This week on The Gritty Nurse Podcast, we're diving deep into a topic that's should not be considered revolutionary--but is fundamentally human and morally ethical: the idea that a safe, stable and affordable housing should be considered a prescription for health. Medicine is not just about pills and procedures – it is about examining and dealing with humans and their entire situations.

We discuss the profound impact of social medicine and how addressing the root causes of illness, like housing insecurity, can transform individual well-being and public health and improve healthcare outcomes overall. Joining us this week is Dr. Andrew Boozary, a leading voice in healthcare advocacy and social medicine. Dr. Boozary will unpack the compelling evidence linking housing to health outcomes, from chronic disease management to mental wellness. We'll explore innovative programs where housing is being integrated into healthcare solutions, and challenge the traditional boundaries of what it means to truly care for a patient.

Tune in as we discuss: The core principles of social medicine and why it's gaining traction in healthcare. The state of homelessness in our in the GTA and how current trends reflect broader issues. How homelessness is a profound health crisis,and the economic impact it has. The biggest challenges to achieving truly equitable housing for all. Why housing is fundamentally a human right, and what that truly means for policy and practice. Inspiring wins and success stories, like the impactful work of Dunn House, demonstrating what's possible when we prioritize housing. Practical actions the average person can take to support those who are unhoused in their communities.

Get ready for a thought-provoking conversation that will make you rethink the very definition of healthcare and the essential role of social determinants in fostering a healthier society.

More about Dr. Boozary

Dr. Andrew Boozary is a primary care physician, policy practitioner, researcher, and founding executive director of the Gattuso Centre for Social Medicine at the University Health Network. As the driving force behind Dunn House, Canada’s first social medicine housing initiative, he has been a leader in integrating health care and housing to address the social determinants of health. His work focuses on advancing health equity and improving outcomes for underserved populations.

Dr. Boozary completed his medical training at the University of Toronto and health policy training at Princeton and Harvard. He has served in senior advisory roles for policymakers at various levels of government, shaping public policy on primary care reform and pharmacare. He is also the founding Editor-in-Chief of the Harvard Public Health Review and holds the Dalla Lana Professorship in Policy Innovation at the University of Toronto. Recognized for his impact in health equity and social justice,

Dr. Boozary is a Clarkson Laureate for Public Service and the youngest physician to receive the Louise Lemieux-Charles Health System Leadership Award. In 2024, Toronto Life named him one of the city’s most influential people. His writing and analysis appear in high-impact academic journals and major media outlets, and he was the youngest Convocation speaker for the Temerty Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto.

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Five years have passed since the initial waves of the pandemic, yet the echoes of devastation resonate deeply within Canada's nursing workforce. Burnout remains rampant, exacerbated by chronic understaffing, unsafe patient-to-nurse ratios, and a shocking lack of basic protections against workplace violence. This Nursing Week, the usual calls for celebration ring hollow for many on the frontlines. Instead of accepting platitudes, this episode dives into the stark realities facing nurses across the country. We'll explore why "thank yous" are no longer enough and why this designated week must become a catalyst for meaningful change. Join us as we discuss how nurses, their allies, and the public can leverage Nursing Week as a powerful platform for activism, demanding safe staffing levels, enforceable patient ratios, and tangible measures to ensure the well-being and safety of those who dedicate their lives to caring for others. It's time to move beyond applause and demand the systemic changes our healthcare system – and our nurses – desperately need.

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In a world grappling with constant change and unprecedented challenges, the need for effective leadership has never been more critical. Whether it's navigating turbulent times in the workplace, steering through personal storms, or fostering resilience in our communities, strong leadership is the compass that guides us forward.

Join us for a vital conversation on "We Need Another Leader," where we delve into the essential qualities and actionable strategies for leading with impact during difficult times. This week, we're honoured to welcome Dr. Laura Desveaux, a seasoned leadership expert, to share her invaluable insights.

Laura brings a wealth of experience in empowering individuals and organizations to thrive amidst complexity. We'll explore how to cultivate crucial leadership skills such as clear communication, decisive action, empathetic support, and the ability to inspire hope when the path ahead seems uncertain. Discover practical tools and perspectives to help you step into your leadership potential, no matter your role, and make a positive difference in your workplace, your life, and your community. Are you ready to become the leader we need?

Guest Bio: Dr. Laura Desveaux is a highly respected leadership coach, consultant, and facilitator with over 20 years of experience helping individuals and organizations unlock their leadership potential. Holding a PhD and the prestigious CPCC (Certified Professional Co-Active Coach) and ACC (Associate Certified Coach) credentials from the International Coaching Federation, Laura brings a deep understanding of human behavior and effective leadership principles. Her work focuses on fostering authentic leadership, building high-performing teams, and navigating change with resilience and clarity. Laura is passionate about empowering others to lead with courage, empathy, and a commitment to creating positive impact in the world.

Laura is a senior leader in the healthcare sector. Her career focuses on closing the gap between current performance and what science and experience tell us is possible. She realizes this passion through her current role at Trillium Health Partners, where she helps scientists, clinicians, and professionals identify and unlock their potential. As a Scientist, her work tackles healthcare’s most persistent problems. Her team works to understand what makes initiatives successful and how to scale them. This includes examining the drivers behind what people do, how and why things work, and the conditions that lead to success (and failure). This approach provides insights into what works best, for whom, and in what circumstances and helps inform how to effect change at both individual and system levels. She holds cross-appointments at the University of Toronto and Women's College Hospital.

In 2018 Laura founded Women Who Lead- a non-profit network that provides programming to support career advancement and leadership development for emerging and established women leaders. It equips women with the skills and opportunities they need to succeed. Most importantly, it is a platform for partnership and inspiration that elevates and amplifies the contributions of women and the broader community. Visit the Women Who Lead website here. Laura is an award-winning Scientist with focused post-graduate training in behavioural science. She obtained both her PhD and her Masters in Physical Therapy from the University of Toronto.

https://lauradesveaux.com

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