MUHC in the Media - February 17, 2025

The McGill University Health Centre has launched an Ophthalmology Simulation Laboratory – a first of its kind in Canada.

It’s a unique facility that brings together clinical and diagnostic ocular simulations, virtual reality surgical training, and fully equipped workstations, all under one roof. Dr. Guillermo Rocha, chief of the Division of Ophthalmology at the MUHC, talks about the benefits of this laboratory to City News.

As two close snowstorms recently happened, the Montreal Children’s Hospital (MCH) Trauma Centre is reminding families to take extra precautions to ensure children's safety while enjoying winter activities. With Debbie Friedman, Trauma Director, Liane Fransblow, Trauma Coordinator, Dr. Laurie Plotnick, Pediatric Emergency Physician, and Glenn Keays, Trauma Researcher. TVA Nouvelles, CityNews 1, CityNews 2, The Canadian Press

People with congenital heart disease are now living longer. This Heart Month, Dr. Adrian Dancea, Medical Director of the Cardiology Division at the Montreal Children's Hospital, is informing the public about their reality. CityNews

Since the pandemic, more and more families are refusing to donate their child's organs in the event of death, explains Dr. Sam Shemie, Medical Director of the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at the Montreal Children's Hospital. Radio-Canada

After much debate, a committee of over 56 experts has come to the conclusion that obesity is a disease. In a recent study, they also propose a definition of obesity as a disease. Quebec experts, including Dr. Julie St-Pierre, pediatrician at the Montreal Children's Hospital, hope this will help reduce the stigma attached to obesity. Radio-Canada

Minnie’s Hope Social Pediatric Centre, a child and family resource centre nestled in Nunavik, Quebec, opened the doors to its new environmentally sustainable building. Minnie’s Hope provides holistic pediatric care including therapeutic, social and educational programs developed with the involvement of community members and staff members of the Montreal Children’s Hospital, including Dr. Johanne Morel, pediatrician and co-founder of Minnie’s Hope. CBC

This is the worst flu season in the past ten years. Last week, more than 4,600 cases were reported, making Quebec one of the hardest-hit provinces. Several factors explain this situation, including a suboptimal vaccination rate and cross-border travel, among others. Dr. Don Vinh notes that it is difficult to predict when flu season will end, but the virus could continue circulating until March or even April. CTV News, Citynews, CBC Let’s go

Influenza cases are currently skyrocketing in several Canadian provinces. It's not too late to get vaccinated to protect yourself, says Dr. Jesse Papenburg, pediatric infectious disease specialist and medical microbiologist at the Montreal Children's Hospital. CBC, The Canadian Press, CityNews, CJAD

He also gave an interview on respiratory infections in children after the pandemic. Radio-Canada, CBC

Heartbreaks are a painful experience that can lead to a deep sense of sadness, especially in the beginning. It is normal to feel down, have more restless sleep, or lose appetite and interest in activities we once enjoyed before the breakup. However, if these symptoms persist for several weeks or even months and disrupt daily functioning, it can be beneficial to confide in a loved one or even consult a professional to regain emotional balance. Jennifer Russell discusses this with host Joanne Vrakas on CJAD.