New This Month
Updating Your Contact Information in UBC Workday
To all Department of Pediatrics Faculty Members,
To support timely and effective communication between you and the university, please ensure your contact information in UBC Workday is current.
We kindly ask that you take a few moments to review and update your details as needed.
Accurate contact information helps us reach you quickly when important updates or communications arise.
Thank you for your attention to this matter and for your continued cooperation.
Instructions on how to update your contact information.
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LEADERSHIP UPDATE: Dr. Sarah Alexander, Head, Division of Hematology/Oncology & Bone Marrow Transplant, Department of Pediatrics, UBC & BCCH
I am delighted to announce the appointment of Dr. Sarah Alexander as the new Head of the Division of Hematology/Oncology & Bone Marrow Transplant, and the Team Nicky Hospital Chair in Hematology, Oncology and BMT at BC Children’s Hospital effective Oct 27, 2025.
Dr. Alexander brings extensive experience in pediatric leukemia and lymphoma, with training at Harvard Medical School, Boston Children’s Hospital, and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. She joined SickKids in 2007 and has served as Clinical Director since 2012, as well as Professor of Paediatrics at the University of Toronto. Her contributions to patient care and clinical research have earned her numerous accolades, including the Richard Rowe Award for excellence in clinical care.
We also extend our deepest gratitude to Dr. Caron Strahlendorf for her outstanding leadership since 2014. Her vision and dedication have shaped the Division into a global leader in pediatric oncology and hematology. Dr. Strahlendorf has held several key roles and led transformative initiatives that strengthened clinical care, research, and team culture.
Please join us in welcoming Dr. Alexander and thanking Dr. Strahlendorf for her remarkable service.
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Cooking with Fahra: A UBC Culinary Wellness Series
Fahra Rajabali, a researcher with the BC Injury Research and Prevention Unit (Dept. of Pediatrics), is leading 6 cooking classes on Zoom from August 2025 – February 2026.
The August session featured Coconut Lentil Curry and Warm Cabbage Salad
Recipe: https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/678ef2b34de2f87c67fbbdaa/68e7dc25ca531cc7b17671a7_Cooking%20with%20Fahra%20-%20August%2027%2C%202025.pdf
Recording (Passcode: +5^u4L4U)
The September session featured Chicken/Paneer/Fish/Cauliflower Tikka Masala and Curried Quinoa Salad
Recipe: https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/678ef2b34de2f87c67fbbdaa/68e7dc79757515a4a54f2281_Cooking%20with%20Fahra%20-%20September%2024%2C%202025.pdf
Recording (Passcode: B3$tu0Wk)
Try out a recipe and enter a draw!
Send in a photo of your creation based on one of Fahra’s recipes to enter a draw for one of four $20 gift cards; draw is open to UBC staff and faculty members only. Please send your name and role at UBC, as well as a photo and name of the dish to bcinjury@bcchr.ca. The draw will be held on March 27, 2026.
Are you interested in cooking along with Fahra?
If you are a UBC staff or faculty member interested in cooking along with Fahra during a live recording, please contact Fahra at frajabali@bcchr.ca. Each class can accommodate up to 6 participants; each participant will receive a $35 gift card following the session.
Upcoming sessions:
• October 29: Coconut Fish/Prawn Curry & Curried Lentil and Spinach Salad (2 spots available!)
• November 26: Hearty Lentil Soup & Masala Veggie Wraps
• January 28: Butter Chicken/Paneer/Veggies & Garden Salad with Yogurt Dressing
• February 25: menu in development!
A digital cookbook will be available in March 2026!
Cooking with Fahra is sponsored by the 2025/26 UBC Healthy Workplace Initiatives Fund Program. The goals of this initiative are to:
• Prioritize healthy and mindful eating
• Inspire participants with new ideas for nutritious meals
• Source budget-minded ingredients
• Connect health and nutrition through high-quality ingredients and storytelling
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Clinical Faculty Appointment Policy updates: Register to attend an information session
The UBC Faculty of Medicine recently revised its policy on clinical faculty appointments. These updates are in direct response to feedback from clinical faculty to clarify policies and processes for appointments, expand opportunities for promotion, and align rank criteria to more fully recognize the distinctive and significant contributions of clinical faculty. To learn more about the changes, all clinical faculty are invited to register for one of four information sessions taking place this fall.
