Grove Park in Toronto
October 17, 2025 at 1:55 AM
drmelissalem.bsky.social
Cannot wait to moderate the opening keynote of UBC CPD + @cape-acme.bsky.social's Climate Emergency Conference with @sethdklein.bsky.social + @avilewis.ca on Oct 25.
It's going to be a barn burner, everyone—don't miss it!
Join us for the watch party in Vancouver, or online: ubccpd.ca/learn/learni...
Screenshot of UBC CPD's "Planetary Health Emergency: The Health Benefits of Climate Action" conference webpage Head shot of Seth Klein Head shot of Avi Lewis
October 11, 2025 at 9:52 PM
drmelissalem.bsky.social
Honoured to share—exactly 6 years after I took the stage in Toronto to speak at NCC's Nature Talks—that I'm joining the BC Regional Advisory Board of @ncccnc.bsky.social, Canada's largest nature conservation charity.
Grateful for this full-circle moment.
natureconservancy.ca/who-we-are/o...
Melissa on a sunlit hike in the mountains Melissa speaking onstage at the Nature Conservancy of Canada's Nature Talks event in Toronto in 2019 Bob McDonald speaking onstage at the Nature Conservancy of Canada's Nature Talks event in Toronto in 2019
October 10, 2025 at 2:44 AM
drmelissalem.bsky.social
Led by @cape-acme.bsky.social, with 1000s of HCPs attending dozens of events + an open letter sent to the federal government signed by organizations representing >250K health professionals, there's never been a health-sector mobilization of this depth + magnitude for planetary health in Canada.
/2
October 8, 2025 at 1:16 AM
drmelissalem.bsky.social
Incredibly inspired after witnessing the beautiful, hopeful and resolute energy from health professionals across the country marking Canada's inaugural National Day of Action on Planetary Health yesterday.
@cape-acme.bsky.social @royalcollege.bsky.social @cmadocs.bsky.social
#planetaryhealthday
/1
Melissa, Providence Health Care CEO Fiona Dalton and PHC Planetary Health Lead RN Raluca Radu planting an Eastern Redbud tree with golden shovels at Holy Family Hospital in Vancouver, BC in honour of Planetary Health Day Dr. David Suzuki providing opening remarks at the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada's and CAPE's "National Day of Action on Planetary Health: Education, Practice and Systems Change" webinar Melissa, RN Raluca Radu, Dr. Maura Brown and Emilie Wang of UBC EnviroMed speaking at an evening sustainability sign-making and speaker dinner event at the UBC Medical Student & Alumni Centre in Vancouver, BC
October 8, 2025 at 1:16 AM
drmelissalem.bsky.social
What a joy to speak this week at the sold-out Climate Talks event at UBC Botanical Garden, led by the German Consulate General Vancouver.
Exactly the kind of interdisciplinary work we need to catalyze real action on planetary health.
botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/news-events/...
@cape-acme.bsky.social
Melissa having a drink with speakers and organizers after the Climate Talks event Dr. Jiaying Zhao speaking about climate action that decreases emissions and increases happiness at Climate Talks The Climate Talks event poster, with sponsors including the German Consulate General Vancouver, Consulate General of France in Vancouver, Senckenberg Nature Research, Leibniz Association and UBC Botanical Garden
October 5, 2025 at 3:48 AM
drmelissalem.bsky.social
📢 Calling all health professionals: Only one more day to sign on to the National Day of Action on Planetary Health's open letter to the federal government, here: planetaryhealthday.ca
Join @cape-acme.bsky.social + major health organizations in supporting action on planetary health on October 6!
Healthcare professionals holding signs calling for action on planetary health walking towards the BC Legislature
October 3, 2025 at 4:20 PM
drmelissalem.bsky.social
Still reflecting on a million and one pinch-me moments from @resonatenbt.bsky.social's annual meeting in Padua, Italy.
Honoured to be an International Expert Advisor for this ground-breaking project, and excited to generate new research + impact as we move into the next 2 years.
resonate-horizon.eu
Melissa in Piazza delle Erbe with Dr. Terry Hartig and Dr. Georgie Sowman Giotto's frescoes in the Scrovegni Chapel—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—in Padua, Italy Gondoliers navigating the historic canals of Venice, Italy Dr. Mat White, Principal Investigator of RESONATE, with Dr. Julia Egger, postdoc project leader, describing its impact for collaborators in Padua, Italy
September 24, 2025 at 5:32 AM
drmelissalem.bsky.social
Honoured to sign this open letter on behalf of @cape-acme.bsky.social. Join us on September 20!
drawtheline.world/canada
#healthyfuture
Melissa and Seth Klein holding up a sign reading "Draw the Line for Healthy People + a Healthy Planet" at a sign-making party for September 20th's global Draw the Line event
September 16, 2025 at 8:45 PM
drmelissalem.bsky.social
Returning to Terrace—where I cut my teeth running the Mills Memorial ER as a resident—to speak @pnwdivision.bsky.social's annual CPD + networking meeting this weekend felt like a homecoming.
