Episode 2

In this week’s podcast, HealthCast had the honour of interviewing Dr. Ruth Cusack, a physician and research fellow currently working in the cardio-respiratory field. Dr. Cusack is natively from Ireland where she received her medical degree, and it was during her medical education that she found an interest in researching treatments for respiratory diseases. Coming to Canada, she has focused on elucidating the mechanisms behind major airway diseases such as COPD and asthma and she has been a part of clinical studies looking into atopic dermatitis. Dr. Cusack talks to us about how physicians are constantly involved in different forms of research whether that be in actual clinical studies or in their day to day work. She also discusses how her clinical research skills transfer over to her role as a physician and vice versa. Take a listen to also hear her advice for students pursuing a future career in healthcare. For instance, she explains the importance of having an open mind and not limiting oneself as there are many areas in the field where your passions may lie.