Gwynedd Pickett
@gpsforthebrain.bsky.social
Cerebrovascular neurosurgeon. Mom. Professor. President 🇨🇦 Neurosurgical Society. Survival skills: archery, knitting, backwoods camping. she/her
Reposted by Gwynedd Pickett
We are witnessing a poisonous effort to destroy what the vast majority of Americans know is a key pillar of public health.
Vaccines are responsible for 40% of the reduction in child mortality achieved in the last half century.
Vaccines are responsible for 40% of the reduction in child mortality achieved in the last half century.
November 20, 2025 at 6:23 PM
We are witnessing a poisonous effort to destroy what the vast majority of Americans know is a key pillar of public health.
Vaccines are responsible for 40% of the reduction in child mortality achieved in the last half century.
Vaccines are responsible for 40% of the reduction in child mortality achieved in the last half century.
Reposted by Gwynedd Pickett
The CDC website has been lobotomized. Where it once presented the decades of evidence debunking the false claims of a link between vaccines and autism, that has now been replaced with junk science.
November 20, 2025 at 6:23 PM
The CDC website has been lobotomized. Where it once presented the decades of evidence debunking the false claims of a link between vaccines and autism, that has now been replaced with junk science.
Reposted by Gwynedd Pickett
“Since 1998, independent researchers have conducted more than 40 high-quality studies involving over 5.6 million people. The conclusion is clear and unambiguous: There’s no link between vaccines and autism." -Dr. Susan Kressly, AAP President on recent changes to the CDC's website
November 20, 2025 at 3:24 PM
“Since 1998, independent researchers have conducted more than 40 high-quality studies involving over 5.6 million people. The conclusion is clear and unambiguous: There’s no link between vaccines and autism." -Dr. Susan Kressly, AAP President on recent changes to the CDC's website
Reposted by Gwynedd Pickett
If there was any doubt at all that the CDC is fully destroyed, this page on autism and vaccines on its website confirms it. It's now just another vessel of dangerous health misinformation. I have no words. This is beyond sad.
November 20, 2025 at 11:06 AM
If there was any doubt at all that the CDC is fully destroyed, this page on autism and vaccines on its website confirms it. It's now just another vessel of dangerous health misinformation. I have no words. This is beyond sad.
Reposted by Gwynedd Pickett
The sweater you’re knitting is supposed to be 10 stitches to an inch, but you’re only getting 7? Problematic gauge gap.
Angry person yelling at chill person who is responding by being calm, which makes the angry person even more mad? Problematic rage gap.
Prisoners keep escaping because you put the bars too far apart? Problematic cage gap.
November 19, 2025 at 10:25 PM
The sweater you’re knitting is supposed to be 10 stitches to an inch, but you’re only getting 7? Problematic gauge gap.
Reposted by Gwynedd Pickett
The CMA is deeply disappointed that the Alberta government has invoked the notwithstanding clause to interfere in the clinical care of patients.
Our statement ⬇️
https://bit.ly/4i3bOxY
Our statement ⬇️
https://bit.ly/4i3bOxY
November 19, 2025 at 12:05 AM
The CMA is deeply disappointed that the Alberta government has invoked the notwithstanding clause to interfere in the clinical care of patients.
Our statement ⬇️
https://bit.ly/4i3bOxY
Our statement ⬇️
https://bit.ly/4i3bOxY
Reposted by Gwynedd Pickett
As Halifax Examiner readers know, Daniel Sampson was the last person executed in Halifax, 1935.
He was innocent.
Daniel Sampson was framed by the RCMP for a crime he did not commit, and murdered by the state.
2/6
He was innocent.
Daniel Sampson was framed by the RCMP for a crime he did not commit, and murdered by the state.
2/6
Part 4: The Wrongful Conviction and Execution of Daniel Sampson - Halifax Examiner
Sampson could be falsely charged, framed, and murdered by the state because he was powerless. He was a poor Black man in the deeply racist city of Halifax, and he had an intellectual disability that l...
www.halifaxexaminer.ca
November 12, 2025 at 12:03 PM
As Halifax Examiner readers know, Daniel Sampson was the last person executed in Halifax, 1935.
He was innocent.
Daniel Sampson was framed by the RCMP for a crime he did not commit, and murdered by the state.
2/6
He was innocent.
Daniel Sampson was framed by the RCMP for a crime he did not commit, and murdered by the state.