Also great to see @cape-acme.bsky.social's advocacy on the front page of the local newspaper.
'Til next time!
Melissa with MaryLou McKay, Nisga'a elder and Community Health Representative at the Nisga'a Valley Health Authority, in front of an ornate carving at the Nisga'a Museum in Laxgalts'ap Front page of The Interior News featuring the article "Northwest health providers, Indigenous leaders call for moratorium on LNG development" Naxnok at the Nisga'a Museum
September 15, 2025 at 5:16 AM
drmelissalem.bsky.social
Are artificial sweeteners less than sweet for your brain?
Good to join @danburritt.bsky.social to discuss a new study showing 62% faster cognitive 🔻 in those eating the most, including:
🧠 how worried to be
🚧 why middle-agers may be most at risk
🍭 sugar vs. substitutes
www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSUg...
Melissa speaking in studio with CBC Vancouver News at 6 anchor Dan Burritt about a new study suggesting artificial sweeteners could age the human brain faster
September 11, 2025 at 3:55 PM
drmelissalem.bsky.social
Honoured to be moderating this essential conversation on the rights, health + environmental implications of LNG and fracking in BC tomorrow, September 8 at the UBC Medical Student & Alumni Centre, with Indigenous and health leaders from across the province.
Join us: act.cape.ca/protect_heal...
Poster for event "Protect Health From LNG: Indigenous and Health Leaders on the Front Lines" with speakers Grand Chief Stewart Phillip (President, UBCIC), Dr. Ulrike Meyer (Family physician, Dawson Creek, BC), Drew Harris and Grace Vickers (Lax'yip Firekeepers), Jesse Stoeppler (Co-Executive Director, Skeena Watershed Conservation Coalition), Dene Ze' Na'Moke (Wet'suwet'en Hereditary Chiefs) and Melissa as moderator
September 7, 2025 at 2:54 PM
drmelissalem.bsky.social
Great to be onstage again @everythingelectric.bsky.social today talking about the health benefits of all-electric homes.
My kid loved checking out all the nifty clean-energy-powered vehicles and tech.
One more day to catch the festival in @cityofvancouver.bsky.social!
ca.everythingelectric.show
Photo collage of Melissa standing outside the Vancouver Convention Centre with a banner reading "Welcome to Everything Electric" above, Melissa's son with an electrified 1965 Ford Falcon, riding an electric snowmobile, and Melissa onstage speaking in the "Heat Pumps Demystified!" panel
September 7, 2025 at 3:14 AM
drmelissalem.bsky.social
Beyond excited to announce the first-ever National Day of Action on Planetary Health, on October 6—led by @cape-acme.bsky.social + supported by healthcare leaders and organizations across the country!
Learn more: planetaryhealthday.ca
@raffic.bsky.social @naomiaklein.bsky.social
#planetaryhealthday
September 6, 2025 at 3:44 AM
drmelissalem.bsky.social
Pleased to co-author this BC Medical Journal (BCMJ) piece on how climate-related threats, fossil-fuel air pollution, and biodiversity loss are driving adverse mental health impacts—and how health professionals can help.
Read: bcmj.org/council-heal...
@cape-acme.bsky.social
Screenshot of BCMJ article "Climate change and mental health: A critical intersection" by Drs. Emilie Wang, Ilona Hale, Melissa Lem and Rachel Grimminck
September 2, 2025 at 11:20 PM
drmelissalem.bsky.social
@cape-acme.bsky.social and friends have been up to something good this summer—and it's dropping next week. Follow us and find out.
@cmadocs.bsky.social @royalcollege.bsky.social @cpdesrosiers.bsky.social @courtghoward.bsky.social @jossreimer.bsky.social @alikamd.bsky.social @raffic.bsky.social
Melissa, wearing scrubs and a stethoscope, and Dr. David Suzuki standing together in the forest
August 27, 2025 at 2:46 PM
drmelissalem.bsky.social
Appreciation post: for journalists who consistently connect the dots between climate change, the fossil fuel industry + adverse health impacts—and for scheduling interviews around my rural work (+ hiking) schedule last week on Cortes Island.
Almost nothing makes me happier.
/1
@cape-acme.bsky.social
Collage of articles from the Vancouver Sun, Globe and Mail, CBC and National Observer featuring interviews with Melissa about the health impacts of climate change and the fossil fuel industry from the past week in August Melissa smiling partway through a hike at Hank's Beach on Cortes Island, BC
August 24, 2025 at 4:14 AM
drmelissalem.bsky.social
Loved joining CBC Radio's Sunday Magazine to talk about my favourite topic—the health benefits of nature access and conservation—while recharging outside with friends and family after a week of rural medicine on Cortes Island.
Listen (at 3:30): www.cbc.ca/listen/live-...
@cape-acme.bsky.social
Melissa walking on a dock at Kw'as Park with her son on Cortes Island, BC Screenshot of webpage for "The past and future of Canada's parks, as climate change changes them" segment on August 17, 2025's The Sunday Magazine with Piya Chattopadhyay
August 20, 2025 at 3:08 AM