DR. JONATHAN M. DORT, MD

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This study looked at how a new rapid response team for anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) could speed up diagnosis and treatment for patients at a cancer center in Canada. After implementing the new system, the time it took for patients to complete staging dropped from 21 days to just 6 days, and the time to start treatment fell from 29 days to 18 days. This is important because faster diagnosis and treatment can lead to better outcomes for patients with this aggressive type of cancer. Who this helps: Patients with anaplastic thyroid cancer.

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This study looked at the importance of providing culturally relevant food to older adults from African, Caribbean, and Black communities in Canadian long-term care homes. Researchers found that these residents often face food insecurity because the meals offered don't reflect their cultural needs, which can affect their health and well-being. By developing roadmaps that outline how to improve food services, the project aims to enhance the quality of care for these residents and promote healthy aging. Who this helps: This benefits patients, particularly those from African, Caribbean, and Black backgrounds in long-term care.

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The study looked at how to treat patients needing gallbladder or appendix surgery while also dealing with COVID-19. It found that for patients with infections like appendicitis or gallbladder inflammation, it can be acceptable to either perform surgery or manage their condition without surgery, based on individual circumstances. Additionally, if patients test positive for COVID before scheduled elective surgeries, it may be better to wait more than six weeks to operate. This is important because it helps healthcare providers make safer decisions for patients with COVID. Who this helps: This helps patients who may need surgery while infected with COVID and their doctors.

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This study looked at how well nursing students understand and feel about managing pain in children. Out of 320 students, their answers to questions about pediatric pain management ranged from a low 21.95% to a high 97.56%, showing overall that many students lack adequate knowledge and positive attitudes in this area. Improving education on pediatric pain management in nursing programs is essential to ensure future nurses are better prepared to help children in pain. Who this helps: This helps nursing students and ultimately benefits pediatric patients.

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This study looked at how confident different racial groups in Canada are about getting the COVID-19 vaccine. It found that Arab, Black, Indigenous, and Mixed-race individuals have lower vaccine confidence compared to White individuals, with odds ratios of 2.86, 2.29, and 2.19 indicating higher likelihoods of having low confidence. In contrast, Asian individuals showed higher confidence levels. The research highlights the need to address these disparities, as understanding the reasons behind different levels of vaccine confidence can help create better public health strategies to ensure everyone gets vaccinated. Who this helps: This helps public health officials and policymakers.

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This study looked at how certain lipid molecules affect muscle cell growth and healing. Researchers found that switching from pro-inflammatory to pro-resolution lipid pathways is vital for muscle cells to mature properly, and when this switch was blocked, muscle regeneration was impaired. Notably, using a specific lipid called Protectin-D1 helped restore muscle growth and healing in injured muscles and improved muscle conditions in a mouse model of disease. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with muscle injuries and disorders, as well as doctors treating these conditions.

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This study focused on oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC) in patients aged 40 and younger, comparing them to older patients. Researchers found that among 4,506 patients, young patients had more cases of cancer in the oral tongue (73% vs. 48%) and presented at earlier stages of the disease (44% vs. 31%) but did not have better survival rates compared to older patients. Understanding these differences is crucial for improving treatment and preventing OCSCC in young people. Who this helps: This helps young patients and their doctors.

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The study focused on how surgical residents communicate with patients, families, and colleagues, examining their comfort and competence during various conversations. Researchers tracked 300 communication encounters involving 23 surgical residents, finding that interns felt least comfortable during discussions involving unfamiliar clinical situations and technological issues. This study highlights the need for improved training in specific areas like handling conflicting clinical opinions and addressing family concerns under time pressure, which are vital for better patient care. Who this helps: This helps surgical residents and the patients they care for by improving communication skills.

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Researchers studied how certain blood markers could predict a serious condition called intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) in premature babies. They found that these markers—including those related to brain injury and inflammation—can potentially identify which babies are at higher risk for IVH, a complication that can lead to long-term developmental problems. Improving early detection of IVH through these blood tests can help doctors provide better care and interventions to prevent brain damage in preterm infants. Who this helps: This helps doctors and preterm infants at risk of brain injuries.

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This study looked at how a training course for foregut surgery improved surgeons' skills and confidence. Out of 16 surgeons who took part, their ability to perform a specific surgery increased significantly—up from 37.5% feeling effective before the course to 85.7% feeling effective afterward. Moreover, confidence in performing key steps of the surgery went from about 56-75% to 100% in four out of six steps, showing a major boost thanks to this training. Who this helps: This benefits surgeons and ultimately their patients by improving surgical outcomes.