2/6
Reposted by Gwynedd Pickett
Exciting news!
Lance Sampson, who is the musician Aquakultre, has filed an Application with the Canadian Minister of Justice to review the conviction of Lance's great-great grandfather, Daniel Sampson.
Yesterday, Aquakultre released the official video of "Gallows," about Daniel Sampson.
1/6
Lance Sampson, who is the musician Aquakultre, has filed an Application with the Canadian Minister of Justice to review the conviction of Lance's great-great grandfather, Daniel Sampson.
Yesterday, Aquakultre released the official video of "Gallows," about Daniel Sampson.
1/6
Aquakultre - Gallows (Official Music Video)
YouTube video by Aquakultre
www.youtube.com
November 12, 2025 at 12:03 PM
Exciting news!
Lance Sampson, who is the musician Aquakultre, has filed an Application with the Canadian Minister of Justice to review the conviction of Lance's great-great grandfather, Daniel Sampson.
Yesterday, Aquakultre released the official video of "Gallows," about Daniel Sampson.
1/6
Lance Sampson, who is the musician Aquakultre, has filed an Application with the Canadian Minister of Justice to review the conviction of Lance's great-great grandfather, Daniel Sampson.
Yesterday, Aquakultre released the official video of "Gallows," about Daniel Sampson.
1/6
Reposted by Gwynedd Pickett
Lance/Aquakulture is asking the community for financial support for this work. If you are able, please consider this very worthy cause. It's an act for justice.
Please contribute towards legal expenses to exonerate Daniel Perry Sampson
Please support us in exonerating Daniel Perry Sampson. Any amount you’re willing to contribute is greatly appreciated and will help us begin to heal from the legacy of a terrible wrong.
fundrazr.com
November 12, 2025 at 12:03 PM
Lance/Aquakulture is asking the community for financial support for this work. If you are able, please consider this very worthy cause. It's an act for justice.
Reposted by Gwynedd Pickett
Tomorrow, the AMA is giving a platform to Dr. Oz — CMS Administrator destroying Medicare and Medicaid.
Residents can’t freely dissent or the AMA will punish them.
This isn’t “dialogue.” It’s coercion.
We wrote the position statement the AMA won’t.
Document link:
drive.proton.me/urls/9CR5SB3...
Residents can’t freely dissent or the AMA will punish them.
This isn’t “dialogue.” It’s coercion.
We wrote the position statement the AMA won’t.
Document link:
drive.proton.me/urls/9CR5SB3...
![REPORT OF THE AD HOC WORKING GROUP ON PHYSICIAN WORKFORCE CONDITIONS, SCIENTIFIC INTEGRITY, AND RESIDENT ORGANIZING IN THE POST-2020 POLICY ENVIRONMENT
Position Statement on the Dr. Mehmet Oz Event: Threats to Scientific Integrity and the Coercion of Resident Physicians
Executive Summary
The American medical profession is undergoing a structural realignment driven by three converging forces: the accelerating unionization of resident physicians [1]; the collapse of scientific and public‑health norms in the United States due to the political capture of federal agencies [2]; and a widening gap between the priorities of organized medicine’s legacy institutions and the lived reality of trainees. Medical students and residents now occupy the most precarious position in the physician workforce while simultaneously holding the greatest leverage to redirect the profession’s trajectory.
The present moment is shaped by the consolidation of political power by the current Republican administration and the placement of high‑profile COVID‑19 contrarians—individuals whose pandemic‑era claims were repeatedly discredited—into leadership roles within federal science and health agencies [3]. This shift has destabilized traditional assumptions about evidence‑based governance, regulatory oversight, and the civic role of physicians.
Meanwhile, the resident workforce—the backbone of the U.S. hospital system—faces unprecedented strain: declining inflation‑adjusted wages, chronic understaffing, escalating retaliation risks, and high levels of burnout. Residents organizing through CIR/SEIU have secured major gains across the country [4], while the AMA has only recently adopted policies supportive of collective bargaining for residents.
This report outlines the structural dynamics shaping the profession, the interaction between political disinformation and medical licensure, the implications for trainees, and recommendations for coordinated action between CIR, medical students, and aligned…](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:nqarhi3oedy4dv6uv5sdoi4r/bafkreibfns5dabf36wpntpmf2hqunebhsflyg4tzxwsszlizjlpix3rpmm@jpeg)
![1997 Balanced Budget Act [6]. These decisions often relied on the belief that physician oversupply would reduce quality or compress income.
