In this episode, we delve into the inspiring journey and insights of Dr. Leigh Chapman, Chief Nursing Officer for Canada. With a rich background, including a PhD from the University of Toronto and two decades of frontline and leadership roles, Leigh's dedication to advancing nursing in Canada is undeniable. Leigh shares her experiences working in both frontline clinical healthcare, as well as national policy development and leadership.    Through engaging with nurses from coast to coast, Leigh highlights both challenges and hopes within the profession. From the despair palpable durin ..read more

In this month’s episode of The Central Line podcast, Leah sits down with two extraordinary leaders within the Canadian Mental Health Association - Jason Platts and Danny Lang. We delve head first into the heart of leadership and the profound impact that a daily practice of servant leadership can have on our teams and in our communities. The conversation strips away what you think you know about leadership, and offers thought provoking perspectives about what it truly means, and who has the capacity to do it. Hear how these two leaders dedicate their lives to unearthing purpose and meaning in t ..read more

This episode of Central Line features a conversation between Host Leah Wuitschik of TallTrees Leadership and Dr. Kathleen Ross, President of the Canadian Medical Association. It delves into the multifaceted world of healthcare and leadership. In particular, what makes a truly great leader who can affect real change. True leadership is portrayed as a balance between listening, reflection, inclusiveness, collaboration, and openness to doing things differently.  Dr. Ross discusses three pivotal tenets of leadership: self-awareness, the benefits of mentorship and sponsorship (which are differ ..read more

Canadian health system reform. Is it possible? Your answer to this question might be based on your experiences with the system, your role in it, and whether or not you believe we know and have what it takes to make it happen. We welcome Canadian Senator Rebecca Patterson to the Central Line podcast to discuss her answer to these questions. You’ll hear about how her experiences in the Canadian military and as a registered nurse and healthcare leader have always centred on those she serves, and have led her to her current position as Canadian Senator, where she continues to serve her country and ..read more

If you asked 100 people, 99 of them would say that technology has made our world progressively more efficient and productive in almost every facet of modern life. If you asked those same people, they’d also say that healthcare has been one of the industries most impacted by technological advances but that it still needs to be grounded in a high-touch, human approach - something computers can’t do.  With all of the attempts, some successful, many failures (at least at delivering on their promised improvements), can technology possibly improve a patient’s healthcare journey in a human way a ..read more

In this thought-provoking episode of "Central Line: Leadership in Healthcare," your host Leah Wuitschik sits down with Dr. Sid Viner. Dr. Viner is the Vice President & Medical Director for Alberta Health Services.  He has executive-level responsibility for clinical operations in AHS across the province, and a passion for quality improvement, patient safety and health system transformation. Dr. Viner shares valuable insights on managing change personally and within healthcare teams and organizations, learned from over 30 years of clinical practice and medical leadership experience. Joi ..read more

In this episode, we explore the concept of cultivating a thriving healthcare culture and the vital role of leaders in creating a positive emotional environment. Our guest, Jennifer Krippner with the Institute for Healthcare Excellence, shares practical strategies for fostering a culture of positivity and well-being in healthcare organizations. We discuss the connection between a positive emotional environment, improved patient outcomes, and stress and burnout's impact on healthcare professionals. Discover real-life examples of successful initiatives and effective communication techniques that ..read more

Have you ever wondered what innovation means for nursing and healthcare? The good news is that it doesn't have to be as complicated as you may have thought. In today's episode, Leah sits down with Dr. Dan Weberg, an expert in nursing, healthcare innovation, and human-centred patient design. Learn how your daily actions can significantly change the healthcare system for the better ..read more

In healthcare, clinicians are often promoted into leadership roles due to their excellent clinical skills. However, there is often a gap in the proper knowledge, skills, and tools to be confident in being a leader. Dr. Rachel Miller unpacks her own experiences with this, how she learned what she needed to succeed in her leadership approach and the critical importance of building trust in herself and others. In addition to being a board-certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist, Dr. Rachel Miller is a Certified Executive Coach, an author of “How to Succeed as a Healthcare Leader,” and a Dr. Joh ..read more

On this episode, Leah is joined by Cory Jenks, an ambulatory care clinical pharmacy specialist and formerly a retail pharmacist, outpatient clinical pharmacist and inpatient clinical pharmacist. Corey is also an accomplished improv comedian and travels around the country, speaking to other healthcare professionals and teaching them how to apply the skills of improve comedy to create a more adaptable, empathetic and humanising healthcare experience ..read more