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This study looked at how the size of tumors in patients with T3 supraglottic cancers affected their chances of survival after treatment with advanced radiotherapy. Researchers analyzed data from 239 patients, finding that a larger tumor size was linked to worse overall survival (72.7% at two years) and disease-free survival (53.6% at two years). The results indicate that patients with larger tumors might do better with surgery followed by radiation instead of just radiation alone. Who this helps: This information benefits patients with T3 supraglottic cancers, allowing for more tailored treatment decisions.

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This study examined how the blood vessel environment affects muscle repair in mice with muscular dystrophy (MD). Researchers found that a specific hormone called apelin can improve the health of blood vessels, which in turn boosts the function of muscle stem cells, leading to better muscle repair and increased strength in the affected mice. In their experiments, using apelin resulted in significant tissue regeneration and strength improvements across different types of muscular dystrophy models. Who this helps: This benefits patients with muscular dystrophy by potentially improving their muscle repair process.

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This study examined how the outcomes for South Asian patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) differ from those of the general population. Researchers found that South Asian patients, who made up 9% of the study group, were generally younger and had lower rates of smoking and drinking, but they experienced a two-fold higher risk of cancer recurrence and worse overall survival compared to non-South Asian patients. This is important because it highlights the need for tailored treatment plans based on ethnicity, which can improve care and potentially influence health policies. Who this helps: Patients, particularly those from South Asian backgrounds.

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This study looked at burnout and job satisfaction among surgeons who are members of SAGES. Out of 604 surgeons surveyed, 69% showed signs of burnout, with many feeling emotionally drained and not accomplished in their work. They scored their overall quality of life at 69 out of 100, indicating that while they care deeply for their patients, a majority struggle with stress and personal fulfillment in their careers. Who this helps: This benefits surgeons and healthcare organizations looking to improve surgeon well-being and support systems.

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This study looked at the challenges and opportunities for teaching communication and professionalism skills in surgical residency programs. Researchers interviewed 18 surgical educators and trainees, finding that while there is a strong desire for formal training in these areas, many programs struggle due to issues like busy schedules and a lack of resources. The findings highlight the need for standardized training materials and guidance from national organizations to improve communication skills among surgeons, which is vital for better patient care. Who this helps: This benefits patients by ensuring that surgeons are better communicators.

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This research studied how specific lipids, particularly resolvin-D2, influence the types of muscle fibers during their development. The researchers discovered that resolvin-D2 boosts muscle strength and encourages growth in muscle fibers related to slower, endurance-type muscles, especially after an injury. For instance, after muscle injury, resolvin-D2 led to a shift toward type I fibers in slow-twitch muscles and type IIB fibers in fast-twitch muscles, highlighting its importance in muscle recovery. Who this helps: This benefits patients recovering from muscle injuries or conditions like muscular dystrophies.

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This study looked at how many people from different racial and Indigenous groups in Canada got vaccinated against COVID-19, focusing on the impact of racial discrimination. Out of nearly 4,200 participants, 89.6% were vaccinated, but only 83.5% of Indigenous and 84.8% of Black individuals received their vaccines, compared to 91.7% of White individuals. The study found that trust in health authorities helped increase vaccination rates, but experiences of racial discrimination and beliefs in conspiracy theories made it harder for some groups to get vaccinated, which puts them at greater risk for severe COVID-19 illness. Who this helps: This research benefits racialized and Indigenous communities by highlighting the barriers they face in getting vaccinated.

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This study focused on creating a new virtual reality microscope for a surgical training simulator called SurgiSim, which allows surgeons to practice complex procedures in a realistic virtual environment. The research involved working closely with surgeons to improve the user experience of the microscope, gathering feedback to refine its design. The findings highlighted important design features, such as how the microscope looks and how users control it, aimed at making surgical practice more effective. Who this helps: This benefits surgeons in training, enhancing their skills and preparedness for real operations.

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This study created a virtual workshop to teach medical students how to handle patient bias and racism when communicating with patients. After participating in the workshop, students showed a significant boost in confidence: 57% felt more skilled at discussing intentions and beliefs, 61% improved in guiding conversations with biased patients, and 62% became better at showing empathy. This training is important because it prepares future doctors to effectively manage bias, which can improve patient care and outcomes. Who this helps: This helps medical students and their future patients.

