Terry O'Reilly rates hospital ads

Canadian hospitals are increasingly relying on donor dollars to make up for government funding cuts. And from Ryan Reynolds’ lol-worthy “bratty kids” campaign for SickKids to UHN’s “number-two hospital in the world” humblebrag, they’re becoming ever more creative and canny about the art of the pitch. So who better to help us survey this hospital branding landscape than legendary ad man and host of CBC’s Under the Influence, Terry O’Reilly? This episode is the second of a two-part series on hospital ads. Check out the first one in our feed.

Healthcare institutions rarely brag, but Toronto’s University Health Network is proudly advertising itself as the world’s #2 hospital and “Canada’s Hospital.” It reflects a broader push as hospitals increasingly rely on donor funding for staff, equipment, and infrastructure.

Canadians in some provinces can wait years for a new hip or knee. In Germany, it can take just weeks. Transplanted Canadian Elizabeth Sandomeer had each of her knees replaced in under three months. Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Sebastian Braun says there are many reasons why Germany can get those surgeries done faster. One of the biggest drivers is the competition between hospitals for funding, something that Braun says is lacking in Canada's health-care system.

It may seem counterintuitive, but hospital ERs can be risky for elderly patients, as the chaotic environment can quickly lead to delirium and decline. An innovative geriatric multidisciplinary ER team at St. Mary's Hospital in Montreal is getting elderly patients discharged safely and quickly, preventing harm and reducing hospital admissions.

“Pistol” Pete Pearson took ‘magic mushrooms’ illegally to ease his end-of-life distress, and is angry that Health Canada denied him access through the Special Access Program. Meanwhile, UHN psychiatrist and leading psilocybin researcher Dr. Joshua Rosenblat suggests its efficacy may stem from enhanced neuroplasticity—and it might be available by prescription sooner than later.

"Pistol" Pete Pearson underwent psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy to ease his end-of-life distress, and calls it a game-changer. Rather than cursing the things he can no longer do, he's grateful for the time he has left. Psilocybin is still illegal in Canada, but Health Canada has invested millions into research by UHN psychiatrist Dr. Joshua Rosenblat. He advises against using psilocybin illegally, like Pete did – but says legalization may be just around the corner.

Pete Pearson, 74, is not ready to die. He was diagnosed six years ago with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, which has an average survival rate of 2-3 years after diagnosis. He knows he's on borrowed time, and has been dealing with anxiety and depression. That’s why he's seeking approval from Health Canada to use psilocybin as part of a treatment called psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. His son Blake, who is also a family doctor, believes it can help his dad live the rest of his life to the fullest.

Leanna Scott has always gone out of her way to help others — which is why she decided to become a surrogate. She carried a child for a couple from the Netherlands who chose Canada because of its altruistic surrogacy laws and strong health-care system. As demand grows, Canadian surrogates like Leanna are increasingly sought after by intended parents both here and abroad. Pamela White, a Canadian researcher who teaches law at the University of Kent, says it's time Canada has a discussion around its surrogacy laws.

Lung cancer is Canada’s deadliest cancer—and about one in four cases now occur in people who have never smoked. Toronto father Winhan Wong knows this firsthand: a lingering cough nine years ago led to a stage-four diagnosis. Thoracic surgeon Dr. Christian Finley explains why lung cancer is rising among never-smokers, the stigma around diagnosis, and how a national action plan aims to save lives.

Growing up, Mykayla Whitmarsh was told to make eye contact, sit still and laugh at friends’ jokes. Now 24, she’s part of a growing group of young women diagnosed in adulthood with “AuDHD” – autism and ADHD. After years of struggling, she advocated for herself, was diagnosed at 22, and now shares her daily life @autisticayla on TikTok.