New This Month
Pioneering Pediatric Diabetes Research — Right Here in B.C.
We’re proud to spotlight the work of Dr. Dina Panagiotopoulos, Clinical Professor in the Department of Pediatrics, Investigator, and Pediatric Endocrinologist at BC Children’s Hospital. Dr. Panagiotopoulos is a nationally recognized leader in pediatric diabetes research spanning both type 1 and type 2.
Her groundbreaking work recently led to a Canadian pediatric first: two B.C. youth became the first in Canada to receive a treatment that delays the onset of type 1 diabetes.
Learn more about the impactful work happening right here in B.C.
Two B.C. youth receive first-in-Canada treatment to delay Type 1 diabetes
https://vancouversun.com/news/two-bc-youth-first-canada-treatment-delay-diabetes
A Canadian pediatric first for type 1 diabetes
https://breakthrought1d.ca/a-canadian-pediatric-first-for-type-1-diabetes/
BC Children’s Hospital delivers first-in-Canada diabetes treatment
https://www.bcchildrens.ca/about-us/news-features/bc-childrens-hospital-delivers-first-canada-diabetes-treatment
Learn more about Dr. Panagiotopoulos
https://www.bcchr.ca/research/find-a-researcher/dina-panagiotopoulos/
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Kids who take risks at play make faster, smarter decisions in traffic
New research from UBC and Queen Maud University College (Norway), led by Dr. Mariana Brussoni reveals that kids who take more risks on the playground make faster, safer decisions in traffic.
A new study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology had 424 children aged 7–11 use virtual reality to test risk-taking during play — and found that bolder kids weren’t reckless, they were simply quicker at reading situations and acting on them.
The takeaway? Letting children climb higher, roam further, and experience manageable challenges builds the real-world judgment they need to navigate a complex world.
As Dr. Brussoni, researcher at BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, puts it: “Keeping children safe means letting them take risks.”
UBC News:
https://news.ubc.ca/2026/05/kids-who-take-risks-at-play-make-faster-smarter-decisions-in-traffic/
More about Dr. Mariana Brussoni:
Professor, Department of Pediatrics & SPPH, UBC
https://www.bcchr.ca/research/find-a-researcher/mariana-brussoni/
Director, HELP & Professor, Department of Pediatrics & SPPH, UBC
https://earlylearning.ubc.ca/team/mariana-brussoni/
The developmental importance of risky play: A cross-national virtual reality study
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvp.2026.103062
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2026 YWCA Women of Distinction Award (Health & Wellness) | Dr. Shelina Babul
Big congratulations to Dr. Shelina Babul!
Dr. Babul is the 2026 YWCA Women of Distinction Award Winner in the Health & Wellness category.
As Director of the BC Injury Research and Prevention Unit at BC Children’s Hospital and Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at UBC, Dr. Babul has dedicated her career to closing gaps in injury prevention and turning research into real-world impact.
She’s the mind behind the internationally trusted Concussion Awareness Training Tool and co-led the development of Active and Safe Central — an online hub empowering British Columbians to get moving and stay well.
Her contributions haven’t gone unnoticed. Dr. Babul is a recipient of the 2025 Canadian Association for Medical Education Certificate of Merit, the 2025 Alumni UBC Global Citizenship Award, and the 2023 UBC Faculty of Medicine Clinical Faculty Award for Excellence in Research.
Learn more about Dr. Babul and her work:
https://www.injuryresearch.bc.ca/
https://cattonline.com/home
See the full list of winners:
https://ywcabc.org/women-distinction-awards#2026-recipients
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Canada Research Chair in Pediatric Precision Health | Dr. Stuart Turvey
Four researchers have been named or renewed as Canada Research Chairs from UBC’s Faculty of Medicine, including Dr. Stuart Turvey, who was renewed as the Canada Research Chair in Pediatric Precision Health. From child and youth mental health to next-generation immunotherapies and precision medicine, this work is advancing care in Canada and beyond.
These appointments are part of a major national investment in research, supporting discovery, innovation, and the next generation of scientific leaders.
Congratulations all!
