Unity Health Toronto

02/24/2026

The research unit in the Department of Ophthalmology at St. Michael’s Hospital has successfully deployed an innovative new technology that could improve our understanding of vision-threatening retinal vascular diseases like diabetic retinopathy.

Developed in Canada, the Zilia Ocular camera is a non-invasive retinal imaging device that takes detailed images of the retina and uses advanced light technology and AI to measure oxygen levels directly in retinal tissue. Most existing tools only look at eye structure or blood flow while the Zilia Ocular camera gives insight on how well oxygen is reaching and being used by the eye tissue.

Following Health Canada approval, St. Michael’s is the first in Canada to deploy this camera.

Dr. David Wong, a vitreoretinal surgeon at St. Michael’s Hospital, is leading a study examining how non-invasive retinal oxygen measurements like this ocular camera can enhance our understanding and management of vision-threatening conditions.

“Current imaging tells us where blood is flowing, but oxygenation may give us a clearer picture of which retinal areas are healthy, at risk, or beyond recovery,” said Dr. Wong.

“This study aims to help refine how we assess disease severity and treatment response.”

02/24/2026

Chris Moise, City Councillor for Toronto Centre, visited St. Michael’s Hospital yesterday for a behind-the-scenes tour of our new, soon-to-open, ambulatory area of the Emergency Department in the new Shuter Wing.

During the visit, Councillor Moise also toured several critical areas across the hospital — including our helipad and Intensive Care Units (ICU) — to see how these interconnected spaces support timely, life-saving care for patients across Toronto and beyond.

We’re grateful for Councillor Moise’s continued support of St. Michael’s.

02/24/2026

We’re proud to share that Unity Health Toronto is one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers for the second year in a row.

This recognition celebrates our ongoing commitment to addressing racism and discrimination and to building a workplace where diversity and inclusion are embedded in everything we do.

“What began as a focused equity and inclusion effort in 2020 has become an integral part of Unity Health’s culture.” said Allison Needham, Director of Anti-Racism, Equity and Social Accountability at Unity Health Toronto. “While there is still important work ahead, the progress we’ve made reflects shared commitment and accountability from across the organization.”

Click the link to learn more: https://unityhealth.to/2026/02/unity-health-named-one-of-canadas-best-diversity-employers/?&utm_source=FB&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=260224-best-diversity-employer

02/23/2026

We are pleased to welcome a delegation of physicians and lawyers from Japan who are here in Toronto to meet the St. Michael’s Hospital’s Family Health Team.

During their visit, the delegation will hear from Unity Health’s experts who are working to address social issues in health, and will hear about the Health Justice partnership.

The delegation includes leaders in poverty law and social medicine, and we are excited to hear about their expertise and introduce them to partners and allies across Toronto.

02/23/2026

Drs. Greg German and Steffanie Strathdee are bringing their research expertise and lived experience to the forefront in their work to combat antibiotic-resistant infections. And they are using viruses, called bacteriophages, to do it.

Bacteriophages could have a meaningful impact not just on human health, but many other fields including veterinary medicine, agriculture, aquaculture mining, and even prophylactic uses to prevent infection outbreaks in wartime or environmental disasters.

Click the link to learn more about their work to bring phage therapy into the standard suite of treatment options for patients who have run out of other options.
https://unityhealth.to/2026/02/meet-the-researchers-using-viruses-to-treat-patients/?&utm_source=FB&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=260223-phage-therapy

02/21/2026

02/20/2026

As part of Black History Month, our staff came together at Providence Healthcare for a Paint and Connect workshop celebrating creativity, culture and community.

The session aimed to recognize and celebrate Black communities whose creative practices carry histories of storytelling and joy. Visual art has long been a powerful form of cultural expression, resistance, and community-building.

The workshop was led by Gerda Boateng, a Toronto-based illustrator, art educator, and creative entrepreneur, whose work celebrates women of colour through bold, vibrant visuals rooted in cultural pride and self-love.

Hosted by the Office of Anti-Racism, Equity and Social Accountability, this was one of several events offered throughout the month — giving colleagues the chance to collaborate and create artwork inspired by the theme of togetherness.

02/20/2026

In less than one year, more than 2,000 people have enrolled in the Ayaangwaamiziwin Centre — a powerful, community-led response to rising HIV and syphilis rates across the Prairies and northern Territories.