COVID‑19 exposed the fragility of this system. Several U.S.-licensed physicians—including some with academic affiliations—used their credentials to oppose public‑health measures and promote unproven treatments. Their claims were amplified by political networks and media ecosystems, contributing to public distrust and increased mortality [7].
Disciplinary action against these physicians was rare. State medical boards were slow or unwilling to intervene [8]. Meanwhile, prominent contrarian physicians consolidated political influence and now occupy key federal health leadership roles.
II. Recent Developments Affecting Trainees
Residents have responded to worsening conditions by organizing at an unprecedented rate. CIR/SEIU now represents tens of thousands of residents across major academic systems. Recent wins include wage increases, due‑process rights, parental‑leave expansions, and improved safety provisions [9].
Medical students increasingly view collective action as the only viable mechanism for improving training conditions. This generational shift is redefining the culture of medicine and the relationship between physicians and institutional authority.
The AMA, historically ambivalent toward physician unionization, adopted policy in 2024 recognizing the legitimacy of resident collective bargaining [10]. However, the AMA’s primary legislative focus remains national scope‑of‑practice battles and physician payment reform, leaving trainees without a national body focused primarily on workplace safety, retaliation protections, or fair compensation.
III. Scientific Integrity Under Political Pressure
The integration of discredited COVID‑19 contrarian physicians into federal leadership represents a fundamental change in the environment for scientific practice [11]. Their elevation undermines the authority of evidence‑based instit…](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:nqarhi3oedy4dv6uv5sdoi4r/bafkreih5migf4gkghfc2latv7hvx7g25dj57e5bjtxsc4ppt25dpkoi2cy@jpeg)
![Third, trainees who advocate for evidence‑based care may face institutional retaliation, while physicians spreading disinformation face minimal consequences. This asymmetry distorts the professional environment and pushes trainees toward organized collective protection.
IV. Areas of Alignment and Conflict Between AMA Policy and Trainee Needs
While the AMA and resident unions share interest in scientific integrity and physician well‑being, their priorities diverge significantly. Residents require safe staffing, fair compensation, due‑process protections, and freedom from retaliation. The AMA has historically prioritized national legislative battles (such as scope‑of‑practice) over the day‑to‑day realities of residency training.
However, the rise of political interference in scientific institutions creates an emerging area of alignment: both trainees and segments of organized medicine recognize that defending evidence‑based practice is essential to the profession’s future.
V. Risk Assessment for Trainees in the Current Environment
Trainees now operate in a structurally unstable ecosystem shaped by political capture of federal science agencies [12], increasing right‑wing disinformation targeting medicine [13], academic‑center fragility, declining public trust, weak state board enforcement, and widespread vulnerability to employer retaliation.
These forces combine to create a historic level of risk for trainees, and senior leadership has not adequately communicated these stakes to medical students or residents.
VI. Recommendations for Residents, Students, and CIR Leadership
Residents must assert themselves as central actors in the profession’s future. Recommendations include strengthening organizing capacity across academic centers, building communication channels independent of employer oversight, establishing reporting pathways for retaliation or scientific interference, coordinating with allied organizations (including the AMA when aligned), creating educational…](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:nqarhi3oedy4dv6uv5sdoi4r/bafkreiae5c47yson4c7by3jrtyk4yiaat5xeouuxvgte6j3djbzg3ezkam@jpeg)
November 16, 2025 at 8:06 PM
Tomorrow, the AMA is giving a platform to Dr. Oz — CMS Administrator destroying Medicare and Medicaid.
Residents can’t freely dissent or the AMA will punish them.
This isn’t “dialogue.” It’s coercion.
We wrote the position statement the AMA won’t.
Document link:
drive.proton.me/urls/9CR5SB3...
Residents can’t freely dissent or the AMA will punish them.
This isn’t “dialogue.” It’s coercion.
We wrote the position statement the AMA won’t.
Document link:
drive.proton.me/urls/9CR5SB3...
Reposted by Gwynedd Pickett
Bloody insane. Québec’s government is considering using its green fund to LOWER GAS PRICES. Um what.
Also, why does the fund even have a $1.8B surplus? Sounds like they haven’t been using it to, you know, fight climate change, like they promised voters.
