New This Week
2025 Department of Pediatrics Residency Program Awards
Congratulations to the Class of 2025 and all of our award winners!!
And a big thanks to the Education team for putting together a special evening for our new graduates.
For 2025, we celebrate: Drs. Adam Hoffmann*, Anamaria Richardson, Asia Van Buuren, Brett Schrewe, Elspeth Macbain*, Gabe Blank, Harry Anzinger, Kia Anara, Laura Kim, Meg Kilvert, Nancy Lum, Nicholas McCloskey*, Nolan Lee*, Paige Dean, Paige Murphy, Sally Samaan*, Scott Wenderfer, Sean Duke, Semipe Oni*, Siya Bovula*, Warda Toma*, Lions Gate Hospital Pediatrics, Ms. Diana Lee, Ms. Kimi Tanaka, Ms. Pam Fei, The Division of Nephrology and the Nanaimo Distributed Site. Well done all!
*Not pictured.
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UBC Faculty of Medicine Academic Gowns and Emeriti Recognition Ceremony
On May 27, 2025, the Academic Gowns and Emeriti Recognition Ceremony was held by the UBC Faculty of Medicine to honor faculty members who have recently been promoted to the ranks of Professor, Clinical Professor, or Professor of Teaching, and to recognize those who have been granted Emerita or Emeritus status.
In attendance: Dr. Alexander Rauscher, Professor, Dr. Christopher Maxwell, Professor and Dr. Rajavel Elango, Professor.
Regrets: Dr. Paul Thiessen, Clinical Professor Emeritus.
During the ceremony, recipients are presented with academic gowns, and their achievements are celebrated.
Congratulations all!
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Enhancing concussion care in Colombia | Dr. Shelina Babul
In May, Dr. Shelina Babul, Clinical Professor in the UBC Department of Pediatrics and Director of the BC Injury Research and Prevention Unit, spent a week in Medellín with Dr. Mauricio Garcia-Barrera, Professor of Psychology and Associate Dean of Research and Graduate Studies at the University of Victoria.
The goal of this trip was to help healthcare professionals understand the latest in evidence-based care for concussion diagnosis and management and highlight prevention efforts.
“In Colombia, concussions are not top of mind for medical professionals,” said Dr. Garcia-Barrera. “We’re hoping to change that. We want to increase awareness and educate healthcare professionals on how to identify, diagnose, and manage concussions in Colombia.”
This isn’t the first time that CATT has been presented globally. Dr. Babul has delivered CATT workshops to medical professionals in East Africa, South Africa, and Lebanon. In Lebanon, Dr. Babul and BCIRPU Investigator Dr. Ian Pike worked with colleagues to form the ICARE program in 2023, which provides school nurses with the knowledge and protocols needed to respond to concussions in educational settings.
Dr. Babul’s research focus includes identifying gaps in injury prevention and concussion research and strategies to promote uptake of effective interventions. Her contributions to concussion education were recently recognized with a 2025 Canadian Association for Medical Education Certificate of Merit Award.
CATT is a free e-learning tool that provides concussion education. The resource receives over 100,000 website visits a year and is used by individuals all over the world. CATT is recognized as part of the federal Concussion Harmonization Project.
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2025 CPS Young Investigator Award | Dr. Matthew Carwana
Congratulations to Dr. Matthew Carwana!
He is this year’s recipient of the 2025 CPS Young Investigator Award! This recognition acknowledges his research work to improve outcomes for structurally marginalized children, youth, and families with a focus on health equity and social justice.
Dr. Carwana is general paediatrician and clinician-investigator at UBC and B.C. Children’s Hospital Research Institute (BCCHR). His clinical work in community and hospital settings has inspired an interdisciplinary approach to research. Health services and public health research are combined with multiple methodologies including epidemiological analysis, qualitative research, and community-based participatory action research. Dr. Carwana’s early-career work yielded significant findings, particularly in the areas of adolescent mental health during and following the COVID pandemic, overdose prevention, and early neurodevelopmental outcomes for children at risk due to social and structural determinants of health.
See: https://cps.ca/en/awards-prix/young-investigator-award
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Meet our 2025-26 Hudson Scholars!
From left to right: Dr. Basil Kadoura | Adolescent Health and Medicine, Dr. Sanjukta Basak | Endocrinology, Diabetes and Gender and Dr. Dynai Eilig | Orthopedics
We are thrilled to announce the recipients of the 2025-26 Hudson Scholars Awards Program, a prestigious initiative supporting early-career physicians. This 1-year program provides dedicated time for research and training, empowering scholars to become leaders in quality improvement and advance pediatric medicine.
