The Hospital for Sick Children

Postdoctoral fellow Dr. Toan Nguyen is investigating how the NPC1 gene could predict the onset of Niemann-Pick type C, a rare neurodegenerative condition. A member of Dr. Evgueni Ivakine’s lab, Toan’s enthusiastic (and cookie-fueled!) energy radiates in the lab, with an eagerness to share his knowledge and a quirky sense of humour with colleagues. Read more about Nguyen’s journey to #SKResearch ➡️ https://bit.ly/499rCuN

Immunizations play a crucial role in protecting children from preventable diseases. However, declining immunization rates are putting both children and our communities at risk.   We understand parents may have questions about childhood immunizations, which is why the SickKids Immunization InfoLine offers non-judgmental, one-on-one conversations with a trained nurse to discuss your child’s specific needs and offer guidance. Book your consult ➡ https://bit.ly/3TSnedl

Riley Wieschkowski is three years into her career as a Physician Assistant (PA) at SickKids.    As a PA on the Haematology/Oncology unit, she works alongside a supervising physician and other health-care providers to deliver excellent team-based care. She can perform patient assessments, order and interpret tests, as well as create treatment plans, diagnose and prescribe medication.    Her first job as a PA was in the Emergency Department (ED) at SickKids, which was a "hands-on and rewarding place to start, " she says.    "You get to see a wide breadth of different conditions and connect with various paediatric specialties."    After two years in the ED, she learned a lot and was ready for a new challenge.    Now a PA in Haematology/Oncology on the solid tumour team, she cares for patients staying in hospital, which means there's an opportunity to get to know them better.    "I really enjoy that part because you get to learn the whole patient, follow them along and be part of their care team," says Riley. " You are part of their support system and are there for families during both difficult and joyful times, like bell-ringing ceremonies (to signify the end of cancer treatment)."    Riley is one of several PAs across SickKids not only providing quality care, but also helping to reduce physician workload, wait times and increase access to timely care.    Happy Physician Assistant Day to Riley and colleagues! 

Danielson always thought he was a cat person – until he met Benji, a volunteer therapy dog at SickKids.   During Danielson's stay in hospital, he visited with Benji, an eight-and-a-half-year-old Havanese, and his handler Arron three times. He loved getting to know the pair (pictured in the photos), who've been volunteering with SickKids' pet therapy program through St. John Ambulance Canada | Ambulance Saint-Jean for more than six years.   Danielson learned that Arron and Benji went through several evaluations to become child-friendly certified pet therapy volunteers – they passed every test with flying colours! The pair love volunteering at SickKids and spending time with patients like Danielson. As you can see, Benji especially loves climbing into the bed with his young friends for cuddles and pets!   Thank you to Arron, Benji and all pet therapy volunteers for bringing joy to patients like Danielson!

The newest building on SickKids' campus, the Patient Support Centre, is full of creative, imaginative design and art.   Take a colourful tour of this award-winning building ⬇ B+H Architects

Today, the Toronto Maple Leafs scored big at SickKids, bringing joy to patients and families.   Their visit, complete with mini stick decorating, was a true power play of kindness and community spirit. Thanks to our Buds for making a difference – and making our day! 🏒🌟

The first topological map of inter-chromosomal interactions has been published by #SKResearch in Nature Communications by Nature Portfolio. Led by Dr. Philipp Maass, the research team mapped over 40,000 interactions across 53 cell types, uncovering the relationship between inter-chromosomal space and gene activity. “By discovering the intricate details of #genome topology, we as scientists are better equipped to tackle complex genetic questions, bringing us closer to advanced genetic therapies that can provide patients with truly individualized care,” says Maass. Read ➡️ https://bit.ly/3CCtrUW

Did you know SickKids has a team of Child Life Specialists who organize daily activities and games for patients? It's a well-deserved distraction and bit of joy for children and youth while at the hospital.   Of course, some of this week's activities involved Taylor Swift-themed fun! From friendship bracelets (take a peek below), to trivia and karaoke, Tayronto was in full effect here!   Thank you to this incredible team for always creating special experiences for patients!

Congratulations Drs. Zulfiqar Bhutta and Mike Tyers on being recognized on Clarivate’s list of Highly Cited Researchers for 2024!🎉   These two scientists are named among 6,636 other researchers from 59 countries and regions who have demonstrated significant influence in their chosen field.   Dr. Bhutta (who is also Co-Director and Director of Research at SickKids Centre for Global Child Health) was recognized for his #SKResearch on global maternal, newborn and child health, while Dr. Tyers was named for his investigation the complex networks of interacting genes and proteins in human biology as a Senior Scientist and Associate Chief of Innovation and Infrastructure at SickKids Research Institute.   Learn more about #HighlyCited2024 ⬇

Stress may be all around us, but new #SKResearch has uncovered that some stress is fundamentally changing our memories, informing an intervention which could help restore appropriate memory specificity in people with #PTSD. Stress-induced aversive memory generalization occurs when a specific, stressful memory is triggered by seemingly unrelated fearful memories – a common feature of both PTSD and generalized anxiety disorder. In a new study in Cell by Cell Press, Drs. Sheena Josselyn and Paul Frankland, along with Dr. Matthew Hill at the University of Calgary Hotchkiss Brain Institute, have identified why this happens and the role of endocannabinoids in restoring memory specificity. Read➡️ https://bit.ly/4ewQ0aI