Pediatrics resident was known as warm, joyful and ambitious

Candace Nayman, a third-year medical resident at McMaster University training to become a pediatrician, died July 28 at the age of 27.

A lifelong athlete and adventurer, Candace suffered a cardiac arrest while competing in a triathlon and died, surrounded by loved ones, soon after.

Described by family as a warm, joyful, and ambitious woman who loved children and had tremendous compassion for all people, they agreed that Candace was born to be a doctor.

She grew up in Thornhill, Ontario and earned her medical degree at the University of Ottawa. She began as a pediatric resident at McMaster in 2020, and colleagues said she loved her work serving the children and families of McMaster Children’s Hospital.

Her brother Maurice said Candace always found ways to help as many people as possible. She donated blood 38 times during her 27 years, encouraging others to donate as well. She was an advocate of organ donation and, in her passing, saved four lives this way.

Friends said Candace was a vibrant and funny young woman, who always sought new experiences and adventures. In high school she tried every sport, from volleyball to javelin; and could often be found biking or running the trails in Hamilton.

They said she was known to all for her love of nature and the outdoors, and regularly organized camping trips for her family, friends, and fellow residents. She was passionate about climate activism and published research investigating the impacts of climate change education in medical residency programs.

She was a world traveller and a musician.

Candace leaves her parents Nicole and Gary, twin sister Lauren, brother Maurice, her partner Seth, and extended family.

In celebration of Candace’s exceptional work, the Nayman family welcome donations to benefit McMaster Children’s Hospital. www.hamiltonhealth.ca/candacenayman

“Candace’s presence in the postgraduate medical education community will be greatly missed. She was more than a PGY3 resident. She was a leader, a teacher, a listener, and a positively driven individual. It was clear how determined she was, and that determination led her to achieving so many milestones in a short period of time. McMaster PGME is proud that she was one of our residents,” Parveen Wasi, Associate Dean, Post Graduate Medical Education, McMaster University

“Everyone in the pediatrics department here at McMaster University and McMaster Children’s Hospital is devastated by the loss of Dr. Candace Nayman. Candace was an aspiring pediatrician who exemplified hard work, radiated positivity, lived a vibrant and active life, and had a positive impact on her fellow residents, colleagues, faculty and patients. She will be very much missed,” Angelo Mikrogianakis, Chair and Professor, Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Chief of Pediatrics, McMaster Children’s Hospital & St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton

“Candace was an exemplary paediatrics resident. She was kind, compassionate, intelligent and witty. She cared deeply for her patients and their families, and this propelled her to study and learn with passion and excellence. She also cared deeply about her co-residents. She was thoughtful and intentional about connection and mentorship throughout her time with us at Mac Peds. Candace was a fierce advocate demonstrated by numerous blood donations, fundraisers and the development of research and curricula about the impact of climate change on the next generation. Candace has forever left a mark on Mac Peds. She will be sorely missed,”Drs. Bojana Babic, Andrea Hunter, Mohammad Zubairi, Dave Callen and Brittany Anne Howson-Jan, McMaster Pediatrics Program Directors