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2025 John McNeill Excellence in Health Research Mentorship Award | Dr. Bruce VallanceFeb 05, 2026Congratulations to Dr. Bruce Vallance on receiving the 2025 John McNeill Excellence in Health Research Mentorship Award from UBC! This prestigious award recognizes Dr. Vallance’s deep commitment to fostering the professional and personal development of early-career researchers — shaping the next generation of leaders in health research. Dr. Vallance’s research on microbe-host interactions and the […] Read More >
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INTERNATIONAL CONSENSUS: A Statement on Referral and Selection for Pediatric Lung TransplantationA landmark international consensus published in The Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation (JHLT) is shaping the future of pediatric lung transplantation by establishing the first global criteria for referral and candidate selection. It is supported by the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation (ISHLT). Led by Dr. Nicholas Avdimiretz of BC Children’s Hospital […] Read More >
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LEADERSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT: Dr. Emilie Jean-St-Michel, Head, Division of Cardiology | Department of Pediatrics, UBC & BCCHFeb 02, 2026We are pleased to announce that Dr. Emilie Jean‑St‑Michel has assumed the role of Head, Division of Cardiology, effective February 2, 2026. Originally from northern Quebec, Dr. Jean‑St‑Michel brings extensive clinical, academic, and leadership experience to this role. Her background includes a Master of Science in Clinical Epidemiology and Health Care Research from the University […] Read More >
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Congratulations to Dr. Saleem Razack on His Appointment as DeanJan 30, 2026A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Saleem Razack, Professor in the Division of Critical Care, as he prepares to begin his new role as Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at Dalhousie University this fall. Since joining us in 2023, Dr. Razack has made a significant impact as a pediatric intensivist, educator, researcher, and Strategic […] Read More >
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National Pediatrician Day: Recognizing Those Who Care for Our Children | January 28, 2026Jan 28, 2026This National Pediatrician Day, we’re shining a spotlight on some of our pediatricians whose expertise and compassion transform lives every day. For 2026, we are spotlighting the contributions of Drs. Jill Houbé, Daniel Metzger, Mona Patel, Nicholas Avdimiretz, Margaret Choi and David Wensley. Through exceptional clinical care, groundbreaking research, and inspiring education, they ensure that […] Read More >
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Inspiring the Next Generation of Scientists: Women+ in Science 2026Jan 19, 2026Grade 11–12 students across BC and the Yukon now have two exciting ways to take part in Women+ in Science 2026! Join the presentations in‑person on February 11th at BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, or virtually on February 12th for inspiring science, discovery, and career exploration. Dr. Genelle Lunken is featured as one of the […] Read More >
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Dr. Magdalena Janus, Sunny Hill BC Leadership Chair in Child DevelopmentWe’re pleased to welcome Dr. Magdalena Janus to UBC as the Sunny Hill BC Leadership Chair in Child Development! An internationally recognized developmental scientist, Dr. Janus brings expertise in early childhood development and is best known for co-developing the globally used Early Development Instrument (EDI). Her appointment is made possible through a partnership between UBC […] Read More >
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Welcome Dr. Mia Sethna!We’re excited to welcome Dr. Mia Sethna as our new Undergraduate Program Director in Pediatrics! Dr. Sethna brings extensive experience in medical education, mentorship, and pediatric hospital medicine. A heartfelt thank‑you to Dr. Erin Peebles for her leadership and dedication to strengthening undergraduate pediatric education. Wishing her all the best in her new role at […] Read More >
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Celebrating Commitment and Service in the Department of PediatricsCongratulations to the 173 staff and faculty from the Department of Pediatrics, UBC & BCCH who celebrated a service milestone in 2024. We are deeply grateful for your years of dedication, hard work, and commitment to supporting children, families, and our community. Long Service Recognition for 2025 milestones kicks off in March this year at […] Read More >
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Important update on HIV prevention in CanadaNew HIV infections continue to occur each year, and updated guidance is now available to support effective prevention. The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Pan-Canadian Network for HIV/AIDS and the sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBI) Clinical Trials Research group have released revised guidelines on pre‑exposure (PrEP) and post‑exposure (PEP) prophylaxis. These new guidelines […] Read More >
