Department of Pediatrics: Where clinical care and research intersect to enhance child and family health
The Department excels in clinical care, education and in leading pioneering research initiatives. Our team of over 125听of researchers including eleven tenured clinician-scientists (including one holding CRC Tier 1), five PhD scientists, and thirteen FRQS-funded clinician-scientists*, are driving forward significant advancements in child health research. This synergy between clinical care and research highlights our commitment to enhancing outcomes for children and families.
Simon Lafontaine |
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My research explores the challenges adolescents with type 1 diabetes face as they transition from pediatric to adult care. As a medical student, under the supervision of Dr. Meranda Nakhla, I examine health outcomes during the transition period to identify gaps in care and healthcare needs of young adults with diabetes. By informing the design and delivery of transition care services, my research ultimately aims to improve the transition process as well as long-term diabetes management. The intersection of clinical care and research is central to my vision of medicine. As an incoming 51吃瓜网Internal Medicine resident, I plan to continue my research with a focus on optimizing health service delivery models for adults with childhood-onset chronic diseases. |
Dr. Mallory Downie |
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My research program is focused on identifying new genes and genetic risk factors in childhood kidney disease using bioinformatics. Currently, I am studying childhood nephrotic syndrome which is caused by injury to the tiny filters inside the kidney. Genes associated with nephrotic syndrome can help us understand why the disease develop in the first place. They can also provide drug targets for new treatments and may someday be used in the clinic to predict the development. My research career is inspired by my clinical care of children who have serious kidney disease and no identified cause. I want to use genetics to help prevent, delay, prognose, and treat their diseases. |
Dr. Jacquetta Trasler |
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In my research, I am interested in how preconception and early life environmental stressors impact the epigenome to predispose children to birth defects and adverse health outcomes. The epigenome, heritable marks on our DNA that influence gene expression, undergoes its most dynamic programming at key times that influence normal development in children. Altered epigenetic marks or epimutations can be corrected, suggesting the importance of early detection and the development of approaches to prevention such as the use of folic acid. We study the epigenetic and child health consequences of infertility, advanced paternal age, and both fathers鈥� and mothers鈥� exposures, including anticancer drugs and endocrine disrupting chemicals, and the use of assisted reproduction. I was motivated to pursue research during my early training in Obstetrics and Gynecology. At the time, the causes of most birth defects in children were unknown. This was also when the human genome had recently been sequenced and the concept of the epigenome was just emerging. I went on to do PhD level training to take advantage of these new fields to better understand the causes of birth defects in children. |