Through mobile and community-based testing in Saskatchewan, Alberta, and Manitoba, the initiative has identified 150+ cases of syphilis and 60+ cases of HIV. People received immediate treatment or were connected to culturally safe, trauma-informed care and prevention services.

Launched in March 2025 and co-led with Indigenous communities, the Centre aims to test, treat, and connect over 11,500 people to culturally grounded care. Expansion to Yukon, the Northwest Territories, and Nunavut is coming soon.

Named after an Ojibwe word meaning “carefulness and preparedness,” the initiative is co-led by Dr. Sean B. Rourke of St. Michael’s Hospital.

“People love they are able to receive their results right then and there.” — Kristine Cockwill, Northreach Society

This is community-driven public health in action.

Click the link to learn more: https://unityhealth.to/2026/02/curbing-hiv-syphilis-in-the-prairies-and-northern-communities/?&utm_source=FB&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=260220-ayaangwaamiziwin-centre

02/17/2026

A new program supported by Unity Health is helping community health organizations deliver
comprehensive, patient-centred palliative care services, when and where patients needs it.

Guided by Ontario Health and the Ontario Palliative Care Network, the Palliative Care Clinical Coaching Program connects Palliative Care Clinical Coaches – health care providers with
expertise in palliative care – with local health care organizations to provide palliative care
support and mentorship to frontline clinicians, staff and caregivers.

The program is part of a province‑wide effort to strengthen high‑quality palliative care in community settings, recognizing that a palliative approach to care delivered earlier in the course
of serious illness offers significant benefits – not just for those receiving care, but for their
families, care teams and communities.

Read the full story: https://unityhealth.to/2026/02/palliative-care-clinical-coaching/?&utm_source=FB&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=260217-palliative-coaching

02/11/2026

As the global community marks International Day of Women and Girls in Science, Unity Health Toronto is highlighting three researchers who are leading impactful work and making new discoveries around women’s health.

These three women represent just a fraction of a much larger community of female scientists at Unity Health Toronto who continue to promote gender equality in the field of medical research. Through their leadership, our women scientists can help to show young girls that rewarding careers in science are achievable.

We asked Drs. Sharmistha Mishra, Michelle Sholzberg, and Hagar Labouta what inspires them as they work to push boundaries in their fields.

Click the link to learn more: https://unityhealth.to/2026/02/international-day-of-women-and-girls-in-science-2026/?&utm_source=FB&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=260211-IDWGS

02/10/2026

Thank you to Major-General Scott Malcolm, Canadian Armed Forces Surgeon General, for visiting St. Michael’s Hospital for important conversations that will strengthen our partnership and collaboration with the Canadian Forces Health Services.

“Collaborating with our civilian healthcare partners like St. Michael’s Hospital, a site of Unity Health Toronto, delivers critical benefits for the Canadian healthcare system writ large,” Major-General Malcolm said. “When military and civilian healthcare systems work together by sharing expertise, lessons learned and best practices – we ensure that we are collectively ready and able to provide the best possible care for all patients, both in everyday care and in response to various crises and contingencies.”

The tour was an opportunity to share information about our hospitals’ capabilities when it comes to supporting all-hazards emergency preparedness, including:
✅World-class specialty care services in trauma, critical care, neurosurgery and rehabilitation
✅Scientific leadership in research, health data and AI, and translating findings into clinical practice
✅A strong system partner helping to shape provincial and federal responses to emergencies

“We’re proud to partner with the Canadian Armed Forces to strengthen the collaboration between our two health care systems,” said Altaf Stationwala, President and CEO of Unity Health Toronto. “Our shared goal is to create robust and integrated emergency preparedness structures and protocols that will benefit all Canadians.”

02/06/2026

Altaf Stationwala, President and CEO of Unity Health Toronto, and Dr. Andrew Beckett, Trauma Surgeon and Scientist at St. Michael’s Hospital and Lieutenant-Colonel in the Canadian Armed Forces, stopped by the Moss Park Armoury to meet with 25 Field Ambulance, which provides essential health services during training, exercises, and operations.

Unity Health is a leader in trauma, critical care, emergency preparedness training and rehabilitation, and is excited to explore opportunities to collaborate with and support the Canadian Armed Forces and units like the 25 Field Ambulance.

