Three different cities. Two countries separated by thousands of kilometres. Drs. Lilian Agufana, Courtney Larsen and Jillian McCarthy travelled from different parts of Canada and as far away as Kenya to come to Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, home to Canada’s largest developmental pediatrics training program.

“There’s a critical shortage of trained professionals in disability care across Canada and worldwide,” says Dr. Angela Orsino, program director and developmental pediatrician. “We’re proud to be training the next generation of developmental pediatricians including Courtney, Jillian and Lilian to provide this vital specialized care to kids with disabilities and developmental differences.”

For the next two years, the residents and fellows learned alongside developmental pediatricians and other clinical teams at Holland Bloorview and other hospitals across the city. Together, they developed the skills, knowledge and experience required to practice the highly specialized field of developmental pediatrics. 

On June 18, the graduates gathered with their colleagues, friends and families in the hospital's Spiral Garden on a warm summer evening to celebrate the completion of their training. “I’m so proud of our graduates,” says Dr. Anne Kawamura, division head of developmental pediatrics at the University of Toronto. “With the training they’ve received, they’re ready to support more children and families in their own communities here and around the world.”

Fresh from their graduation, the graduates reflect on what they’ve learned at Holland Bloorview –  how each client’s care journey is unique, how clients can build on their own strengths and gain new skills, as well as the importance of advocating alongside families.

They also recognize the mentors who supported their growth and share their hopes as they began their careers as developmental pediatricians – advancing accessible, inclusive care for children and their families.

By Suelan Toye

Photos supplied by LJ Sands