NOTE: This message only applies to Clinical Faculty (not Academic Faculty or Partner Faculty).
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2025 UBC Faculty of Medicine Awards | Dr. Brett Schrewe and Dr. Michelle Clarke
Each year, the Faculty of Medicine celebrates outstanding faculty members who demonstrate excellence in education, research, and service—advancing our shared vision of transforming health for everyone.
Dr. Brett Schrewe, based at the Island Medical Program at the University of Victoria, received the Excellence in Education Award for his leadership, innovation, and scholarship in health education. A consultant pediatrician and education researcher, Dr. Schrewe brings a dynamic and diverse perspective to his work. He earned his MDCM from McGill University and completed his pediatrics residency at both McGill and UBC.
Dr. Michelle Clarke, located in Vancouver, was awarded the Clinical Faculty Award for Excellence in Leadership/Service – Mid/Late Career for her exceptional contributions in clinical leadership and service. A Pediatric Emergency Medicine specialist, Dr. Clarke has extensive experience at BC Children’s Hospital and the Division of Pediatric Hospital Medicine. She completed her medical training at Dalhousie University and residency at UBC, where she also served as program director for the Pediatric Emergency Medicine subspecialty (2010–2014). A Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, she continues to play a key role in medical education and provides comprehensive pediatric care at Oakridge Pediatrics. Her clinical interests include asthma, eczema, childhood injuries, and developmental and behavioral pediatrics.
We are proud to recognize their dedication and impact—congratulations all!
More: https://www.med.ubc.ca/news/faculty-of-medicine-awards-2025/
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LEADERSHIP UPDATE: Dr. Faisal Malik, Head, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes & Gender, Department of Pediatrics, UBC & BCCH
We are delighted to announce that Dr. Faisal Malik will join the Department of Pediatrics as Head of the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Gender, effective September 15, 2025.
Dr. Malik comes from the University of Washington and Seattle Children’s Hospital, where he held key leadership roles and led innovative research to improve outcomes for youth with diabetes. His expertise in quality improvement, mentorship, and health equity will strengthen our commitment to delivering high-quality, inclusive care for children and families in B.C.
We also extend our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Shazhan Amed for her outstanding leadership as Division Head. Since joining BC Children’s Hospital in 2008, Dr. Amed has advanced pediatric diabetes care through groundbreaking research, advocacy, and innovation, leaving an enduring impact on our programs and communities.
Finally, we acknowledge Dr. Ralph Rothstein for his service as Interim Head since January 2025.
Please join us in welcoming Dr. Malik and celebrating the remarkable contributions of Dr. Amed and Dr. Rothstein.
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LEADERSHIP UPDATE: Dr. Simone Nicol, Head, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, UBC & BCCH
We’re thrilled to welcome Dr. Simone Nicol as the new Head of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition at UBC & BC Children’s Hospital, starting Sept 1, 2025!
Her leadership and dedication to patient-centered care will guide the division into an exciting new chapter. We also extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Vishal Avinashi for his outstanding leadership since 2021.
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LEADERSHIP UPDATE: Dr. Marie-Claude Grégoire, Interim Head, Division of Palliative Medicine, UBC & BCCH | Interim Medical Director, Canuck Place Children’s Hospice | Interim Co-Medical Director of PainCare 360 and Palliative Care at BC Children’s Hospital
We are excited to welcome Dr. Marie-Claude Grégoire as the Interim Head of the Division of Palliative Medicine, UBC & BCCH, effective September 1, 2025. Dr. Grégoire will also serve as Interim Medical Director at Canuck Place Children’s Hospice and Interim Co-Medical Director of PainCare 360 and Palliative Care at BC Children’s Hospital.