Full announcement:
https://www.med.ubc.ca/news/four-ubc-medicine-researchers-among-new-and-renewed-canada-research-chairs
Spring 2026 Recipients (cycle 2025-1):
https://www.chairs-chaires.gc.ca/media-medias/lists-listes/2026/spring-printemps-eng.aspx
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2026 Canadian Paediatric Society (CPS) Young Investigator Award | Dr. Matthew Carwana
Big congratulations to Dr. Matthew Carwana on being named the 2026 Canadian Paediatric Society (CPS) Young Investigator Award recipient!
Formerly known as the CPS Research Award, this distinction was established in 1999 to recognize outstanding basic or clinical research contributions by a young investigator in fields that advance child and youth health.
This prestigious honour recognizes outstanding contributions to child and youth health research—and Dr. Carwana’s work truly embodies that impact. Through innovative models of care, policy-informed research, and strong community partnerships, his work is helping address health inequities affecting structurally marginalized children and youth.
Grounded in collaboration with patients, families, and community organizations, this research is shaping a more equitable future for child health in Canada.
Join us in celebrating this incredible achievement!
Congratulations Dr. Carwana!
Dr. Matthew Carwana’s Research:
https://www.bcchr.ca/research/find-a-researcher/matthew-carwana/
The Human Early Learning Partnership (HELP):
https://earlylearning.ubc.ca/team/matt-carwana/
CPS Young Investigator Award:
https://cps.ca/en/awards-prix/young-investigator-award
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2026 Canadian Paediatric Society Distinguished Community Paediatrician Award | Dr. Kirsten Miller
Congratulations to Dr. Kirsten Miller!
Dr. Miller is the recipient of the 2026 Canadian Paediatric Society Distinguished Community Paediatrician Award. This award recognizes individuals who has demonstrated a significant contribution to the field of community paediatrics.
A consultant general pediatrician in Prince George since 2005, Dr. Miller has dedicated her career to ensuring children and families — especially in rural, remote, and First Nations communities — have access to quality, equitable care. As Medical Lead for the Northern Health Authority Child and Youth Service Network, her impact spans the entire northern half of the province.
Dr. Miller is a driving force behind innovation in rural healthcare. She is the visionary behind programs like Sustaining Pediatrics in Rural and Underserved Communities (SPRUCe), which connects rural providers, supports locum access, and strengthens mentorship and education; she is also a key contributor to Child Health Advice in RealTime Electronically (CHARLiE), a real-time virtual support service transforming how care is delivered in remote communities.
A passionate mentor and educator, she continues to inspire the next generation of pediatricians while advancing training pathways like the Rural Pediatrics Enhanced Education Program (rPEEP), an innovative approach aimed at equipping pediatricians with the specialized skills needed to thrive in isolated rural communities.
Her leadership, advocacy, and commitment to equity have earned her well-deserved recognition — but her greatest legacy is the healthier futures she’s helping build for children across B.C.
Congratulations Dr. Miller!
Learn more about Dr. Kirsten Miller:
https://pediatrics.med.ubc.ca/2026/03/10/celebrating-canadian-women-physicians-day/
2026 CPS awards recognize outstanding contributions to paediatric healthcare:
https://cps.ca/en/media/2026-cps-awards-recognize-outstanding-contributions-to-paediatric-healthcare
Distinguished Community Paediatrician Award:
https://cps.ca/en/awards-prix/distinguished-community-paediatrician-award
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Celebrate Research Day Results!
The annual Department of Pediatrics Celebrate Research Day was a great success, showcasing the tremendous work that our trainees have completed at BC Children’s Hospital.
This year’s winners showed outstanding talent and with their mentors, presented high quality research.
