Welcome back to Ditch the Labcoat, the show where we challenge assumptions in medicine and seek out the systems, stories, and science that truly shape healthcare. In today’s episode, we’re joined by Martin Bromiley: airline captain, human factors champion, and founder of the Clinical Human Factors Group. But before he became a global advocate for patient safety, Martin faced unimaginable tragedy when his wife, Elaine, died following what was supposed to be a routine surgical procedure in 2005. M...
Jun 25, 2025•54 min•Ep. 71
In this episode of Ditch the Lab Coat, Dr. Mark Bonta sits down with Dr. Marie Claire Bourque, a psychiatrist, executive coach, and mental performance consultant to elite athletes, including the Toronto Maple Leafs. Together, they dive into the world of high performance under pressure, uncovering what medicine can learn from the mental training of professional athletes. Dr. Bourque shares her insights on the importance of presence, focus, and resetting under stress—skills commonly built into the...
Jun 18, 2025•44 min•Ep. 70
Welcome back to Ditch the Labcoat, the podcast where we cut through the noise and myths swirling around modern healthcare—one evidence-based conversation at a time. I’m Dr. Mark Bonta, and in today’s episode, get ready to hear from one of our returning guests: Dr. Samira Jeimy, allergist, immunologist, associate professor, and the straight-talking force behind Allergies Explained. Dr. Jeimy is here to tackle her “Top 10 Propaganda Pieces” as an allergy expert—the big healthcare myths, media soun...
Jun 11, 2025•44 min•Ep. 69
In this episode of Ditch the Lab Coat, Dr. Mark Bonta sits down with Dr. Dov Gebien for a deeply personal and raw conversation about addiction, stigma, and redemption within the medical profession. Dr. Gebien, an emergency physician, shares his courageous story of opioid addiction—tracing his journey from the initial dependency that crept in after multiple back surgeries, through the devastating fallout of withdrawal, arrest, and prison, to his eventual recovery and fight to reclaim both his med...
Jun 04, 2025•50 min•Ep. 68
Welcome back to another eye-opening episode of Ditch the Lab Coat with Dr. Mark Bonta! While we usually dig into the science behind medicine’s biggest questions, on this episode, Dr. Mark is joined by the extraordinary Dr. Erwin Loh — a powerhouse at the intersection of medicine, law, healthcare leadership, and medical futurology. Dr. Loh is not only the President of the Royal Australasian College of Medical Administrators and National Director of Medical Services for Calvary Healthcare in Austr...
May 28, 2025•49 min•Ep. 67
Welcome back to another eye-opening episode of Ditch the Lab Coat with Dr. Mark Bonta! While we usually dig into the science behind medicine’s biggest questions, this week we’re tackling the latest health fads and “wellness” trends lighting up your social feeds—from infrared saunas and cold plunges to mouth taping and chlorophyll water. Joining Mark is Dr. Samir Gupta, a leading Canadian health communicator, clinician, and respirologist known for translating the complex world of medical research...
May 21, 2025•47 min•Ep. 66
Welcome to a brand new episode of Ditch the Lab Coat with Dr. Mark Bonta! Normally, we dig deep into medical mysteries and healthcare headlines, but today we’re taking a high-flying detour into the world of extreme movement and gravity-defying stunts. In this episode, Mark sits down with internationally renowned parkour athlete, free runner, stunt performer, and Ninja Warrior UK finalist, Joe Scandrett. If you’ve ever seen someone leap between rooftops or swing from lampposts like a real-life Sp...
May 14, 2025•45 min•Ep. 65
In today’s episode, Dr. Mark Bonta sits down with Dr. Sasha High—internist, obesity medicine specialist, founder of High Metabolic Clinic, and host of the High on Life podcast —to take a fresh, science-based look at weight management, obesity, and why sticking to those well-intentioned New Year’s resolutions isn’t just about willpower. Dr. High pulls back the curtain on one of the most stubborn misconceptions in medicine: that losing weight is simply about eating less and moving more. Instead, s...
