CMAJ Podcasts

Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, is shifting to a new name: polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, or PMOS. A CMAJ commentary, Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome: A new name to support better treatment, argues that the old name was framed too narrowly around fertility. The new moniker aims to place metabolic syndrome at the centre of the diagnosis. Dr. Ginevra Mills, a reproductive endocrinologist in Victoria and author of the commentary, says PMOS is driven by systemic insulin re...

On January 31, 2023, the government of British Columbia implemented a temporary, three-year drug decriminalization policy. Under the policy, adults (18 and older) could possess up to a combined 2.5 grams of specified illegal drugs—including opioids, cocaine, methamphetamine, and MDMA—for personal use without criminal charges, prosecution, or confiscation. The policy was intended to reduce the health and social harms of illicit substance use. A new study in CMAJ evaluated changes in drug-relat...

On this episode of the CMAJ Podcast, Dr. Mojola Omole and Dr. Blair Bigham explore new evidence suggesting that rates of psychotic disorders are increasing in younger generations in Canada. Drawing on population-level data and broader psychiatric research, the episode examines how generational trends in psychosis intersect with substance use, social change, and the ongoing youth mental health crisis. Dr. Daniel Myran, a family physician and public health researcher at North York General Hospi...

Despite a range of effective prevention tools, HIV incidence continues to rise in Canada, with stark disparities across ethnicity, gender, Indigeneity and geography. Updated Canadian guidelines on HIV pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis reflect scientific advances since 2017 and address both new formulations and persistent barriers to equitable access. Dr. Darrell Tan, lead author and clinician scientist at St. Michael’s Hospital, outlines several prophylaxis options now available. Daily oral ...

Emergency departments across Canada are seeing record patient volumes, bed shortages and overcrowding. A new longitudinal study in CMAJ, "Emergency physician burnout and attrition in Canada: a longitudinal study," finds physician burnout now above pandemic-era levels and driving reduced hours and departures from the specialty. Dr. Kerstin de Wit, the study's lead author, an emergency physician and Tier 1 Canada Research Chair at Queen's University, reports that 65% of respondents to the Janua...