With deep expertise in pediatric pain and palliative care, Dr. Grégoire brings a compassionate, collaborative approach to this important leadership role.
We also extend heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Hal Siden for his visionary leadership and decades of service. His legacy of advancing pediatric palliative care across B.C. and beyond continues to inspire.
Please join us in celebrating this meaningful transition in leadership.
The post LEADERSHIP UPDATE: Dr. Marie-Claude Grégoire, Interim Head, Division of Palliative Medicine, UBC & BCCH | Interim Medical Director, Canuck Place Children’s Hospice | Interim Co-Medical Director of PainCare 360 and Palliative Care at BC Children’s Hospital appeared first on Department of Pediatrics.
Celebrating Excellence in Neonatal Research | Dr. Ruth Grunau, Member of the Order of British Columbia
We are proud to share that Dr. Ruth Grunau has been awarded the Order of British Columbia, in recognition of her groundbreaking contributions to neonatal pain research.
The Order of British Columbia recognizes outstanding achievement and lasting contributions that have made a meaningful difference in the lives of British Columbians and it represents the highest form of recognition the province can bestow on an individual.
We are excited to celebrate not only Dr. Grunau’s scientific contributions but also her compassionate advocacy and the transformative effect her work has had on neonatal care worldwide.
Dr. Grunau’s pioneering work in neonatal pain research has transformed clinical practice worldwide. She was among the first to demonstrate that premature infants feel pain—a revelation that challenged long-standing medical assumptions and led to the development of the Neonatal Facial Coding System, incorporated into pain assessment in neonatal care.
Her research continues to illuminate the long-term impact of early pain exposure on brain development and child outcomes.
With over 240 peer-reviewed publications and a legacy of compassionate innovation, Dr. Grunau exemplifies the transformative power of research and advocacy.
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Grunau on this well-deserved recognition!
More:
UBC Medicine faculty honoured with 2025 Order of British Columbia
Fifteen individuals appointed to the Order of British Columbia
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LEADERSHIP UPDATE: Dr. Dawn Gano, Head, Division of Neurology | Department of Pediatrics, UBC & BCCH
We are proud to welcome Dr. Dawn Gano as the new Head of the Division of Neurology. Dr. Gano joins us from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), where she led the Fetal Neurology Center of Excellence. An internationally recognized expert in fetal and neonatal neurology, she brings deep clinical expertise, a strong academic track record, and a visionary leadership style.
Her recent honours include UCSF’s Excellence in Teaching Award (2023) and Exceptional Physician Award (2024), and her BC Children’s Hospital Investigator Grant Award (IGAP) are a testament to the remarkable impact she has made in the field.
We also extend our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Michelle Demos for her outstanding leadership since June 2023. Under her guidance, the Division expanded its team and deepened its clinical and research excellence. Dr. Demos will continue in her roles supporting genomics, quality care, and residency training.
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2025 Global Citizenship Award | Dr. Shelina Babul
Congratulations to Dr. Shelina Babul, BSc’91, PhD’01 — pioneering concussion researcher and advocate for injury prevention!
Dr. Babul has been honoured with the 2025 Global Citizenship Award from alumni UBC, in recognition of her internationally acclaimed work.
Dr. Shelina Babul is the Director of the BC Injury Research and Prevention Unit at BC Children’s Hospital, where she leads innovative research in sport and recreational injury prevention, with a strong focus on concussions and traumatic brain injuries. Her work emphasizes evidence-based strategies for recognition, treatment, and long-term management.
Dr. Babul also directs the Canadian Hospitals Injury Reporting and Prevention Program (CHIRPP) at BC Children’s and is a Clinical Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of British Columbia (UBC). She is also an Investigator with the BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute and the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, UBC.
A respected voice in injury prevention, Dr. Babul serves on multiple provincial and national concussion advisory committees. Her contributions have been recognized with awards including the BC Hockey Safety Award, the Brain Injury Association of Canada Prevention and Awareness Award, and a nomination for the YWCA Women of Distinction Award (2019). In 2023, she received the UBC Faculty of Medicine Clinical Faculty Award for Excellence in Research.