May 07, 2025•46 min•Ep. 64
In this episode of Ditch the Lab Coat, Dr. Mark Bonta is joined by Dr. Robert C. Smith, University Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Medicine and Psychiatry at Michigan State University, to tackle one of modern healthcare’s biggest blind spots: mental health care in the medical system. Dr. Smith—renowned educator, author, and advocate—pulls back the curtain on how, despite mental health problems being the most common health condition seen in practice, most doctors are dangerously undertrained ...
Apr 30, 2025•47 min•Ep. 63
In this episode of Ditch the Lab Coat, Dr. Mark Bonta takes us into the underappreciated world of medical documentation—and the burnout it breeds—by shining a spotlight on two disruptors aiming to change the status quo. Joined by Dr. Kyle Fortinsky, a gastroenterologist and self-proclaimed tech enthusiast, and serial entrepreneur Jay Gilbert, the discussion pulls back the curtain on the all-too-familiar struggle of physicians, nurses, and healthcare workers documenting late into the night while ...
Apr 23, 2025•50 min•Ep. 62
In today's episode of Ditch the Lab Coat, we dive into the raw, real-world chaos of trauma that unfolds beyond the controlled environment of a hospital. Dr. Mark Bonta is joined by Dr. Andrew Petrosoniak, a trauma director and emergency medicine expert who specializes in designing effective healthcare systems, to explore the unpredictable nature of street-level emergencies. Throughout the episode, the duo unpacks the reality of responding to accidents in real-world settings, where medical tools ...
Apr 16, 2025•47 min•Ep. 61
In today's episode of Ditch the Lab Coat, we're delving into the often overlooked world of long Covid and post-viral syndromes . Ever wondered why the medical community wasn't fully prepared for the enduring effects of post-viral conditions despite its potential impact? Dr. Mark Bonta talks with Dr. Funmi Okunola, a family physician and advocate for patients with Long Covid. Dr. Okunola discusses the challenges and frustrations surrounding the medical community's response to Long Covid and highl...
Apr 09, 2025•53 min•Ep. 60
Today, we're diving into the captivating world where cardiology meets cutting-edge technology. Ever wondered how your smartwatch could potentially save your life or how wearable tech is revolutionizing heart rhythm monitoring? You're in for a treat! Joining us is Dr. Yaariv Khaykin, an internationally renowned expert in rhythm disorders. He's a self-proclaimed "heart electrician" with a knack for gadgets and tech, and he's here to guide us through the intersection of traditional cardiology and m...
Apr 02, 2025•49 min•Ep. 59
In this episode of "Ditch the Lab Coat, where we delve into health issues with a grounded, scientifically skeptical eye. Today, we're diving deep into the world of cholesterol science and statins with our special guest, Dr. Malcolm Kendrick, an acclaimed skeptic and thought provoker in the medical community. Dr. Kendrick, known for turning conventional wisdom on its head, will be sharing his insights on how statins really affect our health, stretching beyond the common narrative and challenging ...
Mar 26, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 58
In this episode of "Ditch the Lab Coat, where we delve into health issues with a grounded, scientifically skeptical eye. This week's conversation is truly special as we sit down with two giants in the field of medicine: Dr. David Carr and Dr. Sumon Chakrabarti. Join us as we unpack the essentials of travel medicine. From crafting the ultimate travel medical kit to knowing when to panic about that mysterious fever after your Southeast Asian adventure, these experts bring humor, experience, and a ...
Mar 19, 2025•33 min•Ep. 57
In this episode of "Ditch the Lab Coat, " host Dr. Mark Bonta welcomes a groundbreaking guest who is reshaping how we understand gut health and integrative care. Dr. Kim Bretz, a naturopathic doctor with a unique approach, joins the conversation to challenge traditional frameworks and introduce innovative solutions for conditions like irritable bowel syndrome and reflux. With her expertise in the gut-brain connection, microbiome diversity, and holistic patient care, Dr. Bretz breaks down complex...