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This study looked at how well a virtual version of a surgical training course for instructors worked compared to the traditional in-person format. Out of 36 participants, 32 completed a survey afterward, and all of them said they would recommend the course to others and apply what they learned in their practices. This is important because it shows that virtual training can effectively maintain quality and can be a more affordable option for educating surgical instructors, especially during times when in-person events are not possible. Who this helps: This benefits surgical instructors and ultimately improves training for surgeons.

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This study looked at how the size of glottic tumors affects survival outcomes in patients receiving radiation and chemotherapy. Researchers found that larger tumors (specifically, every increase of 1 cm³ in tumor volume led to a 7% higher risk of death and a 4% higher risk of cancer recurrence) significantly decreased overall survival and disease-free survival rates. Additionally, patients who received chemotherapy along with radiation had better chances of keeping their voice box intact. Who this helps: This helps patients with T3 glottic cancer and their doctors understand the risks associated with tumor size and the benefits of additional treatment options.

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This research studied muscle stem cells, which are crucial for repairing muscle after injury. The researchers found that a drug called MS023 increased the growth of these stem cells in the lab, leading to better survival and restoration of muscle function when these cells were transplanted into injured muscle. In mice with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, those treated with MS023 showed improved grip strength, indicating enhanced muscle regeneration. Who this helps: Patients with muscle injuries or conditions like muscular dystrophy can benefit from this research.

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This study looked at a protein called NPL that plays a key role in muscle health. Researchers created mouse models with NPL deficiencies and found that these mice had higher levels of free sialic acid and experienced weaker muscle strength, slower healing from injuries, and smaller muscle fibers. They discovered that giving a specific sugar called acetylmannosamine helped improve muscle function and structure in these mice, indicating it could be a potential treatment for people with similar muscle issues. Who this helps: This helps patients with muscle disorders and their doctors by providing potential new treatment options.

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This study looked at whether radiation therapy after surgery helps patients with low and intermediate grade cancers of the salivary glands. Researchers reviewed data from 621 patients treated between 2010 and 2020 and found that those who received postoperative radiation had an 8.8% chance of cancer returning within 10 years compared to a 15.4% chance for those who did not receive radiation. This matters because it shows that radiation can significantly lower the risk of cancer recurrence for some patients, but it's not helpful for those with early-stage, low-grade cancers that were completely removed. Who this helps: This helps patients with certain types of salivary gland cancer and their doctors in making treatment decisions.

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Researchers studied how delays in nonurgent surgeries during the COVID-19 pandemic affected surgeons in Alberta. They interviewed 12 surgeons and found that these delays led to a crisis in surgical care, inequities in the health system, and significant personal and professional challenges for the surgeons. They also identified strategies, like increasing operating time and improving surgical processes, to help address these issues in the future. Who this helps: This helps surgeons and healthcare administrators looking to improve surgical care for patients.

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This study focused on patients with oral cavity cancer in Canada to see how delays in treatment impact survival rates. Researchers found that 80% of patients waited longer than 42 days to start radiation therapy after surgery, and those with such delays had a 3-year survival rate of 66%, compared to 77% for those who started on time. This highlights the importance of starting radiation therapy sooner after surgery to improve patient outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients with oral cavity cancer by emphasizing the need for timely treatment.

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This study looked at how effective a hands-on training course for surgeons was in teaching them a specific hernia repair technique called extended-view totally extraperitoneal (eTEP). Of the 10 surgeons who took the course, half performed an eTEP procedure afterward, and all of them considered it when planning surgeries. Additionally, participants reported a significant increase in their confidence levels in specific skills related to eTEP, with changes measured right after the course and at three months later. Who this helps: This benefits practicing surgeons looking to enhance their skills and improve patient care in hernia repairs.

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Researchers studied factors that influence whether patients with small bowel obstructions (a blockage in the intestine) need surgery or can be treated without it. They found that over half (55.6%) of the patients managed without surgery improved within an average of 3 days. Key indicators for needing surgery included a lack of a specific sign on CT scans and a history of previous surgery, with those lacking the sign being 2.25 times more likely to require an operation. Since delaying surgery increases the chance of needing it, the study recommends that patients should not undergo non-surgical treatment for more than 3 days before considering surgery. Who this helps: This helps patients with small bowel obstructions and their doctors, allowing for better decision-making around treatment.

