Technical skills are clearly part of a successful surgery, but what about ‘soft skills’ like leadership, communications and teamwork? The OR Black Box®, installed last summer at The Ottawa Hospital General Campus, is helping researchers collect important data that could help improve care not only in Ottawa, but around the world.

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease often come to the Emergency Department gasping for breath. Now, a made-in-Ottawa tool can be used by doctors around the world to help choose the best care for these patients.

Paula Tiszai worries constantly about her 85-year-old mother’s medications. Over the years, she has seen her mother suffer deliriums, behavioural issues, problems eating, falls and more – simply because she was on inappropriate drugs. Paula believes MedSafer could help.

Pharmacists and members of the public can quickly check the safety and compatibility of HIV and hepatitis C drugs with other commonly prescribed medications, thanks to a new app that Ottawa Hospital Pharmacist Pierre Giguère helped develop.

Maureen suffered from fibroids in her uterus and was told by five doctors that she needed a hysterectomy. However, with the help of a 3D-printed model of Maureen’s uterus, Dr. Sony Singh removed all 50 tumours and left her uterus intact, allowing her to carry a baby if she decides to.

Six years ago, Tanya O’Brien’s worst fear became a reality. “Hearing that you have cancer is like watching yourself in a bad movie…. Everything suddenly becomes a question. Is it everywhere? Will I die? What will happen to my family?” But the new Breast Health Centre offers hope.