The HQ

CHA Learning

Welcome to The HQ, CHA Learning’s/HealthCareCAN’s podcast series where we explore and discuss the topics relevant to healthcare today. The HQ focuses on the people that make up and lead our complex, adaptive system of healthcare. The HQ is your trusted headquarters as, together, we engage with thought-leaders to learn and understand what matters most to those that lead our health workforce.

  1. 10/22/2025

    HIP Week 2025 Special Re-Release: Role of Health Information & its Impact on People & Health Human Resources

    In celebration of #HIPWeek2025, we’re revisiting one of our most insightful conversations from The HQ Podcast archives — featuring Monique Rasmussen, Regional Director, Coding & Informatics at Providence Health. Originally released in 2022, this special re-release highlights timeless lessons in health information, leadership, and its impact of health human resources. If this episode has inspired you to learn more about the world of health information, visit chalearning.ca to explore CHA Learning’s flexible online programs—designed to help you gain the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in this essential field. --- The data collected and stored in our personal health records is one of the most valuable assets within healthcare. This data is used to improve the quality and safety of care, conduct clinical research, evaluate medical treatments and technologies, and guide public health decision-making and funding allocations.  Who are the health professionals responsible for collecting and managing this data? How does this in turn become “health information” and why should we care more about its quality? And with the increased use of technology, how is the privacy, security, and integrity of this data and information maintained?  To help us answer these questions, we are joined by Monique Rasmussen, Regional Director, Coding & Informatics at Providence Health in British Columbia. Monique has more than 27 years of Health Information Management experience and is the current Chair of the Board of the Canadian Health Information Management Association.  You can learn more about Health Information Management and our HIM program by visiting our website.  Tell Us What You Think We welcome your feedback about the HQ Podcast so we can continuously improve and create episodes that our listeners want to hear. Please take a few moments to fill out our short survey: Click Here Don't forget to subscribe to The HQ on your favourite podcast player and leave us a review! The HQ is CHA Learning’s/HealthCareCAN’s podcast series where we explore and discuss the topics relevant to healthcare today. The HQ focuses on the people that make up and lead our complex, adaptive system of healthcare. The HQ is your trusted headquarters as, together, we engage with thought-leaders to learn and understand what matters most to those that lead our health workforce. CHA Learning | HealthCareCAN

    51 min

  2. 09/23/2025

    Addressing Workplace Violence in Healthcare: A Conversation with CAMH’s Myfanwy Marshall

    The issues of workplace violence and workforce safety have quickly become among the most important topics we’re having in healthcare today. Every healthcare worker has the right to a safe workplace that is free from violence and other hazards. However, in healthcare, there is a persistent challenge in how to balance this right with the duty to care. Conversations about workplace violence are now front and centre across the whole of our health sector. The question is no longer whether this is an issue, but how healthcare leaders, providers, and policymakers can respond in ways that make a real difference in the safety of our health workplaces. In this episode of The HQ Podcast, we take on this complex and deeply human challenge: how do we build a culture of safety in healthcare that protects staff, patients, and families alike? Joining us is Myfanwy Marshall, Vice President of People and Experience at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). With a career spanning labour law, human resources, and transformational leadership, Myfanwy brings a clear-eyed perspective on the systemic drivers of workplace violence and the practical steps organizations like CAMH are taking to keep people safe. Tune in for this important conversation and come away with a clearer understanding of why this issue matters now, what’s being done to address it, and what it will take to build safer healthcare workplaces for everyone.   About Our Guest Myfanwy Marshall Vice President, People and Experience, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) Myfanwy Marshall is Vice President, People and Experience at CAMH. She is a strategic leader with expertise in designing and executing transformation, enriching employee engagement and experience, and ensuring effective delivery of support to employees and leaders within dynamic and complex operating environment in both private and public sectors. Myfanwy has been at CAMH for over eight years – previously serving in the roles of Interim Vice President, People and Experience; Director, People and Legal Counsel; Senior Manager, Human Resources and Labour Relations; and Manager, Labour Relations. Prior to joining CAMH, Myfanwy worked extensively in Labour Relations in large organizations including CN Railway, the Toronto Star, and the Liquor Control Board of Ontario. Myfanwy is a Labour and Employment Lawyer by training, and holds the Certified Human Resources Professional designation. She is also a committed volunteer in the community, having served on the Boards of Directors of Fred Victor Centre and Dixon Hall.   Key Discussions Defining Workplace Violence What does violence in healthcare include — and what doesn’t it? Why Now? Exploring why the issue has surged in attention across the sector. Reporting and Context How data, reporting, and client populations shape our understanding. System Drivers What forces continue to fuel violence in healthcare workplaces? Safe vs. Safer Is healthcare inherently less safe, or is it time to reject that narrative? Prevention in Action What CAMH is doing: TIDES, training, audits, and workplace violence committees. The Role of Leadership How leaders must engage to protect and support workers.   Helpful Resources CAMH | Website | Click Here Myfanwy Marshall | LinkedIn | Click Here TIDES | Website | a href="https://www.camh.ca/en/education/tides" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    42 min

