MUHC in the Media - April 21, 2025

Photo: Drs. Michael Yassa and Tarek Hijal

In order to shorten treatment duration and reduce hospital visits, minimize side effects, and improve cosmetic outcomes for patients, Drs. Tarek Hijal and Michael Yassa — from the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) and Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital (HMR), respectively — have tested a new approach involving a single dose of radiation therapy administered to eligible patients before surgery. La Presse

After a partial closure in 2023-2024, Lachine Hospital's ER gradually resumed operations in 2024. At the same time, the closure of beds in hospitals in the western Montérégie region has led to an increase in ambulance traffic at Lachine. Added to this is another major issue: more than half of hospital beds are regularly occupied by patients who should no longer be there. Despite this constant pressure, several measures have been put in place over the past year to improve hospital fluidity, both in Lachine and across all MUHC hospitals. And the results are starting to show: the number of patients staying longer than 72 hours in the MUHC emergency department dropped from 45 in December to 20 in March. Interviews with MUHC spokespeople: Colleen Timm, Associate President and Executive Director, Dr. Nicolas Gillot, Director of Professional Services, Benoit Cousineau, Associate Director of Emergency and Mental Health, Myriam Ménard, Associate Director of Lachine Hospital, and Pierre Degarie, Associate Director of Partnerships and Optimization. La Presse

Dr. Brian Ward, senior scientist at The Institute and co-director of the MUHC Vaccine Study Centre, wishes to start a human challenge study at the MUHC in the coming months. This is a trial in which participants will be infected with the influenza virus and will remain under observation at The Institute's Centre for Innovative Medicine, to help scientists refine their understanding of the virus and possibly improve flu vaccines. CBC Daybreak

For several months, a pilot project using virtual reality has been underway at the Montreal Children’s Hospital that aims to help children cope with the anxiety that comes with having tests. The project is led by Afifah Chaudhry, who until recently worked as a Child Life Specialist in the Hematology-Oncology Clinic, Stéphanie Lepage, Nursing Educator, B8, and Denise Kudirka, Advanced Practice Nurse, Emergency Department. CTV News

Quebecers under the age of 30 are now less happy than their elders, a recent generational reversal that is causing concern for many. “Young people are together, but they have no connections. They have lost certain social skills, including the ability to talk to each other,” says Dr. Karine Igartua, a psychiatrist at the MUHC. Journal de Montréal

A new study shows that pregnancy has long-term repercussions on a woman's body, notably on organs such as the liver and kidneys. This research sheds new light on the post-partum period, which is less studied, notes Dr. Anne-Maude Morency, obstetrician-gynecologist at the MUHC. La Presse Canadienne

Every week for the past 16 years, patients at the Montreal Children's Hospital have received a book as a gift, thanks to the Biblio Express mobile library, run by volunteers and former librarians Jeanne Ragbir and Eta Marcowicz, under the supervision of hospital librarian Lynn Kiraly-Batist. CTV News

The concept of the sigma male, a solitary man distant from women and focused on his own success, is appearing on social networks. Like other currents of thought, such as xenophobia, misogyny is on the rise, notices Dr. Cécile Rousseau, a child psychiatrist at the Montreal Children's Hospital. Radio-Canada

The measles outbreak in Quebec is close to an end, with no new cases reported for several weeks. No patients with measles presented to the Montreal Children's Hospital during this latest outbreak, says Dr. Earl Rubin, Director of the Infectious Diseases Division. The Canadian Press

New guidelines have just been published to improve the management of children and adolescents with obesity. These include the prescription of drugs such as Ozempic or Wegovy when indicated, says Dr. Julie St-Pierre, pediatrician at the Montreal Children's Hospital. TVA Nouvelles

In this touching letter published in La Presse, a mother recounts the journey of her little Léon, who was diagnosed with heart problems while still in the womb. She praises the work of the teams at the Montreal Children's Hospital. La Presse

Easter weekend is often a time for family gatherings, but it can also reignite tensions, especially when our partner isn’t completely accepted by our parents. According to Jennifer Russell, Head of the Department of Psychology for adult sites at the MUHC, it is essential to stand by your partner in order to protect your relationship and to set clear boundaries with your parents. CJAD