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Also, why does the fund even have a $1.8B surplus? Sounds like they haven’t been using it to, you know, fight climate change, like they promised voters.
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Is Quebec serious about climate change? New government bill raises questions | CBC News
A new government bill aimed at reducing bureaucracy and increasing state efficiency could take a bite out of Quebec's ability to fight climate change. Under the proposed legislation, the finance minis...
www.cbc.ca
November 16, 2025 at 12:30 PM
Bloody insane. Québec’s government is considering using its green fund to LOWER GAS PRICES. Um what.
Also, why does the fund even have a $1.8B surplus? Sounds like they haven’t been using it to, you know, fight climate change, like they promised voters.
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Also, why does the fund even have a $1.8B surplus? Sounds like they haven’t been using it to, you know, fight climate change, like they promised voters.
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Reposted by Gwynedd Pickett
The golden age of diversity and democracy in Oz.
November 16, 2025 at 7:04 AM
The golden age of diversity and democracy in Oz.
Reposted by Gwynedd Pickett
This would effectively kill US science and engineering research competitiveness on the global stage.
“The prohibited activities would include joint research, co-authorship on papers, and advising a foreign graduate student or postdoctoral fellow. The language is retroactive, meaning any interactions during the previous 5 years could make a scientist ineligible for future federal funding.”
U.S. Congress considers sweeping ban on Chinese collaborations
Researchers speak out against proposal that would bar funding for U.S. scientists working with Chinese partners or training Chinese students
www.science.org
November 14, 2025 at 5:07 AM
This would effectively kill US science and engineering research competitiveness on the global stage.
Reposted by Gwynedd Pickett
Prohibited activities include advising Chinese graduate students. For reference, a recent Georgetown report estimated 16% of STEM graduate students in the US are Chinese nationals.
This would take out entire fields at the knees, which is perhaps the point.
This would take out entire fields at the knees, which is perhaps the point.
“The prohibited activities would include joint research, co-authorship on papers, and advising a foreign graduate student or postdoctoral fellow. The language is retroactive, meaning any interactions during the previous 5 years could make a scientist ineligible for future federal funding.”
U.S. Congress considers sweeping ban on Chinese collaborations
Researchers speak out against proposal that would bar funding for U.S. scientists working with Chinese partners or training Chinese students
www.science.org
November 14, 2025 at 2:52 AM
Prohibited activities include advising Chinese graduate students. For reference, a recent Georgetown report estimated 16% of STEM graduate students in the US are Chinese nationals.
This would take out entire fields at the knees, which is perhaps the point.
This would take out entire fields at the knees, which is perhaps the point.
Reposted by Gwynedd Pickett
The future of Blue Mountain-Birch Cove Lakes is on the line. Let's be clear, this isn't planning. It's political interference & corporate influence dressed up as "housing solutions".
HRM needs affordable, climate ready housing within serviced areas. Not this.
Nov 19
engagehalifax.ca/highway-102-...
HRM needs affordable, climate ready housing within serviced areas. Not this.
Nov 19
engagehalifax.ca/highway-102-...
November 13, 2025 at 1:10 PM
The future of Blue Mountain-Birch Cove Lakes is on the line. Let's be clear, this isn't planning. It's political interference & corporate influence dressed up as "housing solutions".
HRM needs affordable, climate ready housing within serviced areas. Not this.
Nov 19
engagehalifax.ca/highway-102-...
HRM needs affordable, climate ready housing within serviced areas. Not this.
Nov 19
engagehalifax.ca/highway-102-...
Reposted by Gwynedd Pickett
It's important to understand that the average linear rate of increase might not be a good summary of the individual trajectories.
November 12, 2025 at 12:28 PM
It's important to understand that the average linear rate of increase might not be a good summary of the individual trajectories.
Reposted by Gwynedd Pickett
Happy There Is A Circulatory System Walking Through The Kitchen Day to all who celebrate.
November 10, 2025 at 10:54 AM
Happy There Is A Circulatory System Walking Through The Kitchen Day to all who celebrate.
Reposted by Gwynedd Pickett
This isn't just on antivaxxer politicians, it's on every politician who isn't stridently, publicly provaccine.
Every one who lets kids be in school without being vaccinated.
Every one who lets health care workers be unvaccinated.
Every one who treats public health as an afterthought.
Every one who lets kids be in school without being vaccinated.
Every one who lets health care workers be unvaccinated.
