CBC Maritimes

A massive review of a radiologist's work has people in Northwestern New Brunswick worried about the validity of their diagnoses and treatment

Our faith in the health care system often hinges on the integrity of medical tests. A badly-interpreted test can lead to not getting the treatment you need, and tragic results.
Health authorities in New Brunswick are now investigating 30,000 tests dating back to 2006 performed by a radiologist who worked in hospitals in the province's northwest.
This large probe was launched after external radiologists studied 332 of  the specialist's diagnoses this summer. They found that 53 had problems and 28 exhibited what were described as "major discrepancies". All 53 of the patients involved have been contacted, but it's not known if the health of any have been affected.
CBC Reporter Catherine Harrop spoke with residents of Grand Falls and with the wife of the previously-unnamed radiologist.


It came as a surprise in the form of an early morning telephone call from Stockholm. That's how 85-year old Willard Boyle, who lives in Nova Scotia, learned that he and his partner George Smith had won this year's Nobel prize for physics.
Dr Boyle had long ago given up the thought that they might win the Nobel for the extraordinary invention they made 40 years ago -  an imaging semiconductor circuit known as the C-C-D sensor. It's now used in everything from digital cameras to surgical instruments and telescopes.
Willard Boyle reflected on his life in science, and on the importance of education.

Dr Boyle's reflections led nicely into our phone-in topic : "Do high schools adequately prepare students for university?" Michael Zwaagstra, a high school teacher in Manitoba, who's shared his opinions for the Frontier Centre for Public Policy, answered with a resounding "no".
Then we were joined by Penny Milton, CEO of the non-profit Canadian Education Association.