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New Canadian Paediatric Society Guidelines: Blood Transfusion Strategies for Preterm & Critically Ill NewbornsDid you know that minimizing blood loss in preterm and critically ill newborns starts at birth? A new position statement led by Drs. Souvik Mitra, Emer Finan and Deepak Manhas provides evidence-based guidance on reducing blood loss and transfusions in preterm and critically ill newborns. Full statement: https://cps.ca/en/documents/position/minimizing-blood-loss-in-newborns Read More >
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Celebrating 2025: A Year of Growth, Achievement, and ProgressDec 20, 2025As 2025 draws to a close, members from the Department of Pediatrics have much to celebrate. This year, together, we achieved remarkable milestones: – Welcomed 63 new faculty members (3 Academic, 60 Clinical) – Celebrated 15 faculty promotions (4 Academic, 11 Clinical) – Honoured 173 long-service milestones across the department – Increased research funding by […] Read More >
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UBC Honours Dr. Judith Hall Among Trailblazing Women in MedicineAs part of UBC FoM’s Year in Review, Dr. Judith Hall was featured as part of their spotlight on Celebrating changemaking women in the Faculty of Medicine. Professor Emerita Dr. Judith Hall joined UBC in 1981 as professor of medical genetics in charge of the clinical unit, helping to develop standards for clinical genetic services […] Read More >
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Celebrating Excellence: Dr. Hal Siden Receives Prestigious National Award for Pediatric Palliative CareCongratulations to Dr. Hal Siden! On Dec 16, 2025, Dr. Siden was awarded the 2025 Pediatric Award of Excellence from the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association (CHPCA), Canada’s Pediatric Care Alliance (CPPCA) and the Canadian Network of Palliative Care for Children (CNPCC), This award recognizes Dr. Siden’s extraordinary leadership, vision, and impact on pediatric palliative […] Read More >
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UBC Researchers Make Global Impact: 15 Breakthroughs Highlighted in 2025From breakthroughs in organ transplantation to raising awareness about the risks of space junk, UBC researchers and partners captured global attention and sparked important conversations this year. Earlier this month, UBC Today featured 15 research highlights—including contributions from Drs. James Lim, Rebecca Deyell and Laura Sly—showcasing how knowledge, technology, and real-world solutions advanced in 2025. […] Read More >
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Outstanding Mentorship Recognized: Drs. Lori Tucker and Jaime Guzman Awarded UBC Science Co‑op Supervisor AwardCongratulations to Drs. Lori Tucker & Jaime Guzman from the Division of Rheumatology on each receiving the 2025 UBC Science Co‑op Supervisor Recognition Award for their outstanding leadership, mentorship & teaching. Members from the Division of Rheumatology have partnered with UBC’s Co‑op program over the years and many former students have gone on to become […] Read More >
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Driving Innovation in NICU Care: WHRI Awards Dr. Sandesh Shivananda for BPD Prevention ResearchOn Dec 4, 2025, he was awarded the inaugural Leveling Up: Women’s and Newborn Health Research Action Grant from the Women’s Health Research Institute (WHRI) to study Neonatal interventions to prevent bronchopulmonary dysplasia (NIP-BPD). Babies born extremely early — before 29 weeks of pregnancy — are among the most delicate patients in the hospital. Nearly […] Read More >
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Dr. Lynn Straatman (November 28, 2025)We mourn the passing of Dr. Lynn Straatman (Nov 28, 2025), a cherished colleague, mentor, and leader. As Clinical Assistant Professor at UBC, Medical Director of the Heart Function Clinic at VGH, and associate member in the Division of Adolescent Health & Medicine, she dedicated her career to compassionate care. Dr. Straatman championed youth transitioning […] Read More >
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Reducing Risks and Myths: Dr. Shelina Babul Discusses Concussion Safety on Global NewsDr. Shelina Babul, was recently featured on Global News and she discussed ways to reduce the risk for concussions, concussion care and she also breaks down some common myths. Dr. Babul is a Clinical Professor in UBC’s Department of Pediatrics and Director of the BC Injury Research and Prevention Unit and her work focuses on […] Read More >
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Managing type 1 diabetes just got easier! | Dr. Shazhan AmedDr. Shazhan Amed and a cross-disciplinary team at BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute and Department of Pediatrics, in collaboration with Canada’s Digital Technology Supercluster and partners, have developed a new digital platform that brings all your child’s diabetes data into one place and designed with families and healthcare teams. Early results show improved communication, personalized […] Read More >