MORE:
https://alumni.ubc.ca/events/awards/
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Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Project Grant: Spring 2025 competition results
Researchers from UBC’s Faculty of Medicine have secured over $40 million through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Project Grant: Spring 2025 competition. These initiatives tackle some of Canada’s most urgent health challenges.
From the Department of Pediatrics, we congratulate Drs. Rajavel Elango, Pascal Lavoie, Steven Miller, Souvik Mitra, Manish Sadarangani and Susan Samuel.
Funded Research Projects:
Rajavel Elango | Amino acid requirements in young adult females: Effect of menstrual cycle phases
Pascal Lavoie | Understanding the impact of early-life RSV infections on infant immunity and long-term health
Steven Miller | Trajectories of Brain Maturation and Neurodevelopment in Adolescents Born Very Preterm
Steven Miller | Brain maturation and neurodevelopment in moderate-late preterm infants
Souvik Mitra | Single-dose Prophylactic INdomethacin in extremely preterm infants – A Multicenter Pilot Randomized Blinded Placebo-Controlled Trial (the SPIN Pilot RCT)
Manish Sadarangani | Better Outcomes in Babies with Bacterial meningitis, a randomized controlled trial: BOBBie
Susan Samuel | Investigating immune biomarkers in children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome
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INVITATION: Summer Student Research Program Poster Day | Thursday, July 24, 2025
We’re celebrating the remarkable achievements of our undergraduate and medical summer students. Their innovative research and dedication—guided by outstanding faculty mentorship—are helping shape the future of pediatric health and transforming lives of children and families.
Come out in person or join online to cheer on the Babul, Blydt-Hansen, Boelman, Boerner, Brown, Carwana, Charlton, Cheng, Devlin, Deyell, Goldman, Guzman, Horvath, Ip, Ipsiroglu, Kissoon, Lam, Lavoie, Loucks, Mak, McLaughlin, Pike, Purtzki, Reid, Sadarangani, Salh, Siden, Skippen, Sly, Smile, Tucker, Vallance, Voss, and Weber Research Teams!
Discover how our medical students are making a difference, one poster at a time!
More:
https://bcchr.ca/posterday
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2025 NSERC Discovery Grants | Drs. Rachel Eddy, Genelle Lunken and Christopher Maxwell
Congratulations to Drs. Rachel Eddy, Genelle Lunken and Christopher Maxwell! Their projects were recently awarded NSERC Discovery Grants by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)
The NSERC Discovery Grants program supports ongoing programs of research with long-term goals rather than a single short-term project or collection of projects, recognizing the creativity and innovation that are at the heart of all research advances.
Dr. Rachel Eddy | Development of Image Acquisition and Analysis Tools to Accelerate 129Xe MRI
Dr. Genelle Lunken | The influence of diet on non-bacterial members of the gut microbiota
Dr. Christopher Maxwell | Dissect the spatial and temporal control of mitotic spindle assembly, disassembly and mitotic exit through the study of HMMR
https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/professors-professeurs/grants-subs/dgigp-psigp_eng.asp
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Managing Critical PDA in Preterm Infants | Dr. Souvik Mitra
Dr. Mitra’s latest work explores early treatment vs. expectant management for hemodynamically significant PDA in preterm infants (<37 weeksor <2500g). With potential risks from NSAIDs and ongoing debate in neonatal care on PDA management, this Cochrane Review updates existing evidence to guide clinical decision-making.
Learn more:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40548426/
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Cheers to a legacy that changed lives! | Dr. Ian Pike
On June 30, 2025, Dr. Ian Pike retired after a remarkable career dedicated to injury prevention, public education, and advocacy. From pioneering research to empowering communities, Dr. Pike’s contributions continue to shape a safer British Columbia.
A visionary, a collaborator, a champion for health and equity.