Established in 2016 through a transformational gift from the Hudson family to the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation (BCCHF), the program was envisioned by Dr. Allison Eddy, the inaugural Hudson Family Hospital Chair in Pediatric Medicine. Over time, it has expanded to include medical faculty from across the BC Children’s Hospital campus, providing scholars with protected time, mentorship, and education to conduct impactful quality improvement projects.
This year’s cohort was selected for their outstanding proposals. Their work will enhance health systems, improve service delivery, and lead to better health outcomes for our patients and families.
After a rigorous review process, we are pleased to introduce the 2025-26 Hudson Scholars (Cohort 4): Dr. Basil Kadoura, Dr. Sanjukta Basak and Dr. Dynai Eilig.
We look forward to their contributions!
Sincerely,
Dr. Eric Webber
Interim Chief Medical Officer, BC Children’s Hospital
Drs. Mona Patel & Meera Rayar
Co-Chairs, Hudson Scholar Advisory Committee
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Hudson Scholars Day Poster Competition
On Friday, May 16, 2025, the inaugural Hudson Scholars Day Poster Competition, sponsored by the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation, took place in the Chan Auditorium at the BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute.
The competition featured over 20 abstracts from trainees across the BC Children’s Hospital (BCCH) campus, showcasing the outstanding quality improvement (QI) initiatives. The caliber of these projects reflects the dedication and excellence of our trainees, and the outstanding mentorship they received from faculty at BCCH.
The Best Trainee Poster Award was presented to Dr. Avram Shack (Clinical Fellow, NICU) for his project, “Multidisciplinary Lung Protection Rounds Mitigates BPD Risk.”
Learn more about all the work highlighted at our inaugural Hudson Scholars Day Poster Competition. [MORE]
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Michael Smith Health Research BC IMPaCT Training Award | Drs. Tanjot Singh, Kevin Meesters and Lena Xiao
Congratulations to Drs. Tanjot Singh, Kevin Meesters and Lena Xiao! They are recipients of 2025 Health Research BC IMPaCT training awards.
MSHR is partnering with the Increasing Capacity for Maternal and Paediatric Clinical Trials (IMPaCT) training platform to co-fund five BC-based researchers.
IMPaCT training awards facilitate participation in a 1-year immersive learning experience with assigned mentors and deliverables.
The program is part of a national training initiative to increase Canada’s clinical trial capacity in perinatal and child health. These researchers are part of a national cohort of 18 individuals based throughout Canada.
Congratulations all!
Michael Smith Health Research BC:
https://healthresearchbc.ca/awardrecipient/2025-impact-fellows/
IMPaCT training award:
https://www.impactrials.ca/awardinfo
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Postgraduate Medical Education Program (PGME) Award for Outstanding Contribution | Dr. David Dix
A big congratulations to Dr. David Dix on receiving the Outstanding Contribution Award from UBC’s Faculty of Medicine Postgraduate Medical Education Program (PGME). His exceptional leadership and dedication across the program have earned him this well-earned recognition.
With over 1400 postgraduate learners training across British Columbia—including rural and remote communities—PGME oversees residency and fellowship training across British Columbia, supporting medical learners in various specialties and subspecialties.
Link to award:
https://postgrad.med.ubc.ca/2025-pgme-program-awards/
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The BC Injury Research and Prevention Unit (BCIRPU) celebrates 25 years!
Learn more about BCIRPU’s origins, notable research projects, and influential points in time throughout the history of injury prevention in BC.
Link to timeline:
https://www.injuryresearch.bc.ca/about/25-years-of-the-bcirpu
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2025 Royal College Award for Early Career Leadership in Professional Practice/Patient Care Award | Dr. Anas Manouzi
Congratulations to Dr. Anas Manouzi! He is the recipient of the 2025 Royal College Award for Early Career Leadership in Professional Practice/Patient Care Award.
This award honours new Royal College Fellows (with seven or fewer years of post-training full-time practice) who have shown outstanding leadership, initiative, service and/or innovation in areas aligned with one of three key areas of the Royal College mandate:
1. Medical education and/or continuing professional development
2. Health policy/health systems
3. Professional practice/patient care
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Celebrate Research Day, April 11, 2025
Celebrate Research Day 2025 was a success!
On April 11th, we recognized and showcased the outstanding research conducted by our Pediatric Residents, Fellows, and their dedicated mentors. This year we also had research presented by members of the Women+ and Children’s Health Sciences (WACH) program. Link to Program.