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This study looked at a new drug called PSB-KD107 to see if it could help people with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), a condition that causes muscle weakness and wasting. Researchers found that PSB-KD107 reduced inflammation and improved muscle growth and function in mice with a model of DMD. This is significant because it shows that synthetic drugs targeting specific receptors can be an effective alternative to current treatments, offering hope for better management of the disease. Who this helps: This benefits patients with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and their families.

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This study focused on creating a program to help female surgical residents who become pregnant. Researchers gathered input from surgical staff and residents, and identified important areas for improvement, such as workplace culture and support for new parents. They recommended changes that include better protections for pregnant residents and increased institutional support, aiming to enhance the health of mothers and babies while ensuring residents can continue their surgical training. Who this helps: This benefits female surgical residents who are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

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Researchers studied how to help medical students and surgical residents communicate uncertainty to patients using a structured teaching method called the ADAPT framework. They found that after taking a course based on this framework, students and residents reported a significant increase in their confidence regarding these conversations, with 80% feeling better prepared. This is important because being able to discuss uncertainties openly can improve patient trust and involvement in their care. Who this helps: This benefits medical students, surgical residents, and ultimately their patients.

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This study focused on teaching medical students communication skills for virtual interactions in a surgery context. Over two years, 28 students participated in the program in Year 1 and 25 in Year 2. After completing the training, students reported a significant boost in their confidence for key skills, with the percentage of "excellent" ratings on specific communication tasks ranging from 5% to 73%. Who this helps: This benefits medical students, improving their ability to communicate effectively with patients and colleagues.

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The study explored how the COVID-19 pandemic affected the continuing education of healthcare professionals, particularly surgeons, whose in-person training sessions were canceled. As a response, the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES) initiated the Reimagining Education & Learning (REAL) project, which shifted hands-on training to a virtual format using new educational technologies. This change allowed healthcare professionals to keep learning crucial skills, ensuring they remain prepared and effective in their roles despite the challenges posed by the pandemic. Who this helps: This benefits healthcare professionals, especially surgeons, by providing them with ongoing training and skills development.

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This study looked at how a specific protein, ERK3, affects muscle growth and repair after injury. Researchers found that mice without ERK3 had slower muscle growth and difficulties regenerating muscle after injury. They also discovered that ERK3 works with another protein, MK5, to control factors that influence muscle cell development, specifically affecting a protein called FoxO3 that plays a role in muscle differentiation. Who this helps: This research benefits patients recovering from muscle injuries and healthcare providers working on muscle regeneration therapies.

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This study looked at the safety of using minimally invasive surgery (MIS), like laparoscopy, during the COVID-19 pandemic. They found that for patients with COVID-19, laparoscopic surgeries had lower death rates compared to traditional open surgeries, though both types of surgeries posed similar risks for operating room staff. The research highlights the need for safety precautions, as the COVID-19 virus can be found in the surgical smoke produced during these procedures. Who this helps: This information benefits patients needing surgery and healthcare workers performing these operations.

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This study focused on a specific receptor called Gpr116, which is important for keeping muscle stem cells (MuSCs) alive and ready to repair muscles after injury. Researchers found that when MuSCs lack Gpr116, they slowly decrease in number and struggle to renew themselves; specifically, these deficient MuSCs show a progressive depletion over time. This matters because maintaining a healthy supply of muscle stem cells is crucial for muscle regeneration, especially after injuries. Who this helps: This helps patients recovering from muscle injuries.

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This study looked at how medical students can better connect with surgical patients during video appointments, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when in-person visits became limited. After completing a 2-hour virtual class, the students reported feeling more confident in their communication skills, with most saying they learned new techniques to build trust and understand patient emotions during video calls. This is important because effective communication leads to better patient care, especially when doctors can't meet face-to-face. Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors by improving the quality of remote consultations.

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The study looked at how the growing use of robotic surgery, specifically the da Vinci Robot, affects the training of general surgery residents. Researchers found that between 2013 and 2017, robotic surgery cases increased significantly from 23 to 136, while traditional surgery procedures dropped by about 33%. While most residents (95%) preferred training with robotic surgery, 38% felt it negatively impacted their surgical skills, especially among senior residents, of whom 56% reported this detrimental effect. Who this helps: This helps surgery residents and educators understand the challenges in training as robotic surgery becomes more common.

