As a physician, author, and public speaker, my work extends beyond the walls of the hospital. My mission is to reshape Canadian healthcare, not just for the Black community, but for all Canadians. My vision is to reduce ICU admissions and improve patient outcomes by focusing on prevention, resource optimization, and innovative solutions.

I believe the key to addressing ICU inefficiencies lies in preventive health strategies: better nutrition, regular exercise, stress management, and meaningful connections. Early warning systems in hospitals can also help detect and address critical conditions sooner, leading to better outcomes and fewer ICU admissions.

Addressing ICU Inefficiencies

One of the biggest challenges in ICU care is preventable admissions. ICU stays are incredibly resource-intensive. During the pandemic, each admission averaged about $53,000 per patient. Many survivors face long-term physical and mental health struggles, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression. 

Talks about healthcare often focus on treatment rather than preventing sickness in the first place. A large percentage of ICU patients suffer from chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease, conditions that are largely preventable through lifestyle changes. If we emphasize prevention, we can significantly reduce the strain on our healthcare system while improving the quality of life for millions of Canadians.

Affordable Healthcare 

Through the Resource Optimization Network, I’ve been working to improve healthcare efficiency. One of our most impactful initiatives has been in advanced care planning. Many patients admitted to the ICU had previously expressed a desire to avoid intensive interventions that wouldn’t enhance their quality of life. By proactively facilitating goal-of-care discussions, we’ve helped align patient preferences with treatment plans, reducing unnecessary ICU admissions and ensuring care remains patient-centred.

Another area we’re tackling is resource allocation. The healthcare system wastes millions of dollars on unnecessary interventions that don’t improve patient outcomes. Implementing smarter care models and using data-driven decision-making ensures that resources go where they are truly needed.

Evolving Beyond Traditional Clinical Practice

Entrepreneurship lets me implement solutions faster than traditional clinical pathways. While practising medicine impacts individual lives, entrepreneurship allows me to reach thousands through social media, digital platforms, and healthcare initiatives. I believe prevention starts with daily habits, and my ventures reflect that philosophy.

For example, I love Gyata Protein and enjoy sharing its benefits. Nutrition is essential for prevention, yet many struggle to find high-quality protein sources that support their health. Gyata Protein aligns with my mission of helping people make healthier choices every day. That’s the kind of healthcare innovation I want to see: solutions that seamlessly integrate into daily life and promote long-term wellness.

Overcoming Through Innovation

Healthcare change is slow, hindered by bureaucracy and outdated policies. I focus on proving success locally before scaling. In Ottawa, my metabolic assessment clinic targets diabetes and hypertension in the Black community. We’re hoping to expand this model by demonstrating its impact. Canada must also improve primary care by utilizing nurse practitioners, expanding virtual healthcare, streamlining licensing, and prioritizing prevention. National licensure would further enhance access.

Black entrepreneurs play a key role in closing healthcare gaps. Organizations like Black North support this mission, but more funding and leadership are needed. AI, precision medicine, and prevention are reshaping the future, yet systemic barriers remain. With a shift from treatment to prevention and amplifying diverse voices, we can build a healthcare system that serves all Canadians.

Impact Beyond the Hospital Walls

Building a strong personal brand through public speaking, writing, and social media has expanded my reach beyond what I ever imagined. Engaging with the public through podcasts, media appearances, and speaking engagements has led to leadership opportunities and influential partnerships. I encourage other Black innovators to do the same. Share your insights, be courageous in your visibility, and consistently contribute value to the broader conversation.

Healthcare is about educating and empowering communities. That’s why I use my platforms to share information that helps people make better health decisions. Whether it’s a podcast episode on metabolic health or a Twitter thread breaking down ICU inefficiencies, I see content creation as another tool for driving systemic change.

Achieving Balancing 

Juggling multiple roles requires prioritization, delegation, and a strong support system. I follow the 80/20 principle, focusing on high-impact activities and delegating the rest. I also consider myself a ‘delegateologist.’ Most importantly, my wife, Cathy and my family provide unwavering support, allowing me to pursue my diverse passions without losing balance.

Time management is critical, but so is knowing when to step back. I make sure to carve out time for family, personal health, and moments of rest. No matter how busy I get, I remind myself that health, whether personal or systemic, starts with balance.

Innovating for a Healthier Canada

To prevent ICU overcrowding and improve patient outcomes, Canada must enhance primary care access by leveraging physician assistants and nurse practitioners, expanding virtual healthcare, streamlining pathways for foreign-trained professionals, and prioritizing preventive health measures. National licensure would enable doctors to practice across provinces, improving accessibility, especially via virtual care. Additionally, incentivizing healthier lifestyles through tax rebates or discounts for activities like gym memberships could encourage preventive care on a national scale.

The future of healthcare lies in innovation and prevention. AI will enhance efficiency, precision medicine, and personalized care, ultimately improving patient outcomes. The growing emphasis on preventive health among providers and patients is promising, signalling a shift toward proactive care. By embracing innovation, expanding access, and making prevention a priority, we can build a healthcare system that truly serves all Canadians.