We present a case of monkeypox infection in a man presenting with genital and labial ulcers, followed by submandibular lymphadenopathy, fever, and constitutional symptoms. His course was complicated by myopericarditis and an ongoing pleomorphic skin eruption. Viral DNA was detected by PCR in skin swabs, nasopharyngeal swab, saliva, and semen.

The ability of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) to provide rapid and accurate bedside assessment of both the heart and lungs allows it to be a powerful tool in the management of patients presenting with dyspnea. However, while ultrasound equipment is readily available even in remote healthcare settings in Canada, physicians lack effective training opportunities to develop expertise in this potentially life-saving skill. To answer this critical call to action, we have developed the Accelerated Remote Consultation Tele-POCUS in Cardiopulmonary Assessment (ARCTICA) program to innovate POCUS training for today’s physician leaders. This article outlines the background, research methods, and progress-to-date of ARCTICA.

The COVID-19 pandemic with its need for distancing has necessitated the use of virtual care in never before seen volumes. This review article aims to provide a primer on virtual care for cardiovascular professionals in Canada. The technology to facilitate remote patient interactions is already available but barriers exist. Adequate and effective cardiac virtual care (CVC) must be further developed given the need for rapid evaluation and close ongoing follow-up of patients, as seen in the areas of heart failure management, cardiac rehabilitation, electrophysiology, and hypertension. Many Canadian organizations have published resources to assist healthcare providers and patients navigate the unfamiliar virtual care landscape. While there are concerns surrounding issues such as patient privacy, access to technology, language discrepancies, and billing, these deficits provide opportunities for growth by healthcare organizations and technology companies. The integration of virtual care, home-based devices, and disruptive technologies emphasize the trend towards virtualization of healthcare, with the potential for greater personalization of healthcare interactions and continuity of care. Funding models were rapidly developed at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and while some provinces have deemed these changes as permanent, the status from other provinces remains unknown. The foundations to support virtual care as a key modality for healthcare delivery in Canada have been built, and further developments may strengthen its viability as a long-term option.

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