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2025 UBC Research Excellence Cluster Grant | Drs. Manish Sadarangani and Matthew Carwana
Congratulations to Drs. Manish Sadarangani and Matthew Carwana! Both were awarded funding for their projects from the Office of the Vice-President, Research and Innovation, UBC.
Cluster Lead: Manish Sadarangani
PREVENT-AMR is an inter-disciplinary research cluster with the ultimate goal of providing a research framework to address the global challenge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) through prevention. Our cluster integrates human, animal, and environmental perspectives, and considers this issue from the perspectives of health, economics and climate change. Our cluster emphasizes cutting-edge research, partnerships, and education to mitigate the spread of resistant pathogens, safeguard public health, and promote sustainable ecosystems. Grounded in equity, diversity, and inclusivity principles, PREVENT-AMR aims to advance high impact solutions while training the next generation of leaders in AMR and One Health research.
Cluster Lead: Matthew Carwana
Overdose is now the leading cause of death for youth in British Columbia, and of increasing concern nationally and internationally.
Our cluster unites an interdisciplinary team of world-leading experts dedicated to overdose prevention. Guided by principles of community trust and meaningful engagement, we collaborate closely with Youth and Family Advisory Councils, as well as Indigenous Elders and Cultural Facilitators, ensuring our work is informed by lived experiences and cultural wisdom. We work together, and create new evidence and innovative knowledge products towards our mission of ending youth overdose deaths.
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Exploring factors associated with increasing referral rates to the BC Autism Assessment Network | Dr. Angie Ip
Congratulations to Dr. Angie Ip and her team on receiving funding through the Ministry of Health Research Seed Grant program for 2024/25, in partnership with UBC Health. Their project, Exploring Factors Associated with Increasing Referral Rates to the BC Autism Assessment Network, investigates the sharp rise in autism assessment referrals across British Columbia—now three times higher than a decade ago—while addressing critical gaps in access and equity. Through data analysis and community engagement, the team aims to improve autism assessments, inform policy decisions, and collaborate with families and Indigenous communities to create inclusive solutions. Link to full announcement.
A well-deserved recognition for impactful research, congratulations all!
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Sexual and gender-related violence against girls in sub- Saharan Africa: a need for effective interventions | Dr. Andrew Macnab
Sexual and gender-related violence (SGRV) against girls in sub-Saharan Africa remains a major crisis, impacting mental health and well-being. Despite existing efforts, 1 in 3 women still experience gender-based violence in their lifetime. A powerful intervention in Uganda used music to raise awareness—celebrity artists created a song and video highlighting key issues, reaching millions through social media, concerts, and national broadcasts. This approach shows promise for other countries to create localized versions that spark change and support survivors. Read more about Dr. Macnab’s work. Link to article.
Take action today against Gender-based Violence:
https://bit.ly/3iK6Ewu
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Community perspectives on maternal dietary diversity in rural Kenya, Mozambique and The Gambia: A PRECISE Network qualitative study | Dr. Rajavel Elango
Pregnant and breastfeeding women in sub-Saharan Africa face challenges in getting essential nutrients, which can impact their health and their babies. While a variety of foods can improve nutrition, many women struggle with access due to cost, traditions, and lack of knowledge.
Learn more about Dr. Rajavel Elango’s work and how protein and amino acid needs during key life stages is crucial for health. Link to article.
MORE:
https://bcchr.ca/relango
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2025 Southern Medical Program Graduating Class Award (Co-Recipient) | Dr. Melissa Paquette
Every year, students from the Southern Medical Program (SMP) recognize outstanding faculty and staff that made an impact to their medical education.
This year, Dr. Melissa Paquette, Clinical Assistant Professor with the Department of Pediatrics, based out of Kamloops was recognized with the 2025 Southern Medical Program Graduating Class Award (Co-Recipient).
Learn more about Dr. Paquette whose contributions to rural health in BC were recently celebrated on Canadian Women Physicians Day on Mar 11, 2025.
Congratulations Dr. Paquette!
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LEADERSHIP UPDATE: Dr. Martin Hosking, Interim Head, Division of Emergency Medicine | Department of Pediatrics, UBC & BCCH
We are happy to announce that Dr. Martin Hosking will take on the position of Interim Head for the Division of Cardiology.
As a Lead Interventional Cardiologist at BC Children’s Hospital (BCCH), Dr. Hosking brings a wealth of expertise to the role and a strong commitment to education. His passion for learning has driven him to take a leading role in organizing and facilitating national training sessions for his peers.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Dr. Hosking enjoys an active lifestyle, and he can often be found at the tennis court or on his bike exploring the great outdoors. Link to full announcement.