Please join me congratulating the following trainees and their mentors for their research success:
Best Resident Research Project – Dr. Judy So
Building Connections: Caregivers of Children with Medical Complexity Co-Designing Communication Training for Pediatric Residents
Research Mentor: Dr. Esther J Lee
Runner Up Best Resident Research Project – Dr. Semipe Oni
Longitudinal Review of Lung Function in Pediatric Patients with SLE at BC Children’s Hospital
Research Mentor: Dr. Jonathan Rayment
Runner Up Best Resident Research Project – Dr. Adam Sage
Presentation of Pediatric Cannabis Ingestion in the Emergency Department
Research Mentor: Dr. Vikram Sabhaney
Best Fellow Research Project – Dr. Bazlin Binti Ramly
Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of Voriconazole, Posaconazole, and Itraconazole in Haemato-Oncological and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Paediatric Patients
Research Mentor: Drs. Hana Mitchell, Jennifer Kendrick, Alastair McAlpine
Runner Up Best Fellow Research Project – Dr. Florence Barbey
Post-Transplant Vaccine Completion Among Pediatric Solid Organ Transplant Recipients in Western Canada: A Canadian Immunization Research Network Study
Research Mentor: Dr. Hana Mitchell
Runner Up Best Fellow Research Project – Dr. Eniko Szakmar
Association Between the Length of Mechanical Ventilation and White Matter Injury on MRI and Neurodevelopmental Outcome in Preterm Infants
Research Mentor: Drs. Steven P. Miller, Julia K. Charlton
Best Research Poster – Dr. Sanya Grover
Assessing the Social Determinants of Health and Positive Childhood Experiences in Youth Patients Transitioning to Adult Care: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Research Mentor: Dr. Christine Loock
Runner Up Best Research Poster – Dr. Renee Lurie
Identification to Action: A Quality Improvement Initiative to Address Medical Services Plan (MSP) Gaps in a Social Pediatrics Program
Research Mentor: Drs. Sara Jassemi, Adam Hoffmann
Runner Up Best Research Poster – Dr. Claudia Makhanko-Tang
Low-volume 16S rRNA gene PCR and Nanopore Sequencing for Bacterial Detection in Neonatal Sepsis
Research Mentor: Drs. Pascal Lavoie, Jonathan Gubbay
View all the abstracts and posters in the 2026 CRD booklet.
Thank you to the Resident Research Committee for planning CRD.
I would like to thank our competition judges – Drs. Joseph Lam, Orlee Guttman, Simone Nicol, Jacob Rozmus, Vishal Avinashi, Scott Cameron and all DOP faculty for their contribution to resident research.
See you in Celebrate Research Day 2027.
Sincerely,
Ran
Ran Goldman, MD
Professor, Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia,
PHSA Medical Advisory Committee Chair
BC Children’s Hospital, Vancouver, Canada
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Celebrating National Physicians’ Day | May 1, 2026
Today we mark an important occasion—National Physicians’ Day. I am proud to recognize the extraordinary work our physicians do every day across the province. Through their expertise and dedication, they profoundly impact the lives of our young patients and their families.
Daily, I see firsthand, the compassion our physicians bring to their work: from putting a smile on a child’s face to making thoughtful, often difficult decisions under pressure. Their dedication, professionalism, and care are truly inspiring.
National Physicians’ Day is observed each year on May 1st, by the Canadian Medical Association and the Doctors of BC to honour physicians who form the backbone of our national health system. Across British Columbia, physicians are delivering exceptional patient care while advancing innovation through clinical excellence and research.
This year, our department is proud to spotlight five exceptional physicians who have gone above and beyond to uphold the highest standards of our profession and to ensure we continue to advance outstanding care for children and youth.
Link to our 2026 faculty spotlights
Learn more:
CMA marks National Physicians’ Day | CMA
https://www.cma.ca/about-us/press-room/cma-marks-national-physicians-day
Recognizing the work of the medical profession: CMA to celebrate National Physicians’ Day on May 1
https://www.cma.ca/latest-stories/recognizing-work-medical-profession-cma-celebrate-national-physicians-day-may-1
National Physicians Day: Thank a doctor today
https://www.doctorsofbc.ca/advocacy/2026/national-physicians-day-thank-doctor-today
Doctors of BC marks 125 years of advocacy on National Physicians’ Day
https://www.doctorsofbc.ca/advocacy/2025/doctors-bc-marks-125-years-advocacy-national-physicians-day
With gratitude,
Steven
Steven Paul Miller, MDCM FRCPC FRSC FCAHS (He, Him, His)
James and Annabel McCreary Chair in Pediatrics | Professor and Head, Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, UBC
Hudson Family Hospital Chair in Pediatric Medicine | Chief, Pediatric Medicine, BC Children’s Hospital
Image (clockwise):Drs. Eiko Waida, James Harris, Kevan Jacobson, Mavis Teasdale and Souvik Mitra.
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2026 Newborn Brain Society Honorary Fellow Award | Dr. Steven Miller
Dr. Miller is the 2026 recipient of the Honorary Fellow Award from the Newborn Brain Society.