Read more about his incredible work and lasting legacy:
https://www.injuryresearch.bc.ca/news/happy-retirement-ian-pike
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2024 Outstanding Academic Performance | Dr. Souvik Mitra
Congratulations to Dr. Souvik Mitra on being awarded the 2024 Outstanding Academic Performance recognition by UBC’s Faculty of Medicine. This distinction, granted through a peer-reviewed departmental process, reflects his exemplary academic contributions and unwavering commitment to excellence.
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Honouring Excellence: 2025 PHSA+ Award Nominees from the Department of Pediatrics
Congratulations to our exceptional teams and members from the Department of Pediatrics on their 2025 PHSA+ Awards nominations!
These peer-nominated recognitions highlight their outstanding innovation, compassionate care, and unwavering commitment to children and families across BC.
Awardees will be announced this Fall—stay tuned!
Full list of nominees:
https://pod.phsa.ca/employee-essentials/culture/awards/phsa-awards
Image (clockwise): Drs. Andrea Wallace, Jenny Retallack, Sharon Dell, Wallace Wee and Claire Seaton.
*not pictured.
____
2025 PHSA+ Awards nominees:
Innovation Award:
Complex Developmental and Behavioural Conditions Network, BC Children’s Hospital*
Team contact: Jamie Hack
Critical Care Faculty (Drs. Peter Skippen, Adela Matettore, and Mr. Dennis Arcaina) and Air Ops team, BC Emergency Health Services*
Team contact: Rob Schlamp
Pediatric Critical Care Outreach, BC Children’s Hospital*
Team contact: Dr. Jenny Retallack
Specialized Pediatric Rehabilitation OUTpatient (SPROUT) Program, BC Children’s Hospital and BC Women’s Hospital + Health Centre*
Team contact: Joyce Lam
Excellence in Patient/Client and Family-Centred Care Award:
Asthma Clinic team (Drs. Sharon Dell, Claire Seaton, Ingrid Baerg*, Johnna-Jane Clarkson*, Kaija Gnazdowsky*, Minna Miller*, Tiffany Wong, and Wallace Wee), BC Children’s Hospital
Team contact: Dr. Sharon Dell
Outstanding Medical Staff Award:
Dr. Andrea Wallace, BC Children’s Hospital
Dr. Jennifer Retallack, BC Children’s Hospital
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5 things you didn’t (but should) know about measles | Drs. Manish Sadarangani and Kyla Hildebrand
There is a Measles outbreak in Canada which is seeing its largest numbers in decades—with over 2,500 cases this year, including 12 in B.C. The disease is shockingly contagious—up to 6x more transmissible than COVID-19—and can linger in the air for hours.
Drs. Manish Sadarangani and Dr. Kyla Hildebrand are urging precautions, read the full story:
UBC Faculty of Medicine:
https://www.med.ubc.ca/news/5-things-you-didnt-but-should-know-about-measles
UBC News:
https://news.ubc.ca/2025/06/measles-is-back-heres-five-things-you-need-to-know
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Dr. Allison Audrey Eddy, C.M. | Member of the Order of Canada
Honouring a true trailblazer in pediatric medicine!
Congratulations to our former Department Head, Dr. Allison Eddy, on being appointed a member to the Order of Canada for her outstanding contributions to child health, research, and education. Her legacy continues to inspire generations of clinicians and scientists across the country.
Dr. Allison Eddy is a retired professor and clinician scientist at the forefront of pediatric nephrology. She is recognized internationally for her research into kidney fibrosis and the connection between inflammation and kidney scarring. She is also a passionate mentor who has helped train the next generation of pediatricians and kidney disease specialists.
MORE:
https://www.gg.ca/en/order-canada-appointees-june-30-2025
https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/services/medals/medals-chart-index/member-order-canada-cm.html
https://www.med.ubc.ca/news/ubc-medicine-faculty-members-appointed-to-the-order-of-canada-2025s/
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We acknowledge that our Vancouver office is located on land which is the unceded territory of the Coast Salish peoples, including the territories of the xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil- Waututh) Nations.
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Contact: pedcomm@cw.bc.ca