Staying #Up2Date 🚨

1. 1. CAC Scores in CAD Prevention

   A study of 365 patients at intermediate risk for CAD based on family history compared standard care to coronary artery calcium (CAC) score-informed care. After 3 years, the CAC score-informed group had greater LDL and total cholesterol reductions and less progression of all measured plaque volumes (total, noncalcified, fibrofatty, and necrotic core). These findings support CAC scoring as a potential strategy for CAD prevention. 

    

   2. Hallucinogen-Related ED Visits Linked to Mortality

   In a retrospective cohort study of 11.4 million Ontarians aged 15+, 7,953 individuals had an ED visit or hospital admission involving hallucinogens (between 2006 and 2022). Within 5 years, their all-cause mortality risk was 2.6× higher than the general population. Leading causes: suicide (HR 5.23), cancer (HR 2.88), respiratory disease (HR 2.46) and unintentional overdose (HR 2.03). With hallucinogen use in Canada rising in both research and recreation, these findings warrant attention.

    

   3.     Older Adults Want More Control Over Acute Care Decisions

   This UK-based qualitative study of 32 adults (aged 63 to 101) explored perspectives on treatment escalation planning in hospitals. Themes underscored the importance of patient-clinician communication and respect for patient autonomy in end-of-life care.

Bad News Travels Fast

How one clinic's mistake could affect thousands

What happened: About 2,500 Torontonians just got a letter no patient wants—they may have been exposed to Hep B, Hep C, or HIV due to improper instrument sterilization at a gynecology office.

Why it’s interesting: For almost 5 years, medical tools at Dr. Esther Park’s clinic weren’t cleaned properly, leading to the risk of transmission. Endocervical polyp excision and IUD insertion were just some procedures that could’ve caused exposure. While Toronto Public Health said that the risk of transmission is low, former patients are fighting for Dr. Park’s licence to be revoked. One woman took to the streets to show her anger, protesting outside the clinic for answers. 

The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) is investigating Dr. Park, whose license has been restricted since December 2024. Calls to her clinic went straight to voicemail, which let callers know she wasn’t taking new clients and the clinic was closing in April. 

But: Dr. Park’s clinic isn’t the only one facing scrutiny for unsterile environments. A dental office in Hamilton, Ontario, was under fire for improperly sterilizing their instruments for over 6 years. Similar to Dr. Park, patients were warned they might be at risk for hepatitis and HIV and are urging folks to get tested. The dental clinic has since corrected its practices. 

Here are some Reddit comments from Dr. Park’s previous patients:

Bottom line: No patient should ever have to worry they might be exposed to blood-borne illnesses, and sterilization in any doctor's office is vital to keeping patients safe and healthy. 

Hot Off The Press

1: 🧠 The WHO has tapped Delft University’s Digital Ethics Centre to lead its AI for Health Governance efforts. Expect a focus on transparency, accountability, and international policy guidance — or in other words, trying to keep AI from making a mess of medicine. The centre will also develop training workshops to help global health organizations navigate AI’s risks and benefits.

2: 🚨 The RCMP is investigating Alberta Health Services after its former CEO flagged conflicts of interest and political interference. The province’s auditor general and the United Conservative Party have also jumped in. The claims include government meddling in AHS operations and concerns about leadership hiring processes. What’s next? A lot of meetings, a lot of statements, and maybe — just maybe — some accountability.

3: 💰 Medical expenses are one of the most overlooked tax deductions in Canada. Line 33099 covers a broad range of costs, including prescriptions, medical devices, and fertility treatments. Even travel costs for medical care may be eligible — but patients need to keep receipts.

4: 💸 Sorry, folks — we can’t leave this one out. The US slapped 25% tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum March 4, and China retaliated with 100% tariffs on canola after Canada taxed Chinese EVs. CUSMA-covered goods got a one-month reprieve, but Canadian energy and potash aren’t off the hook. Meanwhile, Ontario hiked power prices for US states, and Canada’s $30B in retaliatory tariffs stay put. Next up: April 2, when more US counter-tariffs kick in.

Notable Numbers 🔢

39,021: how many X users were locked out when the platform went down Monday, with Elon Musk blaming a massive cyberattack — but cybersecurity experts aren’t buying it. Musk pointed to Ukraine, but industry sources say most rogue traffic came from the US, Vietnam, and Brazil. Meanwhile, Tesla’s sales are nosediving, protests are erupting in showrooms, their stock is sliding, and Musk has taken a $100 billion hit.

2,000: how many patients in the UK benefited from a new rapid DNA sequencing system that cuts bacterial infection diagnosis from weeks to 48 hours. The breakthrough enables faster, targeted antibiotics, reducing superbug risks in hospitals. Meanwhile, a new mpox variant in the DRC carries a mutation linked to higher transmissibility, with cases rising in 14 African countries—prompting the WHO to extend its public health emergency.

$80 billion: the projected size of the US regenerative medicine market by 2033, as AI-driven treatments like Xenco Medical’s TrabeculeX Continuum push spine surgery into the future. Xenco’s tech regenerates bone post-surgery by combining biomaterial implants with AI-driven physical therapy, giving surgeons real-time recovery data to adjust treatment. With over 3,180 patients already using the system, experts say we’re entering a “golden age” of regenerative medicine—where AI could one day restore aging spines to a younger state.

Postcall Picks

😂Laugh: at this meme about the difference between furniture and humans!

🤑Save: on hotels with Expedia’s Annual Vacation Sale. Get 25% off or more from now until March 31st!

💻Check out: the new Macbook Air M4. It’s available for pre-order now and comes in 4 colours. 

🌙Tips: for fasting during this religious season!

Relax

First Question: Mobitz type without progressive prolongation of the PR interval

If you enjoyed the puzzle, challenge your physician friends and see if they can beat your time.

Share Postcall, Get Rewards

Help Us Get Better