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Dr. Shazma Mithani and Dr. Sheila Wijayasinghe have spent years navigating the health care system. Not just as doctors for their patients, but as moms for their kids, and patients themselves. And they know it's not always straightforward.
Every two weeks they'll take a real question from a real patient, and provide in-depth answers with a clear path to action, with help from other trusted experts.
No jargon. No time wasted. Just real talk about real issues from two doctors who've seen it all. And they'll give you the inside scoop on how to navigate the health care system like a pro.
This is The Doc Talk.
Disclaimer: The Doc Talk is for general information purposes only. This podcast is not intended to replace medical advice from your doctor. While we are doctors, we are not your doctor. Always speak to your own healthcare provider for questions related to your personal health needs.
29 Episodes
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In this episode, Dr. Shazma Mithani and Dr. Sheila Wijayasinghe tackle one of the scariest moments for parents — when a child has a seizure during a fever. They break down what febrile seizures are, why they happen, what to do in the moment, and when to seek medical care. What We Cover: What febrile seizures are and how they differ from epilepsyWhy they happen — and why it’s the rapid rise in temperature, not the height of the fever, that mattersWhat they look like, including how to tell a si...
Fever is one of the most common reasons parents bring their children to the ER and family medicine clinic. We break down what every parent should know about fevers in kids: when to worry, when to relax, and how to keep your child comfortable at home. We cover what counts as a fever, why fevers happen, why kids get them more often than adults, and when it’s time to see a doctor. They also bust some of the biggest myths, including whether fever causes brain damage or needs to be “treated” every...
ER wait times in Canada are longer than ever, but many visits are preventable. In this episode, we break down the red flags that do require the ER, the common injuries and habits that don’t, and practical ways to stay out of hospital. From slips and falls to screenings, vaccines, and mental health, this is your guide to avoiding unnecessary emergencies. If you haven’t yet, check out Avoiding the ER – Kids Edition (episode 4) from Season 1, one of our most popular episodes. This episode is bro...
This week, we’re joined by our very first guest of Season 2, Canadian comedian, writer, and viral sensation Brittlestar (Stewart Reynolds). If you’ve scrolled TikTok or Instagram lately, chances are you’ve laughed at one of his sharp, family-friendly takes on modern life. With more than 650 million views worldwide, collabs with Ryan Reynolds and Gordon Ramsay, an invite from the Obamas, and even a new international bestselling book, Stewart has turned suburban Ontario into a global comedy sta...
Welcome to Season 2 of The Doc Talk Podcast! We’re Dr. Shazma Mithani (ER doctor, Edmonton) and Dr. Sheila Wijayasinghe (family doctor, Toronto) two physicians, moms, and friends here to bring you no-nonsense, evidence-based health information for Canadian families. Every September, classrooms turn into germ factories. From coughs and fevers to itchy scalps and stomach bugs, it can feel like kids are constantly sick. In this episode, we break it all down: Flu & respiratory viruses: how to...
We’re wrapping up an incredible first season of The Doc Talk Podcast! From the best sleep tips to practical advice on tackling loneliness, advocating for yourself as a patient, and why teamwork really does make the dream work—we’re highlighting the moments that stuck with us. Plus, get a sneak peek into what’s coming in Season 2, including exciting new guests and topics we can’t wait to share. Listen in for your dose of real talk, practical advice, and what to expect next. Disclaimer: T...
Episode Summary: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common—but misunderstood—hormonal conditions. In this episode, Dr. Sheila Wijayasinghe (family doctor) and Dr. Shazma Mithani (ER physician) break down what PCOS really is, why it often goes undiagnosed, and what to watch for beyond irregular periods. We cover: What PCOS is—and isn’tSymptoms that show up in clinic and the ERThe risks of untreated PCOS, like diabetes and endometrial cancerWhy it’s not just about fertility or ...
Episode Summary: In this powerful conversation, Drs. Shazma and Sheila sit down with psychologist and author Dr. Jody Carrington to unpack the loneliness epidemic. Why are women more prone to loneliness? How can we be more intentional in raising our children to foster emotional intelligence? And what role does social media play in perpetuating disconnection? Dr. Carrington shares profound insights on the importance of human connection, offering practical strategies for calming the nervous sys...
Menstrual pain, heavy periods, absent periods—what’s normal and what’s not? In today’s episode, we tackle the many types of menstrual disorders that impact millions but often get dismissed. From painful periods (dysmenorrhea) and heavy bleeding (menorrhagia) to absent periods (amenorrhea) and emergency situations like ovarian torsion, we break down symptoms, causes, and when to seek help. Plus, we bust common myths and offer practical advice for navigating menstrual health with confidence. If...
