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 >
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 >
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 >
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 >
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 >
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 >
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 >
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 >
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 >
Advancing Neonatal Care: Ms. Lindsay Richter and Dr. Souvik Mitra Awarded CIHR Grant for PDA InnovationCongratulations to Ms. Lindsay Richter and Dr. Souvik Mitra on receiving a CIHR Planning and Dissemination Grant to advance innovation and knowledge-sharing in the care of Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)—a heart condition affecting premature babies. This work will help improve outcomes for the tiniest patients by shaping evidence-based treatment and family-centered care. Thank you for […] Read More >
UBC Faculty of Medicine Welcomes Dr. Sharmila Anandasabapathy as New Dean and VP, HealthThe Department of Pediatrics is delighted to welcome Dr. Sharmila Anandasabapathy as the new Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Vice-President, Health at UBC. An internationally recognized clinician-scientist, Dr. Anandasabapathy brings a wealth of expertise in cancer detection, biomedical engineering, and global health—advancing innovation and equity at every level. We look forward to collaborating […] Read More >
Advancing Pediatric Respiratory Care: Dr. Robert Reklow Honoured with Margaret W. Leigh AwardCongratulations to Dr. Robert Reklow, Postdoctoral Research Fellow from the Division of Respiratory Medicine, for receiving the 2025 Margaret W. Leigh Early Career Investigator Award! His work focuses on improving diagnosis of childhood breathing disorders like severe asthma and primary ciliary dyskinesia. See: https://healthresearchbc.ca/news_article/announcing-the-2025-research-trainee-awardees/ Read More >
Advancing NICU Care: Dr. Souvik Mitra Achieves AFC Credential in Neonatal HemodynamicsWe are excited to celebrate Dr. Souvik Mitra’s AFC recognition from Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada in Neonatal Hemodynamics & Targeted Neonatal Echocardiography! A milestone for standardized training that will improve care for critically ill NICU babies. Read More >
Celebrating UBC’s 25 Year Club! | Ms. Kimi Tanaka and Ms. Fahra RajabaliPlease join us in congratulating Ms. Kimi Tanaka and Ms. Fahra Rajabali—our newest members of this distinguished group, recognized for 25+ years of outstanding service to UBC. Kimi’s leadership in faculty appointments, reappointments, promotion, tenure and emeriti has supported countless Pediatrics faculty obtain promotion and recognition. Fahra’s expertise in injury data, epidemiology, visualization and evaluation—including […] Read More >
26-Year Study Reveals Stable Type 1 Diabetes Trends in BC Youth | Dr. Shazhan AmedA new co-designed digital health platform is transforming Type 1 Diabetes care by giving patients, families, and healthcare teams shared access to diabetes data, clinical recommendations, and resources. Led by Dr. Shazhan Amed, the platform empowered caregivers, improved preparedness, and fostered a collaborative care experience. Learn more about how digital innovation is supporting T1D management! […] Read More >
The Hudson Family Trainee Program | Meet our 2026 cohort!Dec 16, 2025We are excited to announce the successful candidates for The Hudson Family Trainee Program, a 1-year funded clinical fellowship opportunity, in the Department of Pediatrics. This fellowship aims to enhance interdisciplinary and interprofessional capacity by providing additional training in complementary pediatric subspecialties and research. The fellowship allows newly qualified pediatric residents or current fellows in […] Read More >
In Memory of Dr. David Dix (June 8, 1961 – Dec 11, 2025)Dec 15, 2025It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Dr. David Dix, who died peacefully at home on Thursday, December 11th, surrounded by loved ones. Dr. Dix was an exceptional hematologist-oncologist, clinician, researcher, and educator whose impact was felt around the world. His greatest impact was his involvement in the Children’s Oncology Group, […] Read More >
Updating Your Contact Information in UBC WorkdayOct 30, 2025To 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 […] Read More >
LEADERSHIP UPDATE: Dr. Sarah Alexander, Head, Division of Hematology/Oncology & Bone Marrow Transplant, Department of Pediatrics, UBC & BCCHOct 23, 2025I 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 […] Read More >
Cooking with Fahra: A UBC Culinary Wellness SeriesOct 20, 2025Fahra 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 […] Read More >