Mar 12, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 56
In this episode of "Ditch the Lab Coat," Dr. Mark Bonta hosts Dr. Jane Thornton, an Olympian, world champion, and leading sports medicine physician. Known as the Olympian doc, Dr. Thornton brings a unique perspective to the intersection of elite sport, health, and science due to her dual experiences as an athlete and a healthcare professional. Dr. Thornton delves into the myth of athletic prodigies, emphasizing that while some genetic factors can contribute to success in sports, it is the enviro...
Mar 05, 2025•49 min•Ep. 55
In this episode of "Ditch the Lab Coat," Dr. Mark Bonta welcomes Dr. Behnam Banihashemi, a cardiologist specializing in cardiovascular prevention, wellness, and longevity. Dr. Banihashemi discusses the concept of Medicine 2.0, which includes advancements in pharmaceuticals and interventions that have extended life expectancy in the Western world, along with a focus on improving lifestyle choices to further enhance longevity. However, he emphasizes that the real key to living a longer, healthier ...
Feb 26, 2025•57 min•Ep. 54
Welcome to another insightful episode of Ditch the Lab Coat with Dr. Mark Bonta. In today's conversation, we're diving deep into the intricate world of chronic pain with the renowned Dr. Andrea Furlan, a global authority in pain management. With a career dedicated to understanding and conquering chronic pain, Dr. Furlan sheds light on the misconceptions surrounding pain as we age, the role of stress, and how our modern virtual lifestyles are influencing our health. We’ll explore the significance...
Feb 19, 2025•57 min•Ep. 53
Welcome to "Ditch the Lab Coat," the podcast where we break down complex medical topics with leading experts shaping the future of healthcare. In today's episode, we're diving into the nuanced and critical conversation surrounding Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) with our distinguished guest, Dr. Susan Rich. With a career spanning decades, Dr. Rich is a trailblazer in child and adolescent psychiatry and an ardent advocate for public health. She's here to shine a light on prenatal alcohol e...
Feb 12, 2025•57 min•Ep. 52
Welcome to another intriguing episode of "Ditch the Lab Coat!" Today, we're stepping beyond the usual realm of medical professionals to explore the remarkable intersection of history and medicine with our special guest, Dr. Tim Cook, an acclaimed historian and Chief Historian at the Canadian War Museum. Known for his award-winning works, including his recent book "Lifesavers and Body Snatchers," Dr. Cook delves into the gripping stories of medical care during World War I. Join us as we unravel t...
Feb 05, 2025•55 min•Ep. 51
In this episode of "Ditch the Lab Coat," Dr. Mark Bonta sits down with Dr. Jeff Alfonsi, an internal medicine and obesity medicine doctor with a focus on nutrition. The conversation revolves around the impact of nutrition on health and the importance of moving away from ultra-processed foods. Dr. Alfonsi explains that the modern diet often prioritizes convenience over health, leading to increased consumption of processed foods laden with additives that can have various negative health impacts. H...
Jan 29, 2025•55 min•Ep. 50
Welcome to another insightful episode of Ditch the Lab Coat , the podcast where we explore life, medicine, and everything in between. I'm your host, Dr. Mark Bonta, and today's episode promises to leave you inspired and ready to perform at your peak. Our guest today is Dr. David McDuff, a retired Army Colonel with extensive combat and special operations experience who has transitioned into a leading sports psychiatrist and mental skills trainer. With over 30 years of experience, Dr. McDuff has h...
Jan 22, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 49
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 p...
Jan 15, 2025•50 min•Ep. 48
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 p...
Jan 08, 2025•59 min•Ep. 47
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 p...
Jan 01, 2025•51 min•Ep. 46
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 p...
Dec 25, 2024•55 min•Ep. 45
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 p...
Dec 18, 2024•53 min•Ep. 44
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 p...
Dec 11, 2024•47 min•Ep. 43
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 p...
Dec 04, 2024•58 min•Ep. 43