He was recognized for his exceptional contributions to neonatal neurology and neurocritical care, joining a distinguished legacy of Honorary Fellows whose work has advanced the field.
The Honorary Fellow Award, established in 2020, recognizes outstanding individuals who have achieved remarkable milestones in neonatal brain care. This prestigious honour reflects their unwavering commitment and significant contributions, which closely align with the core mission and values of the Newborn Brain Society.
Congratulations, Dr. Miller!
More:
Newborn Brain Society Announces 2026 Honorary Fellow Award Recipient: Dr. Steven Miller
https://newbornbrainsociety.org/newborn-brain-society-announces-2026-honorary-fellow-award-recipient-dr-steven-miller/
Newborn Brain Society, Quarterly Newsletter, April 2026 | Volume 19
https://files.constantcontact.com/502c902f801/7735e654-42c2-4794-aa77-a32f0d52c64a.pdf?rdr=true
THE RESILIENT BRAIN | FALL/WINTER 2024-25
https://brainhealth.pathways.med.ubc.ca/
Rethinking early-life brain injury
https://brainhealth.pathways.med.ubc.ca/feature-stories/rethinking-early-life-brain-injury/
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Top ten most-read articles of 2025 | New Canadian Consensus Statement on Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Congratulations to all the contributors to the New Canadian Consensus Statement on Eosinophilic Esophagitis.
A special shout out to Drs. Vishal Avinashi, Stephanie Erdle, and Edmond Chan from the Department of Pediatrics, “Recommendations for the diagnosis and management of eosinophilic esophagitis in adults and children in Canada: a Delphi consensus project,” was among the top ten most-read articles of 2025 in the Journal of the Canadian Association of Gastroenterology, with a total of 2,896 views.
See: https://www.cag-acg.org/cgi/page.cgi/_zine.html/What_s_New/New_Canadian_Consensus_Statement_on_Eosinophilic_Esophagitis_Published_in_JCAG
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2026 Hudson Scholar Quality Improvement Day, May 8, 2026
The 2026 Hudson Scholar Quality Improvement Day, sponsored by the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation, will be held in the Chan Auditorium at the BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute on May 8th.
We will have trainees from across the BCCH campus present their work to showcase the high caliber of quality improvement (QI) projects currently underway at BC Children’s Hospital.
We hope to see you there!
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2026 Lifetime Achievement Award in Pediatric Respirology | Dr. David Wensley
Congratulations Dr. David Wensley!
Dr. Wensley was awarded the 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award in Pediatric Respirology from the Canadian Thoracic Society.
The Lifetime Achievement Award in Pediatric Respirology recognizes an individual for lifetime achievement in the field of pediatric respirology each year.
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2025/26 UBC Killam Teaching Prize | Drs. Quynh Doan and Angela Devlin
Congratulations to Drs. Quynh Doan and Angela Devlin!
Drs. Doan and Devlin were both awarded a 2025/26 Killam Teaching Prize from UBC.
The Killam Teaching Prize is awarded annually to faculty nominated by students, colleagues and alumni in recognition of excellence in teaching.
https://academic.ubc.ca/awards/killam-awards-fellowships/killam-teaching-prize
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2026 Pediatric Assembly Early-Career Outstanding Contributions Award | Dr. Lena Xiao
Congratulations to Dr. Lena Xiao!
Dr. Xiao is the recipient of the 2026 Pediatric Assembly Early-Career Outstanding Contributions Award.
This award recognizes the significant contribution of an individual in the area of clinical care, education, advocacy, research and/or other scholarly activity.
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2026 Till and McCulloch Lectureship Award | Dr. Kirk Schultz
Congratulations Dr. Kirk Schultz!
Dr. Schultz has been bestowed the 2026 Till and McCulloch Lectureship Award from Cell Therapy Transplant Canada.
The Till & McCulloch Lectureship Award is presented to a lecturer whose research and/or practice has advanced basic science in HCT/CT.
Dr. Schultz will be presenting “Using Biomarkers to Improve HSCT By Regenerating Immune Tolerance and Preventing Chronic Graft-versus-Host Disease” during the 2026 Annual Conference during Symposium 7 on Saturday, May 2 at 8:45am.