  3. 09/10/2025

    In Focus: A Panel Discusses How to Talk About Suicide in Healthcare

    In this special episode of The HQ Podcast, we explore one of the most difficult—and most important—of healthcare topics: suicide. A conversation about suicide likely seems fraught and fearful to most people. Even health professionals, who may be in some of the best positions to save someone from harm, can struggle with where to begin and what to say. How personal should you be, and how vulnerable can you allow yourself to become? How do you create a safe space for dialogue—and what if you say the wrong thing? Perhaps most daunting of all: what happens when a patient, resident, or client says, “Yes, I am thinking about suicide”? In that moment, what is your shared responsibility to both address suicide and instill hope? To help us explore these questions and more, we’re joined by three remarkable guests who bring both professional expertise and lived experience to this critical conversation. Note to Listeners: This episode is inspired by “Talking About Suicide: Empowering Healthcare Providers, Instilling Hope in Clients,” a free online micro-learning course developed in partnership between the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) and CHA Learning. It is critically important that we have this conversation and learn the skills to do so safely. So please, after you’ve listened to this episode, share it with your colleagues and networks and explore the free “Talking About Suicide” course. By enrolling, and encouraging others to do the same, you can help reduce stigma and strengthen the capacity of healthcare providers to instill hope when it matters most.   About Our Guests Anita David Anita is a Lived Experience Strategic Advisor at BC Mental Health and Co-Chair of the Hallway Group at the Mental Health Commission of Canada. She recently received a King Charles III Coronation Medal for advancing mental health advocacy, education, and research, and fostering strong networks among patients, families and health organizations. Dr. Cheryl Pollard Dr. Cheryl Pollard is a professor in the Faculty of Nursing and a recognized thought leader in healthcare education, innovation, and leadership. Her work centers on promoting mental health and well-being, especially for individuals living with mental illness and their caregivers. Dr. Pollard’s research explores the power of compassionate relationships within learning environments and their impact on education. She was inducted as a Fellow of the National League for Nursing’s Academy of Nursing Education in recognition of her enduring contributions to nursing education. Dr. Allison Crawford Allison Crawford, MD, PhD is the Chief Medical Officer for 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline (www.988.ca). She is also a Professor in the Departments of Psychiatry and Dalla Lana School of Public Health at the University of Toronto and a psychiatrist and Senior Scientist at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). A key focus of Allison’s work is improving access and equity in mental health care, especially to rural and underserved regions. She has overseen psychiatry services to Nunavut since 2010.   Key Discussions Why We Need This Conversation Why talking about suicide remains one of the most avoided topics in healthcare, and what’s at stake when stigma persists. Understanding Suicide The...

