Listeriosis probe: Federal investigator says the 2008 deadly listeriosis outbreak was largely caused by inadequate reporting requirements, insufficient coordination of government departments and a failure to properly communicate to Canadians how to minimize the risk of becoming sick. — Christopher Mason, Ottawa, Ont.
Swine flu spread: Longstanding federal strategies and polices have exacerbated the rapid spread of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza in remote First Nations communities, public health officials and aboriginal health experts charge. — Paul Webster, Toronto, Ont.
Reactors: Canadian life sciences company MDS Nordion wants the federal government to bring international experts to Chalk River, Ontario, to determine what it would take to fix 2 discredited nuclear reactors. —Roger Collier, CMAJ
Journals: Librarians say the distinction between legitimate medical journals and marketing rags are often difficult to spot. — Roger Collier, CMAJ
Whirlwind: The Canadian Medical Association’s new president, Dr. Anne Doig, has a firm moral compass. — Wayne Kondro, CMAJ
Coping with drug costs: Governments are exploring mechanisms to lower annual tabs for prescription drugs. — Ann Silversides, CMAJ
Ishould: Medical decision-making application available on social networking website.— Elizabeth Wilcox, Toronto, Ont.
Positioning: A mobile intra-operative imaging system is being put to good use in a Halifax, Nova Scotia, hospital. — Donalee Moulton, Halifax, N.S.
Mysteries: A Hamilton, Ontario doctor contemplates the myriad facets of conducting research. — Chelsea Maedler-Kron, Hamilton, Ont.
Differing indications: An Ottawa physician says there have been significant advances in AIDS treatment in Ethiopia. —Cherinet Seid, MD, Ottawa, Ont.