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This study looked at the challenges patients with cancer face as they move between different healthcare providers during their treatment. They found that these transitions can lead to problems like higher costs and lower patient satisfaction, highlighting the need for better coordination and care. By analyzing existing research, the study aims to identify gaps in knowledge and suggest ways to improve these transitions, which could lead to better outcomes for cancer patients. Who this helps: This helps cancer patients and their healthcare providers.

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This study explored a new way for surgeons to learn new skills while dealing with the restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers created a hands-on training course that surgeons could take from home using a virtual telementoring platform. About 85% of participants were able to set up their training models without help, and most felt the course met their learning needs just as well as traditional in-person sessions. Who this helps: This helps surgeons, especially those in remote areas or with travel limitations, to continue their training and improve their skills.

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This research paper looked at how surgical services were changed during the first wave of COVID-19 and what effects those changes had on patients and healthcare systems. The study found that during the pandemic, non-urgent surgeries decreased significantly, leading to longer wait times and negative impacts on patient health, like increased pain. It is important to understand these changes to improve healthcare responses during future public health crises. Who this helps: This helps patients waiting for surgery, doctors managing surgical care, and healthcare planners.

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This study looked at how medical residents can better handle racism and bias they may encounter in healthcare settings. Researchers created training sessions that increased the residents' confidence in addressing bias; for example, the number of residents who felt "completely confident" in deciding whether to respond to a biased remark jumped significantly from 38% to 75%. This training is important because it equips healthcare providers with the skills to effectively confront discrimination, improving the overall patient experience. Who this helps: This helps patients who face bias in healthcare.

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This study investigated a new treatment called Resolvin-D2 for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a disease that causes muscle weakness due to a lack of dystrophin. The researchers found that Resolvin-D2 not only reduces inflammation but also helps muscle cells regenerate better in mouse models, showing improved muscle function compared to traditional treatment with glucocorticoids. This is important because Resolvin-D2 could offer a more effective way to manage DMD while minimizing side effects. Who this helps: This helps patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and their families.

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Researchers studied how exposure to high levels of oxygen right after birth affects muscle development in rats, which is relevant for understanding issues faced by preterm infants. They found that rats exposed to 80% oxygen for a week showed signs of muscle damage, with muscles losing strength and changing types—specifically, they had fewer slow-twitch fibers and more fast-twitch fibers, which can fatigue quickly. These changes were evident even when the rats reached adulthood, highlighting long-term consequences of preterm birth on muscle health and performance. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers understand the long-term muscle issues that preterm infants may face, informing better care strategies.

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This paper discusses how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted healthcare workers and their patients, focusing on the emotional and physical challenges they face. It highlights the intense stress experienced by clinicians, the importance of supporting vulnerable patients, and the need for promoting overall well-being during these tough times. The document also suggests that despite the difficulties, there are opportunities to learn and grow from this crisis. Who this helps: This helps healthcare workers and their patients.

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This study looked at how well families of critically ill patients in a trauma intensive care unit understood what the doctors and nurses were saying about the patients' health and future. The researchers surveyed 88 families, 22 doctors in training, and 81 nurses, finding that while most families felt they had good access to information and that staff listened well, there was often a mismatch in understanding: only 28% of families and surgeons agreed on the patient's condition. This matters because clear communication can help families make better decisions for their loved ones during tough times. Who this helps: This helps families of critically ill patients.

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This study looked at how often enamel defects occur in the front teeth of one-year-old infants born prematurely with very low and extremely low birthweights, compared to full-term infants. The researchers found that 54% of infants with extremely low birthweight had enamel defects, while 23% of those with very low birthweight and only 7% of full-term infants showed similar issues. These findings are important because they highlight the higher risk of dental problems in preterm infants, which may require early dental care to address. Who this helps: This helps parents and doctors caring for preterm infants.

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This study reviews how surgeons can safely perform minimally invasive surgeries during the COVID-19 pandemic. It found that while there is no direct evidence linking these surgeries to spreading the virus, precautions are necessary. Surgeons should treat COVID-19 as a risk and use personal protective equipment (PPE) in all surgeries, and specific methods to reduce risks, like using filtration systems, should be implemented. Who this helps: This guidance benefits surgeons and operating room staff by keeping them and their patients safer during surgeries.