    1 hr

  4. 06/24/2025

    HR’s Role as a Strategic Lever in Health Care Transformation: A Panel Discussion

    Over the past 5 years in particular, there has been a lot of discussion about human resources, or HR – but what does this include … and what more could it mean? In episode 61 of The HQ Podcast, we explore HR in its capacity to be a strategic lever for transformation in healthcare. Far beyond transactional processes, HR has the power to (re)shape the future of our health systems—especially during times of global and economic uncertainty. Why does HR matter now more than ever? What risks do we face if we undervalue strategic HR leadership? And how can health systems unlock the full potential of their people to drive meaningful change? Joining us to explore these questions—and more—are two expert healthcare HR leaders who are challenging assumptions and advancing innovative approaches to people and culture: Anna Marenick, Vice President of People, Culture and Belonging at Nova Scotia Health, and Sarah Cameron, Chief of People, Strategy and Technology at Covenant Health. Together, they share their insights on what it takes to build a strategic HR backbone, why recruitment alone won’t solve workforce challenges, and how HR must evolve to meet the values and expectations of today’s workforce. From interest-based negotiations to culture change, they discuss what success looks like when HR takes its rightful place as a transformative force in healthcare. Don’t miss this timely, thoughtful conversation about how HR can shape a sustainable and resilient healthcare future. Key DiscussionsThe Business of HR in Healthcare What distinguishes HR from HHR?What is HR not, and why is that distinction critical? Why HR Needs to Be More—and Different—in 2025 How new generations and shifting values are redefining workWhy HR must move beyond transactional functions Building a Strategic HR Backbone Why recruitment isn’t the only answerWhat questions organizations should be asking to drive change Overcoming Barriers to Strategic HR What prevents healthcare organizations from fully embracing strategic HR?How can HR leaders better communicate their value and demonstrate ROI? Transformational HR Leadership Is sector experience essential to lead strategic HR transformation?How do HR leaders develop the skills to drive innovation and change? What Success Looks Like Real-world examples of strategic HR approaches making an impactHow interest-based negotiations can advance workforce outcomes Risks of Losing Strategic HR Leadership What’s at stake for health organizations and the system at large?Why HR executive roles are critical during economic uncertainty Priorities for Strategic HR Leaders Today Addressing workplace violence, retention, wellness, and more About Our GuestsAnna Marenick  Vice President of People, Culture and Belonging, Nova Scotia Health  Anna Marenick is a successful human resources and transformational leader with extensive regional and national experience. She has led multi-faceted and complex programs in diverse and challenging environments in both the private and public sector. Anna joined nova Scotia Health in 2021 in the role of Senior Director of Organizational Change Management and later took on the role of interim Senior Director of People Services. Prior to joining Nova Scotia Health, she was the senior director of...

    1h 8m

  5. 04/10/2025

    Sustainability in Action - Bryan Witt on Leading “Energy and Environmental Sustainability” Strategies at Saskatchewan Health Authority

    Across Canada, healthcare leaders are turning awareness into action when it comes to environmental sustainability—and the momentum is growing. In this episode of The HQ Podcast, we highlight a powerful example of what’s possible when a health system embraces sustainability not just as a goal, but as a guiding principle for innovation, equity, and long-term impact. Joining us is Bryan Witt, Vice President of Provincial Clinical and Support Services for the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA). A seasoned healthcare professional, Bryan brings over 25 years of experience to the conversation, with a background spanning clinical roles, executive leadership, and system improvement. Under his stewardship, SHA is moving from conversation to action—aligning environmental responsibility with system goals and community values. From rooftop gardens and energy-saving initiatives to Indigenous engagement, Bryan shares a compelling vision of how energy and environmental sustainability can be woven into the fabric of a healthcare delivery organization. The conversation offers both strategic insights and practical takeaways for healthcare leaders, providers, and changemakers across Canada. What does it take to get buy-in at all levels of an organisation? How can sustainability move from a “side-of-the-desk” effort to a central pillar? And what lessons can health professionals draw from SHA’s journey? Tune in for a thoughtful discussion about leading systemic change through environmental stewardship in healthcare.   Key Discussions: A Personal Journey into Planetary Health How did Bryan’s career evolve to include sustainability leadership in healthcare? Defining Sustainability in the Health System Context What does “sustainability” mean at SHA? Why is planetary health relevant to healthcare, and what makes it a priority? Getting Leadership on Board How did Bryan gain the support of SHA’s executive team and board? What role did environmental scans, internal data, and alignment with SHA’s vision play? From Vision to Action How does SHA engage staff in green initiatives like energy reduction? How is sustainability embedded—not sidelined—as part of SHA’s operations? The Role of LEAN in Green How has LEAN helped support environmental efforts? What kinds of efficiencies and improvements are emerging from this integration? Community and Cultural Collaboration How is SHA engaging First Nations and Métis communities in its sustainability work? Why is inclusion essential for true planetary health? Highlights and Innovations What’s the story behind the rooftop garden in Saskatoon? What other initiatives are making a visible impact? Resourcing the Work and Sustaining Momentum How is SHA resourcing its sustainability strategy? How do they ensure this work continues to grow and evolve? Looking Forward What lies ahead for SHA’s environmental efforts? What advice does Bryan have for leaders looking to begin or accelerate their own sustainability journey?   About Our Guest Bryan Witt Vice President, Provincial Clinical and Support Services, Saskatchewan Health Authority Bryan Witt is a respected healthcare leader with a 25+ year career spanning nuclear medicine, healthcare operations, system improvement, and executive leadership. His roles have included Director of Medical Imaging and Nuclear Medicine, Kaizen Fellow, and Co-Commander of Saskatoon’s Integrated Health Incident Command Centre during the pandemic. He holds an MBA from the...