In this episode of The Doc Talk Podcast, Dr. Shazma Mithani, an ER doctor, and Dr. Sheila Wijayasinghe, a family doctor, tackle an important listener question: How can I stay up to date with cancer screening to reduce my risk? Cancer screening is not about finding something wrong—it’s about catching potential issues early, sometimes before symptoms even appear. This episode covers what you need to know about cancer screening, including when to start, how often to screen, and why early detecti...
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in Canada. In this episode of The Doc Talk Podcast, we dive into what heart disease can look like in women, how it’s too often overlooked, and what you can do to protect yourself and those you love. We kick off with a listener question from Kellie, who asks: “What does the research say about how heart disease shows up differently in women—and how can we advocate for ourselves when screenings don’t tell the whole story?” It’s a crucial ques...
Episode Summary: In this episode of The Doc Talk Podcast, Drs. Shazma and Sheila tackle the critical and often under-discussed topic of bladder health. From the nuances of urinary tract infections (UTIs) to the dangers of kidney infections and urosepsis, the doctors break it all down. Plus, they shine a spotlight on incontinence, exploring its causes, social impact, and treatment options. Join us as we answer listener questions, debunk myths, and offer a practical prescription for maintaining...
In this quick mini-episode of The Doc Talk Podcast, Drs. Sheila and Shazma break down the basics of measles, why outbreaks are back, and how to stay protected with vaccinations. They highlight the serious risks associated with measles, share who should get the MMR vaccine, and address rare cases where vaccination might not be suitable. If you’re unsure about your immunity, this episode provides essential tips to ensure you’re safeguarded against this highly contagious virus. Key Points Discus...
Today’s episode of The Doc Talk dives into a listener question on bone health and osteoporosis. Definition of Osteoporosis: - Dr. Sheila explains osteoporosis as a condition where bones become weak and brittle, making them prone to fractures. - It’s often called the “silent disease” because there are no symptoms until a fracture happens. Osteoporosis Statistics: - Over 2.3 million Canadians are living with osteoporosis. - It affects 1 in 3 women and 1 in ...
In this episode, we’re talking about all things sleep with sleep expert and social media star, Dr. Sujay Kansagra. If you’ve ever struggled to fall asleep, stay asleep, or wake up feeling rested, this episode is for you. And make sure you stay until the end to hear Dr. Kansagra’s prescription for better sleep! We touch upon all your sleep-related questions, including: What about naps? How do cannabis and alcohol affect sleep? How does caffeine affect our sleep? What about sleep technology? An...
Episode Overview: Welcome back to The DocTalk Podcast! In this episode, we’re tackling a condition that affects millions of Canadians: Diabetes. We discuss what diabetes is, risk factors, prevention strategies, complications, and how to manage it effectively. This episode is inspired by a listener question about reducing the risk of diabetes and its complications. Listener Question: “Hey docs, Diabetes runs in my family, and I’ve already seen one of my parents need hospital visits for complic...
Key Discussion Points: The Journey from Hockey to Medicine:What inspired Hayley to pursue a new career as a physician after her legendary hockey career?How her experience as a professional athlete shaped her training and approach to medicine.Lessons from Sports to Medicine:The parallels between high-performance sports and practicing medicine.How discipline, teamwork, and resilience from sports have influenced her medical career.Challenges as a Woman in Sport and Medicine:Navigating gender pay...
The emergency room is one of the busiest places in healthcare—and while it’s there for when we need it most, wouldn’t it be great to avoid a trip altogether? In our first episode of 2025, we kick off a two-part series on how to stay out of the ER. This episode focuses on pediatrics, though many of the tips are just as relevant for adults. Dr. Shazma Mithani and Dr. Sheila Wijayasinghe dive into the ways we can protect ourselves and our loved ones from common, preventable emergencies. As an ex...
On this week’s bonus episode of The Doc Talk, we do a crossover episode with Aging Powerfully with Melissa Grelo! In this rapid-fire episode, we talk about misinformation and the importance of sourcing credible health information from social media. Melissa then hits us with rapid-fire listener questions on as many health topics as she can cover!
Colorectal Cancer: Screening, Prevention, and What You Need to Know Welcome back to The Doc Talk Podcast! In this episode, Dr. Shazma Mithani and Dr. Sheila Wijayasinghe take a deep dive into the critical topic of colorectal cancer—the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer deaths in Canada. Whether you're curious about screening options or wondering how to reduce your risk, this episode has you covered. Episode Highlights: Colorectal Cancer by the Numbers...
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