More: https://www.cttcanada.org/news/721503/2026-Lectureship-Winners.htm
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Honouring Excellence on Administrative Professionals Day, April 22, 2026
On April 22, 2026, we are celebrating Administrative Professionals Day—a day dedicated to recognizing and appreciating the administrative professionals who support our department. This year, we are pleased to acknowledge two individuals who exemplify the professionalism and dedication that define this day: Ms. Anita Yau and Mr. Harjit Gill.
View our staff spotlights that highlight their contributions.
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Curiosity to Discovery: Research and Mentorship in our pediatric residency training program
Did you know that research is a core part of our Pediatric Residency Program?
R1 residents connect with mentors, explore ongoing research, and build projects that shape their training and future careers.
The sessions provide a direct contact with many Divisions in the Department of Pediatrics and allow R1 residents to know who to contact for research and other scholarly activities, and to meet potential mentors.
By the end of Block 12, R1 residents need to find a mentor, determine their research project during residency, and sign a Mentorship Agreement form with their mentor.
Visit our faculty showcase and learn more about our amazing research mentors and project supervisors: https://bit.ly/3OY5Mor
All about research in our Pediatric Residency Program: https://pediatrics.med.ubc.ca/research-passport/
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Lapu Lapu Day of Togetherness: One Year After the Tragedy
One year has passed since a devastating tragedy deeply impacted the Filipino community in Vancouver and touched people around the world, including members of our own Department of Pediatrics community.
Today, we pause to remember the lives lost, to acknowledge the grief that continues, and to stand with those who are still healing. We extend our heartfelt condolences to all who have been affected.
For those who feel ready to gather, this year’s Lapu Lapu Day event will be held on April 19 at the Il Centro Italian Cultural Centre and will be renamed Lapu Lapu Day of Togetherness. Memorial gatherings will follow on the one‑year anniversary weekend.
We recognize that this remembrance may bring forward difficult emotions. Please know that support is available, and that you are not alone.
Link to resources and full announcement
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Celebrate Research Day 2026!
The Department of Pediatrics Celebrate Research Day 2026 is our annual event showcasing the exceptional research achievements of our trainees over the past year.
Clinical research plays a vital role in academic medicine within a tertiary care teaching hospital. As one of the three core pillars of academic health centres—alongside education and clinical care—research is fundamental to the Department of Pediatrics’ mission to advance high‑quality, evidence‑based care.
Celebrate Research Day reflects our strong commitment to fostering scholarly inquiry and supporting trainee success. We gratefully acknowledge everyone who contributed to making this event possible, including the Pediatric Residency Research Committee, the Celebrate Research Day judges, and the many staff and faculty members who continue to champion trainee research.
Celebrate Research Day
Friday, April 10, 2026
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Chan Centre for Family Health Education
938 W 28th Ave, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4
Learn more about our 2026 judges and the faculty mentors who support trainee research below.
Vishal Avinashi MPH, BSc, MD
https://www.bcchr.ca/research/find-a-researcher/vishal-avinashi/
Orlee Guttman MD, FRCPC
https://bcchr.ca/GIdivision/our-team
Joseph Lam MD, FRCPC
https://www.bcchr.ca/research/find-a-researcher/joseph-lam/
Jacob Rozmus BSc, PhD, MD
https://www.bcchr.ca/research/find-a-researcher/jacob-rozmus/
Simone Nicol MD, FRCPC
https://pediatrics.med.ubc.ca/divisions-centres/gastroenterology-hepatology-nutrition/
Department of Pediatrics Faculty Mentor Showcase
https://vimeo.com/showcase/9077024
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Dr. Shazhan Amed Selected to Present at Innovation UBC’s 2026 Investor Showcase
Dr. Amed will be presenting at the Investor Showcase which is Innovation UBC’s flagship annual event, spotlighting high-potential UBC ventures raising Seed to Series A rounds. Twelve companies, selected by an external evaluation committee from Innovation UBC’s Venture Founder and HATCH Venture Builder programs, will present to a curated audience of investors and ecosystem stakeholders.
Event: Innovation UBC’s 2026 Investor Showcase
Date & Time: Tuesday, April 14, 2026. Doors open at 4:00 PM.
Location: UBC Robson Square Theatre (C300), 800 Robson St, Vancouver, BC
Registration: https://innovation.ubc.ca/events/2026-investor-showcase
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We respectfully acknowledge that we live, learn, and care on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.
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Contact: pedcomm@cw.bc.ca