    41 min

  6. 03/20/2025

    Key Insights from the Caring for Canadians: Canada’s Future Health Workforce Report with Dr. Geneviève Moineau

    Canada’s healthcare system is at a critical juncture as it continues to face workforce challenges with respect to capacity —a challenge which had long persisted before the pandemic made it into a crisis. The gap between the number of healthcare professionals needed to deliver quality care and the actual supply of available professionals is huge and will continue to widen over the next 10 years if nothing more is done. That is one of the narratives emerging from Health Canada’s recent Workforce Education, Training and Distribution Study. While recruitment strategies remain an important part of the solution, experts agree that we cannot simply recruit our way out of this challenge. Instead, a multifaceted approach is needed—one that balances workforce retention, role optimization, and strategic investments in education and training. Health Canada’s recently released report, Caring for Canadians: Canada’s Future Health Workforce, offers a comprehensive look at the current state of health workforce education, training, and distribution in Canada across five professions critical to primary care delivery. The study provides valuable insights into the systemic barriers preventing the efficient development and deployment of healthcare professionals and proposes actionable recommendations for addressing these challenges. In this episode of The HQ Podcast, we explore the findings of this significant study and the implications for Canada’s healthcare workforce and those responsible for developing these professionals. Joining us is Dr. Geneviève Moineau, Chief Medical Workforce Advisor at Health Canada and Chair of the Caring for Canadians: Canada’s Future Health Workforce report. Dr. Moineau has dedicated her career to advancing medical education and workforce planning, having previously served as President & CEO of the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada (AFMC) and now serving as Vice-President of the World Federation for Medical Education. With her extensive experience in education, policy, and workforce strategy, Dr. Moineau provides key insights into what needs to happen next to develop a sustainable health workforce for the future. What will it take to match the supply of healthcare professionals with system needs and demand? How do we ensure that educational institutions, regulators, and employers work collaborate and coordinate to develop the workforce we need? And what risks do we face if we fail to address these structural gaps? Tune in as we dive into these pressing questions with one of Canada’s foremost experts in health workforce strategy.   Key Discussions: The State of Canada’s Healthcare Workforce What are the most pressing challenges facing Canada’s health workforce today?How does the Caring for Canadians report help us understand the scale of the issue? Education and Training as a Workforce Solution What role does the education system play in addressing the workforce supply gap?How do professional associations, colleges, governments, regulators, and employers influence workforce training and distribution? Overcoming System Barriers Why isn’t simply adding more education seats enough to fix the problem?How can we address misalignment between educational institutions and workforce needs?What systemic obstacles need to be removed to increase efficiency in training and licensing healthcare professionals? Innovations in Workforce Development What are some emerging strategies or models that show promise in closing the workforce gap?How are...

    55 min

  7. 02/12/2025

    Another Crisis: What Would be the Impact of US Tariffs on Canada’s Healthcare Sector?

    The current trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada and other countries would have real consequences for our healthcare systems which are still not fully recovered from the impact of the COVID pandemic. A resurrected policy issue, tariffs are now at the centre of economic and political discourse, raising urgent questions for all health care organizations, leaders, and governments. The proposed US-tariffs and economic policies would threaten all supply chains, including healthcare’s, and with that the cost of essential medical supplies, devices, and equipment would certainly rise, straining government and hospital budgets. Such disruptions in our intertwined supply chains would lead to shortages and increased costs… and both would threaten our health workforce and its capacity to deliver timely, accessible, and quality patient care. Could we see shortages of critical medical resources? How will rising costs affect healthcare organizations? And what can leaders do to navigate this uncertainty? In this episode of The HQ podcast, we explore the risks and realities of U.S. tariffs on Canada’s healthcare sector. To unpack these pressing questions, we are joined by two leaders with firsthand expertise. Kendra Frey, Vice President of Strategic Sourcing & Innovative Solutions at HealthPRO Canada, oversees procurement for over 2,000 healthcare facilities nationwide. Nicole DeKort, President & CEO of Medtech Canada, represents Canada’s medical technology companies and has worked at the intersection of healthcare policy and industry for years. Together, they provide insight into the economic, logistical, and policy-driven aspects of this complex issue—and what tariffs could mean for the future of healthcare in Canada. With tariffs threatening to disrupt healthcare supply chains and drive-up costs, healthcare leaders need to be prepared for the challenges ahead. How can the system adapt? What strategies can organizations use to navigate uncertainty? Tune in to this episode of The HQ podcast for expert insights and practical takeaways on what these trade policies mean for the future of healthcare in Canada.   Key Discussions: Understanding Tariffs & Their Risks What exactly are tariffs, and how do they function in global trade?How do the proposed U.S. tariffs threaten the stability of healthcare supply chains in Canada? The Threat to Healthcare Providers & Patients Could these tariffs lead to shortages of critical medical supplies and devices?What are the potential consequences for healthcare workers and patient care? Lessons from the Pandemic & Proactive Strategies What lessons did Canada’s healthcare system learn from previous supply chain disruptions, like COVID-19?How can procurement leaders and policymakers mitigate risks and build supply chain resilience? Domestic Innovation vs. Economic Strain Could tariffs drive new opportunities for domestic production, or will they simply create additional strain on existing resources?How do international trade agreements factor into Canada’s ability to navigate these economic pressures? Actionable Takeaways for Healthcare Leaders What immediate steps can healthcare organizations take to prepare for potential tariff impacts?How can organizations balance cost-efficiency with supply chain resilience in an uncertain economic landscape?   About Our Guests:  Kendra Frey Vice President, Strategic Sourcing and Innovative Solutions HealthPRO Canada As Vice President of Strategic Sourcing and Innovative Solutions at HealthPRO Canada, Kendra provides...

