Pediatric residents across Canada “paving the way” in inclusive child health research, and more

On Wednesday, May 10, learners from universities across Canada showcased their innovative research in child health at the 35th National Pediatric Resident Research Competition.  

Hosted by the Department of Pediatrics at McMaster University, topics ranged from population health, quality improvement, weight management, gender diversity, and more.  

Competition judges Drs. Samara Chitayat, Nikhil Pai, and Jeffrey Pernica, all faculty members from the Department of Pediatrics, had their work cut out for them. 

“It was inspiring to see the enthusiasm, curiosity, and authenticity demonstrated by the residents competing in this year’s Pediatric Resident Research Competition. Several projects encompassed an EDI (equity, diversity, and inclusion) focus, paving the way for inclusionary thoughts and attitudes in future research,” Chitayat said.  

Ultimately, Dr. Tahereh Haji’s project, “Characteristics and Retrieval Times for Pediatric Patients Requiring Transfer to Tertiary Care Centers from a Regional Hospital in Northern Ontario” placed first out of 17 presentations.  

Haji’s presentation reflected ongoing issues regarding limited bed capacity that many healthcare centres are still facing today, even after COVID-19 and the pediatric respiratory viral surge of last winter.  

Dr. Michelle Batthish, the Pediatric Division Head for Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology, who facilitated the competition, believed the competition was a success and enjoyed the outstanding work presented.

“This day was a reminder that the future of child health research in Canada is bright,” Batthish said.

Congratulations to the top three award recipients:

First Place: Dr. Tahereh Haji, Northern Ontario School of Medicine University – Characteristics and Retrieval Times for Pediatric Patients Requiring Transfer to Tertiary Care Centers from a Regional Hospital in Northern Ontario

Second Place: Dr. Sarah Peters, University of British Columbia – Lost in Translation: Canadian Pediatric Resident Education and Practice of Clinical Translation Services

Third Place: Dr. Tess Robart, Dalhousie University – Intravenous Ibuprofen Lysine Versus Intravenous Ibuprofen Tromethamine for Treatment of Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Preterm Infants: A Systemic Review and Network Meta-Analysis