Every one who treats public health as an afterthought.
Canada expected to lose long-standing measles-elimination status tomorrow https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-canada-measles-elimination-status-public-health-vaccines/
𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘄𝘀 ⇢ CanadaHealthwatch.ca 🍁
𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘄𝘀 ⇢ CanadaHealthwatch.ca 🍁
November 10, 2025 at 4:42 AM
This isn't just on antivaxxer politicians, it's on every politician who isn't stridently, publicly provaccine.
Every one who lets kids be in school without being vaccinated.
Every one who lets health care workers be unvaccinated.
Every one who treats public health as an afterthought.
Every one who lets kids be in school without being vaccinated.
Every one who lets health care workers be unvaccinated.
Every one who treats public health as an afterthought.
Reposted by Gwynedd Pickett
I made a “how do you do, fellow kids?” joke to someone in their mid 20s who, it turns out, was too young to have heard of that meme.
So “how do you do, fellow kids?” is now an example of “how do you do, fellow kids?”
So “how do you do, fellow kids?” is now an example of “how do you do, fellow kids?”
November 7, 2025 at 5:28 PM
I made a “how do you do, fellow kids?” joke to someone in their mid 20s who, it turns out, was too young to have heard of that meme.
So “how do you do, fellow kids?” is now an example of “how do you do, fellow kids?”
So “how do you do, fellow kids?” is now an example of “how do you do, fellow kids?”
Reposted by Gwynedd Pickett
The right answer is actually - nope. Never enough Purkinje cells! They are the BEST neurons
November 6, 2025 at 9:25 PM
The right answer is actually - nope. Never enough Purkinje cells! They are the BEST neurons
Reposted by Gwynedd Pickett
There's a case to be made that #DepecheMode debut album "Speak and Spell" was released on 6 November 1981.
November 6, 2025 at 3:27 PM
There's a case to be made that #DepecheMode debut album "Speak and Spell" was released on 6 November 1981.
Reposted by Gwynedd Pickett
We’ve received more than 5000 signatures on our open letter to stop MPs from accessing private data about scientists, researchers and students in the university sector! This story is still developing-
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/national/ove...
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/national/ove...
Over 5,000 researchers oppose order to share 25 years of federal grant applicant data
TORONTO - More than 5,000 researchers have signed an open letter pushing back against a parliamentary committee order that they say draws parallels with the U.S. government's crackdown on equity,
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca
November 5, 2025 at 9:53 PM
We’ve received more than 5000 signatures on our open letter to stop MPs from accessing private data about scientists, researchers and students in the university sector! This story is still developing-
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/national/ove...
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/national/ove...
Good silks class tonight. I learned a new drop, my teacher identified a flaw in a basic skill that should make my life easier if I can correct it, and I had a lot of fun!
…I was not entirely sure I’d manage to walk home afterwards, but I made it. 😅 #GetUpTrinity
…I was not entirely sure I’d manage to walk home afterwards, but I made it. 😅 #GetUpTrinity
November 6, 2025 at 12:08 AM
Good silks class tonight. I learned a new drop, my teacher identified a flaw in a basic skill that should make my life easier if I can correct it, and I had a lot of fun!
…I was not entirely sure I’d manage to walk home afterwards, but I made it. 😅 #GetUpTrinity
…I was not entirely sure I’d manage to walk home afterwards, but I made it. 😅 #GetUpTrinity
Reposted by Gwynedd Pickett
The only news that matters: Canada wants to join Eurovision. www.thestar.com/politics/fed...
Canada budget 2025 live updates: Deficit balloons to $78 billion; Carney’s fiscal plan includes public service cuts, major investments
The “Canada Strong” budget includes billions for new housing, hospitals, ports and defence, while nearly doubling the need to borrow this year alone. Here’s everything you need to know.
www.thestar.com
November 4, 2025 at 10:20 PM
The only news that matters: Canada wants to join Eurovision. www.thestar.com/politics/fed...
Reposted by Gwynedd Pickett
Appx: here is a link to the open letter from academia protesting this request.
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
Open Letter to Protect Tri-Council EDI Data
**Edited to add: we have received more than 4400 signatures for our letter but adding any more than 2000 names to this public page seems to be causing our Form to crash! Rest assured that we have all ...
docs.google.com
November 4, 2025 at 4:41 PM
Appx: here is a link to the open letter from academia protesting this request.
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...