77. The challenges of public health, disease prevention, and the management of complex chronic conditions
Dr. Rusk’s recent peer reviewed publication on the incidence of clinician-diagnosed Lyme disease in Manitoba investigates the gap between reported and real cases of Lyme.
In this episode, we talk with Dr. Richard Rusk, a public health leader specializing in health promotion, disease prevention, and the management of complex chronic conditions.
Trained as a veterinarian and physician with advanced credentials in public health and preventive medicine, Dr. Rusk operates at the intersection of epidemiology and frontline implementation across Manitoba Canada.
Previously serving as Provincial Chief Occupational Medical Officer and the Medical Officer of Health with Manitoba Health CDC Lead, Dr. Rusk now serves as Medical Director of Rusk Medical Solutions.
Dr. Rusk’s recent peer reviewed publication on the incidence of clinician-diagnosed Lyme disease in Manitoba investigates the gap between reported and real cases of Lyme.
Rusk R, Gasmi S, Bourgeois A-C, Whitlock M, Detillieux GR, Stimpert K, Buckeridge D, Koffi JK. 2025 Jan 6. Perspective: Incidence of Clinician-Diagnosed Lyme Disease in Manitoba, Canada 2009–2018. Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases. doi: https://doi.org/10.1089/vbz.2024.0088.
Topics discussed
- 1:00 How Dr. Rusk became interested in Lyme disease
- 4:11 Dr. Rusk’s journey to become a medical officer in Manitoba
- 6:55 Explanation of zoonotic diseases
- 9:00 How Dr. Rusk’s tenure with Manitoba health impacted his awareness and understanding of Lyme disease
- 12:30 How Dr. Rusk’s thinking about Lyme reporting has changed over the years
- 18:35 Insight into Dr. Rusk’s recently published peer reviewed paper
- 24:18 Potential positive outcomes from the paper
- 27:30 How the study may improve the situation for patients
- 29:55 Looking at the Tick Collaborative Care service in Manitoba, and how it helps patients
- 36:00 The importance of patient centred care