02/05/2026

February marks Black History Month. At Unity Health Toronto, we are honoured to spotlight the voices and leadership of Black colleagues whose work continues to advance the care we deliver.

Their lived experiences guide our progress and deepen our commitment to equity. In this spotlight, we asked our colleagues who has had the biggest influence on their journey, and what lessons still guide them today.

Click the link to read the full Q&A: https://unityhealth.to/2026/02/perspectives-from-black-leaders-advancing-care-at-unity-health/?&utm_source=FB&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=260205-black-leaders

02/02/2026

We’re honoured to share the story of Father Boris Hemon—an ordained Catholic priest and registered psychotherapist—who has spent the past 25 years supporting patients, families, and staff at St. Joseph’s Health Centre.

Father Boris embodies the spirit of care, compassion, and connection at Unity Health Toronto. His work reminds us that healing happens not only through medicine, but through listening, presence, and human connection.

Read Father Boris’ story and learn how he continues to make a difference every day:
https://unityhealth.to/2025/10/compassion-without-judgement/

This story recognizes National Catholic Health Care Week and the people and teams who provide compassionate care in our communities.

01/30/2026

A message from Altaf Stationwala, President and CEO of Unity Health Toronto, in advance of Black History Month.

"As we mark the start of Black History Month, we have an important opportunity to honour the experiences, achievements and contributions of Black people and communities to the history, impact and growth of Canada. We also have an opportunity to reflect on the work that still needs to be done to address the persistent challenges of anti-Black racism and inequity, in health care and beyond.

When I joined Unity Health Toronto last summer, I quickly learned how committed the organization is to our work towards anti-racism, equity and social accountability. As many organizations in Canada and abroad deprioritize equity, diversity and inclusion programs, Unity Health continues to lean in. The work we do in this space isn’t just a priority; it’s a core value that continues to be embedded in every aspect of our operations, from patient care to staff experiences to community engagement."

Click the link to read the full message:
https://unityhealth.to/2026/01/how-unity-health-continues-to-lean-into-our-work-towards-anti-black-racism/?&utm_source=FB&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=260130-black-history

01/30/2026

Every month, staff, researchers, physicians, learners and teams across Unity Health Toronto celebrate important honours, achievements and awards. Congratulations to all who’ve been recognized in January!

Click the link to learn more: https://unityhealth.to/2026/01/january-2026-honour-roll/?&utm_source=FB&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=260130-honour-roll

01/29/2026

𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬. 🎉

Yesterday staff, physicians, learners, volunteers and patient family partners came together to celebrate the 2026 Our Shared Values Awards on Providence Mission Day.

These outstanding teams and individuals have been recognized for going above and beyond to embody Unity Health’s values of human dignity, compassion, excellence, community and inclusivity.

Click the link to read their stories in the words of those who nominated them: https://unityhealth.to/2026/01/providence-our-shared-values-awards-2026/?&utm_source=FB&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=260129-providence-OSV

01/28/2026

𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬, 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐬: 𝐀𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐝 𝐀𝐦𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐫, 𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐭 𝐒𝐭. 𝐉𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐩𝐡’𝐬 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞

For nearly three years Astrid Amador has been volunteering at St. Joseph’s Health Centre.

Whether it’s helping patients get to and from their appointments, assisting them through the registration process or simply greeting them with a warm smile, Amador enjoys making their experience a little less stressful.

“The best part of being a volunteer is feeling like I have contributed to making a patient’s potentially stressful hospital visit more accessible and enjoyable,” said Amador, a full time graduate student at the University of Toronto.

“I like interacting with patients, making them feel welcome, and showing them that someone is there to support them throughout their visit.”

St. Joseph’s currently has a total of 108 volunteers of which 23 are post-secondary youth volunteers. In the summertime that number is bolstered by 30 additional post-secondary and high school student volunteers.

“So many patients have told me their visit would have been so much more stressful if one of us hadn’t been there,” said Amador. “To me, that’s what makes volunteering worth it.”