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Pediatric Drug Safety Research funded by Genome BC | Dr. Bruce Carleton
Congratulations to Dr. Bruce Carleton!
Dr. Bruce Carleton from the University of British Columbia, alongside his colleagues Dr. Michael Rieder from the University of Western Ontario and Dr. Maja Krajinovic from the Université de Montréal, were part of a cohort that received over $49 million in funding to advance hereditary cancer care, child drug safety, and heart health.
Their project, Longitudinal, Deep-Phenotyped Pediatric Databank of Medical and Drug Therapy Outcomes, aims to improve drug safety and effectiveness for children by expanding access to genomic data on pediatric responses to medications and helping researchers and health agencies minimize harmful drug reactions.
Many children experience serious side effects from medications, but because pediatric diseases like cancer are rare, it is difficult to gather enough data to understand why. Over the past 20 years, the Canadian Pharmacogenomics Network for Drug Safety (CPNDS) has collected DNA and medical data from more than 12,350 patients, tracking their responses to over 100,000 medication uses and 10,000 severe adverse drug reactions. Some patients in this database have more than 40 years of medical history. This project will build on that work by adding a pediatric component to the Pan-Canadian Genomics Library (PCGL)—a national resource that makes genomic and clinical data accessible for research.
The project will reconnect with previously enrolled patients to obtain their consent to add de- identified genomic and clinical data to the PCGL and continue recruiting new patients at 10 existing study sites across Canada. A key focus will be increasing diversity and accessibility to ensure the database better represents all populations. Researchers will also upgrade the data from genome- wide typing (GWAS) to whole genome sequencing (WGS), allowing for a more detailed investigation of drug-related harm.
With these expanded resources, the team will use genomic data to identify biomarkers that predict harmful drug reactions in children with cancer. The insights gained will improve how medications are prescribed, making treatments safer and more effective for children in Canada and beyond.
Updated May 5 2025
About Genome British Columbia
Genome BC is a not-for-profit organization that has advanced genomics research and innovation for 25 years, growing a world-class life sciences sector in BC and delivering sustainable benefits for British Columbia, Canada and beyond. Genome BC has attracted over $1 billion in direct co-investment to the province, which has contributed to funding more than 550 genomics research and innovation projects. These initiatives enhance healthcare and address environmental and natural resource challenges, improving the lives of British Columbians. Genome BC also integrates genomics into society by supporting responsible research and innovation and fostering an understanding and appreciation of the life sciences among educators, students and the public.
More:
New genomics projects to improve disease testing and treatment
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Celebrating National Physicians’ Day, May 1, 2025
Today, on National Physicians’ Day, we take a moment to honour the dedication, skill, and compassion of those who devote their lives to the practice of medicine. May 1st, chosen by the Canadian Medical Association, marks the birthday of Dr. Emily Stowe—the first female physician to practice in Canada—a pioneer whose legacy of perseverance and excellence continues to inspire us all.
Across British Columbia, physicians work tirelessly to serve children, youth, and families, often overcoming immense challenges to provide the highest standard of care.
Thank you for your dedication, your compassion, and the impact you make every single day. Your contributions are invaluable.
This year, we’re excited to extend our celebrations over the coming months. To kick things off, we’re shining a spotlight on the outstanding contributions of Drs. Sara Jassemi and Tahir Chaudhry, whose unwavering commitment to their patients exemplifies the very best of our profession.
A special thank you to Drs. Kirsten Miller and Saleem Razack for their efforts in recognizing and uplifting their colleagues.
With deep gratitude for our community of physicians,
Steven Paul Miller, MDCM FRCPC FRSC
James and Annabel McCreary Chair in Pediatrics
Professor and Head, Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia
Hudson Family Hospital Chair in Pediatric Medicine
Chief, Pediatric Medicine, BC Children’s Hospital
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The Tree of Hippocrates at BC Children’s Hospital
On April 10, 2025 individuals from across the C&W campus gathered for the re-dedication of the Tree of Hippocrates at BC Children’s Hospital.
Big thanks to the The Working Green by Nature group at BCCHR, The Centre for Mindfulness at BC Children’s Hospital, and Drs. Tim Oberlander, Dzung Vo and Judy Hall for a memorable event.
Learn more about this our tree:
https://med-fom-pediatrics.sites.olt.ubc.ca/files/2012/03/Pediagogue_Fall_20064017.pdf
Link to original post:
https://pediatrics.med.ubc.ca/2025/03/28/re-dedication-event-for-the-tree-of-hippocrates-at-bc-childrens-hospital/
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Contact: pedcomm@cw.bc.ca