New This Week
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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Message from Dr. Steven Miller, Dr. Caron Strahlendorf and Ms. Christine Veloso | The Lapu Lapu Street Festival
Dear friends, colleagues, and learners,
We are heartbroken by the unfolding tragedy at the Lapu Lapu Street Festival on April 26th and the deep impact it is having on Vancouver’s Filipino community—and our own members within the Department of Pediatrics, UBC & BCCH family. Please know that we grieve with you and stand beside you.
On Saturday night and in the hours that followed, we have heard how many of you showed up to BCCH, as you always do—with dedication, compassion, and unwavering commitment to care—for that we are truly grateful. We have also heard how you are supporting your co-workers with Filipino heritage—THANK YOU.
In times like these, it’s important to take care of yourselves too. Make space to grieve, lean on each other, and reach out for support if you need it. You are not alone.
We are profoundly grateful to you. Thank you for the care you provide, the compassion you show, and the strength you share. It is an honor to serve alongside you.
The way our community has come together is nothing short of extraordinary. We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our health care partners across the other authorities who responded to the Code Orange.
Please share these resources and cascade this message within your work unit.
PHSA services and supports:
https://pod.phsa.ca/news/operational-news/Documents/All-staff-bulletin-Message-of-support-Filipino-community-2025-04-27.pdf
UBC resources for faculty, staff & learners:
https://www.med.ubc.ca/supports-for-faculty-staff-students/
UBC Mental health care for students:
https://students.ubc.ca/health/counselling-services/mental-health-care-ubc/
UBC Faculty & Staff, discover services, programs, and resources available to support your mental health and support workplace wellbeing:
https://hr.ubc.ca/health-and-wellbeing/mental-health/
With deep appreciation,
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Re-dedication Event for the Tree of Hippocrates at BC Children’s Hospital
You’re Invited!
Please join us for the Re-dedication Event for the Tree of Hippocrates at BC Children’s Hospital.
The Working Green by Nature group at BCCHR will be hosting a celebration of the tree and the beautiful nature that we are privileged to have here at the C&W campus. Please join us for a mindful walk through our campus to the tree, followed by a short dedication and light refreshments. Everyone is welcome!
Date: Thursday, April 10, 2025
Time: 3:00 – 4:00 PM
Location: Meet at the Main Lobby of BCCHR. Dr. Dzung Vo will take us for a guided walk across campus to the tree, followed by a short ceremony, then light refreshments in Room C&W D306 (Shaughnessy Building)
Learn more about this special tree:
https://med-fom-pediatrics.sites.olt.ubc.ca/files/2012/03/Pediagogue_Fall_20064017.pdf
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2025 AFMC President’s Award for Exemplary National Leadership in Academic Medicine | Dr. Saleem Razack
Congratulations to Dr. Saleem Razack!
Dr. Razack is the recipient of the 2025 AFMC President’s Award for Exemplary National Leadership in Academic Medicine. This award recognizes individuals for their excellence and exemplary national leadership in advancing the AFMC’s vision for academic medicine in either research or education.
Saleem Razack is a pediatric intensivist and medical education researcher at BC Children’s Hospital and the University of British Columbia. He is a graduate of the University of Toronto and completed his pediatrics and PICU training at the Montreal Children’s Hospital/McGill University, where he was on faculty from 1996-2022. He has held several positions of educational and clinical leadership, locally and nationally. He has over 70 publications in equity and anti-racist/anti-oppressive pedagogies in medical education. He is the spouse of Jack Strulovitch and the papa to 6-year-old twins, Nate and Talia. He is a proud Canadian of Trinidadian descent.
More:
https://www.afmc.ca/awards/
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2025 Optimizing the Early Years Award | Dr. Stephanie Erdle and the BC Women’s Hospital Allergy Team
Congratulations to Dr. Stephanie Erdle, Pediatric Allergist and members of the BC Women’s Hospital Allergy Team!
Their team is the recipient of the 2025 Optimizing the Early Years Award. These awards are presented annually by Health Quality BC to celebrate the people and projects that are improving the quality of care in our province.
Did you know that Penicillin allergies can present a significant concern, in particular for those who are pregnant? About half of all pregnant people will require an antibiotic during pregnancy and 10% of those will report an allergy to penicillin. The presence of a penicillin allergy label leads to the use of second-line agents, which in turn can increase the risk of postpartum infections, complications in postoperative caesarean wounds, and prolonged hospital stays. Additionally, newborns of mothers with penicillin allergies may undergo increased medical interventions, such as blood draws and extended hospitalizations.
Recognizing the critical need for a solution, the BC Women’s Penicillin Allergy Delabelling Clinic was established as the first dedicated Canadian centre to offer penicillin allergy testing specifically tailored to pregnant individuals.
MORE:
https://healthqualitybc.ca/quality-awards/winners/bc-womens-hospital-allergy-clinic-team/
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Runner up: 2025 Optimizing the Early Years Award | The Early Motor Screening Program (EMSP)
A special shout out to Dr. Ram Mishaal and the EMSP team who were runners up for the 2025 Optimizing the Early Years Award. These awards are presented annually by Health Quality BC to celebrate the people and projects that are improving the quality of care in our province.
The EMSP launched in June 2022 at Sunny Hill Health Centre, BC Children’s Hospital, as the first-of-its-kind selective screening program for CP; filling the identified early detection gap. In partnership with Perinatal Services BC, the EMSP has made BC the first jurisdiction in the world to have a provincial screening program for CP.The EMSP consists of a group of trained professionals who conduct the Prechtl General Movements Assessment (GMA) on identified high-risk infants for CP between 3-4 months corrected age. GMA is a validated predictive tool for CP that identifies certain movement challenges by 4 months post-term age. The EMSP clinicians conduct GMA by scoring a two to five-minute-long video of the infant lying on their back while they are awake and calm. The video can be recorded in the clinic or home setting. Comments from caregivers have illustrated that they appreciate the virtual accessibility, “I appreciated not having to go to an in-person appointment. The zoom call worked well and I was able to understand what was being shared and was able to share my own thoughts and ask questions.”
Dr. Ram Mishaal, the Senior Medical Director for Child Development and Rehabilitation at BC Children’s Hospital, who is also one of the co-leads on this project shared, “Every child deserves the best opportunity to thrive and fulfil their functional potential. Early Cerebral Palsy detection leads to early specific interventions and family support, which in turn improve children and their family’s function. Through this program we’ve seen a positive impact on caregivers mental and emotional health, as it provides them with the opportunity to receive answers, share their concerns and guide their teams so we can focus on what is important to them.”
To date, EMSP and the CP Early diagnosis clinic have assessed over 400 patients and decreased the age of CP diagnosis from 23 moths to 11 months. Being a virtual program, AS of October 2024, EMSP has saved over 1000 hours of travel time to families, saved 76,061 km of travel distance (1.9 times the earth circumference) and saved estimated 17,760 kg of CO2 emission (~12 homes’ electricity use for one year).
MORE:
https://healthqualitybc.ca/quality-awards/winners/
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2024 Newborn Brain Society Early Career Award | Dr. Thiviya Selvanathan
Congratulations to Dr. Thiviya Selvanathan! Her project entitled, “Social disparity, thalamic volumes and cognition in adolescents with neonatal HIE,” was funded by a Newborn Brain Society Early Career Award.
The Newborn Brain Society supports research that ensures that all newborns have access to receive optimal brain care.
Congratulations Dr. Selvanathan!
More:
https://newbornbrainsociety.org/the-newborn-brain-society-early-career-award/
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