    58 min

  8. 01/21/2025

    Leaders Make a Difference: Dr. Alan Greenglass on What Healthcare Professionals Can Do to Drive Planetary Health Improvements

    Season 4 of The HQ podcast begins with a compelling discussion on what continues to be one of the most pressing issues: planetary health. Healthcare professionals face the dual challenges of responding to the impact our shared climate crisis is having on health and health equity, as well as adapting our health system to lessen its massive contribution to this problem. As such, this episode invites listeners to explore how healthcare can lead the charge in building a sustainable future and to reflect on how we can each use our influence to effect positive change in sustainability and planetary health. Our special guest, Dr. Alan Greenglass, brings decades of leadership and expertise to the table. A retired primary care internist and former health system executive, Dr. Greenglass has spent his post-clinical career championing environmental advocacy. Collaborating with healthcare professionals, he helped form the Mid-Atlantic Alliance for Climate and Health (MAACH), an alliance that now includes 19 healthcare members united to tackle climate change head-on. In this thought-provoking conversation, Dr. Greenglass delves into the intersection of healthcare and planetary health, sharing practical strategies to address environmental risks, foster resilience against climate-related challenges, and influence health system policy. With actionable insights and inspirational stories, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to make a meaningful impact in healthcare by advancing sustainability and safeguarding planetary health.   Key Discussions Why Climate Matters to Healthcare: We explore why health professionals and systems must prioritise climate issues amid competing demands. Dr. Greenglass provides his “elevator pitch” on why addressing these concerns is critical for the future of healthcare and public health. Healthcare’s Role in Mitigating Risks: Dr. Greenglass outlines how healthcare systems can reduce environmental risks to their communities and enhance their resilience against climate-related challenges. Health Equity and Planetary Health: We discuss the relationship between planetary health, healthcare, and health equity, examining the interconnected nature of these concepts and their implications for systemic change. Best Practices and Leadership: Dr. Greenglass highlights exemplars in the healthcare community who are leading the way in climate and environmental health, offering inspiration and practical takeaways for listeners. Leadership Beyond Formal Roles: Addressing the importance of influence, Dr. Greenglass shares insights into how individuals can lead and drive action even without formal leadership titles.   About Alan Greenglass Alan is a retired primary care internist and health system executive, now living in Delaware. He did his medical training in Providence. He then practiced medicine and managed medical practices in the Hartford area and in New Haven, before continuing his management career in Delaware. His health care interests have always included population health and the social determinants of health. He found that the environmental concerns that he and his family have fit well into his current work on the impact of climate change and of environmental degradation on health. Over the last several years he has collaborated with other health care professionals in the Delaware, South Jersey, Southeast Pennsylvania region to form the Mid-Atlantic Alliance for Climate and Health (MAACH). This Alliance now has 19 member organizations, including those representing health professionals, and also environmental NGOs. The goals of MAACH are to provide education on environmental health topics to other health professionals and to the lay community; to bring...

    1h 5m
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About

Welcome to The HQ, CHA Learning’s/HealthCareCAN’s podcast series where we explore and discuss the topics relevant to healthcare today. The HQ focuses on the people that make up and lead our complex, adaptive system of healthcare. The HQ is your trusted headquarters as, together, we engage with thought-leaders to learn and understand what matters most to those that lead our health workforce.

Information

  • Creator
    CHA Learning
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    65
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © CHA Learning
  • Show Website
    The HQ