Click the link to learn more: : https://unityhealth.to/2026/01/caring-hearts-leading-minds-astrid-amador/?&utm_source=FB&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=260128-CHLM-Amador

01/27/2026

St. Michael’s Hospital recently marked the 60th anniversary of its pharmacy residency program, one of the first and longest-running programs in the country. Since 1964, the program has prepared more than 70 residents through as 12 month learning experience aimed at preparing pharmacists for challenging practice in institutional and ambulatory care environments.

01/26/2026

Thank you to members of the Ministry of Health's Capital Branch for visiting our St. Joseph’s site last week.

Our team had the pleasure of giving a tour and sharing updates on plans for a new, state-of-the-art patient care tower on the southeast corner of our campus. This tower will replace aging infrastructure, expand capacity, and deliver connected, inclusive care for our growing west-end community through both digital and physical transformation.

We’re grateful to the Capital Branch and all our Ministry partners for their ongoing support of St. Joseph’s.

01/23/2026

𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫. 𝐓𝐰𝐨 𝐌𝐚𝐣𝐨𝐫 𝐃𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐓𝐨𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐨.

Today, we’re celebrating two major milestones in digital health at Unity Health Toronto.

Our teams have achieved HIMSS (Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society)
Stage 6 validation at all three of Unity Health sites which places us among an elite group of health systems in the world.

�� EMRAM Stage 6 recognizes excellence in how we use the EMR (Electronic Medical Records) at the bedside to support high-quality patient care.

�� AMAM Stage 6 highlights our strength in using data and analytics to make smart clinical
decisions.

This achievement comes just one year after the launch of Epic, our new electronic patient record system that improves care experiences for patients, families and care teams.

Thank you to our clinicians for embracing digital tools and for keeping our patients at the heart
of everything we do.

Click the link to learn more: https://unityhealth.to/2026/01/himss-validation/?&utm_source=FB&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=260122-HIMSS-validation

01/20/2026

Thank you to Maggie Chi [tag], MP and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health, for visiting our St. Michael’s site to learn about our data and AI health solutions.

Dr. Fahad Razak showcased about GEMINI, the largest hospital data system in Canada with clinical data from 40+ Ontario hospitals, and VITAL, the 2.0 version of GEMINI that will expand across Canada and create access to near real-time health data to fuel improvements and innovation to clinical care.

She also had a chance to see how real AI tools are making an impact with:
1) CHARTWatch: Dr. Amol Verma demonstrated an AI tool that predicts if an admitted patient’s health will decline so the care team can intervene – reducing unplanned mortality by 26%
2) ASIST-TBI: Drs. Alun Ackery and Christopher Witiw presented an algorithm that reviews head CT scans in the ED and can identify if a patient has an brain bleed within 2 minutes – saving precious time when it matters most

Learn more: https://unityhealth.to/about-unity-health/ai-at-unity-health/

01/14/2026

“More than just getting the shot, my work is about building trust and real connections.” 📸

Go behind the scenes with Unity Health Toronto photographer Katie Cooper as she reflects on her favourite photo shoots of 2025. 🙌

Click the link to read the full story.: https://unityhealth.to/2026/01/top-10-photos-of-the-year/?&utm_source=FB&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=260114-top-photos

01/13/2026

𝐄𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝐒𝐭. 𝐉𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐩𝐡’𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐭, 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐜𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐞.

From epidemiology to geriatrics, addiction medicine to palliative care, our Emergency Department brings diverse skills together to deliver excellent care to Toronto’s west end.

👉 Read the story behind the team: https://unityhealth.to/2026/01/changing-the-face-of-emergency-care/?&utm_source=FB&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=260113-sjhc-ed

01/12/2026

Despite advancements in surgical techniques and patient safety, a new study suggests that where a patient lives significantly impacts their chances of surviving after an operation.

Researchers at St. Michael’s Hospital found a strong association between lower-neighbourhood income and a higher risk of postoperative mortality. This study shows that patients from the lowest-income areas had a 43% higher chance of dying within 30 days of surgery compared to those from the highest-income areas.

“Even in a universal health care system, not everyone faces the same risks when they come to a hospital for surgery,” says Dr. Ashwin Sankar, scientist at St. Michael’s Hospital and lead author of the study.

Click the link to read the full story: https://unityhealth.to/2026/01/risk-of-death-after-surgery-higher-for-residents-of-low-income-neighbourhoods/?&utm_source=FB&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=260112-surgery

JAMA Network Open