DISCLAMER >>>>>>    The Ditch Lab Coat podcast serves solely for general informational purposes and does not serve as a substitute for professional medical services such as medicine or nursing. It does not establish a doctor/patient relationship, and the use of information from the podcast or linked materials is at the user's own risk. The content does not aim to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and users should promptly seek guidance from healthcare professionals for any medical conditions.    >>>>>> The expressed opinions belong solely to the hosts and guests, and they do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the Hospitals, Clinics, Universities, or any other organization associated with the host or guests.        Disclosures: Ditch The Lab Coat podcast is produced by (Podkind.co) and is independent of Dr. Bonta's teaching and research roles at McMaster University, Temerty Faculty of Medicine and Queens University.  Welcome back to **Ditch the Lab Coat**, the podcast where we delve into critical health issues from a scientific perspective. I'm your host, Dr. Mark Bonta, and in today's episode, we have the privilege of speaking with Dr. Lawrence Loh. Dr. Loh, an esteemed public health figure and adjunct professor at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, shares his insights gleaned from his time as the Medical Officer of Health for Peel Region during the COVID-19 pandemic.In this episode, we explore the public's evolving perception of health crises, driven by their experiences during the pandemic. From the learning curve about viruses and vaccines to the polarization of societal behaviors, Dr. Loh provides an in-depth analysis of how these factors shape public health strategies.We also dive into the future challenges Dr. Loh anticipates in public health, such as drug toxicity, mental health issues, and the effects of climate change. You'll hear about societal divisions and their far-reaching impact on collective action and public policy, as well as the intriguing notion of a hypothetical pandemic focusing on loneliness and substance use.So settle in as we unpack these critical topics and more, with valuable insights from Dr. Lawrence Loh. This is **Ditch the Lab Coat**—bringing the science and stories behind today's healthcare headlines straight to your ears. 05:05 Became interim health officer just before COVID.09:13 Experienced media engagement during major health crises.11:58 Managing public criticism and harsh social media comments.14:46 Experience: health, economic crises, cultural clashes, anger management.19:29 Paid sick leave reduces outbreaks in long-term care.20:33 Advocated prioritizing older individuals before younger boosters.23:41 Public opinion of hospitals shaped by experiences.28:39 Balancing democratic policies for diverse, conflicting perspectives.32:23 Substance use severely impacts hospital patient care.36:10 Emergency actions justified to reduce virus transmission.37:29 Covid actions: fear and renewed sense of community.41:06 Public health response to virus similar to Covid45:30 Addiction overrides conscious choice despite severe consequences.48:38 Contrarians exist; systemic inequities require constant attention.52:44 I savor and prioritize in-person connections now.55:35 We're all just people, learning and adapting.57:00 Applying learnings exemplifies evidence-based medicine.