MUHC in the Media - September 21, 2026
A Canadian first: Volunteers intentionally exposed to influenza to advance vaccine research
For the first time in Canada, researchers are intentionally exposing healthy volunteers to influenza under carefully controlled conditions to establish a research model that could accelerate the evaluation of future influenza vaccines and strengthen Canada’s pandemic preparedness. The study began in June at the Canadian Center for Vaccinology (CCfV), a collaboration of IWK Health, Nova Scotia Health and Dalhousie University in Halifax, and on September 11 at The Institute’s Centre for Innovative Medicine (CIM). Co-principal investigator Dr. Brian Ward and his Halifax colleague Dr. Scott Halperin explain the goals of the study. Radio-Canada, CTV News, National Post, City News, The Montreal Gazette, Global News, CBC Let’s Go, CBC Québec AM
Making them feel like children, in an environment that is anything but normal
At age four, Claudia Martino was a patient at the Montreal Children’s Hospital (MCH). At age 11, she returned there after her cancer recurred. Years later, she’s back in a very different role: a volunteer. For Claudia, who is now studying recreational therapy at Concordia University, volunteering at the hematology-oncology day treatment centre allows her to express her gratitude and give back to others. Joanna-Marie Sciascia, professional coordinator of volunteers and patient partnerships at the MCH, is impressed by Claudia’s strength and courage. The Montreal Gazette
Electric scooters : too many serious and preventable injuries among young people
Over the past three years, the use of electric scooters has increased significantly throughout Quebec. According to data from the Canadian Hospitals Injury Reporting and Prevention Program (CHIRPP), the Montreal Children’s Hospital (MCH) Trauma Centre treated approximately 80 children and adolescents last year for injuries including head injuries, abdominal injuries, facial injuries, dental injuries, fractures, lacerations and sprains. As of August 2026, it has already treated more than 80 children. Dr. Laurie Plotnick, pediatric emergency medicine and medical lead for trauma in the Emergency Department, spoke about the issue in an interview with CBC.
Dollard-des-Ormeaux walk shines a light on polycystic kidney disease
A walk aimed at raising awareness about polycystic kidney disease was held over the weekend in Dollard-des-Ormeaux. Dr. Ahsan Alam, a nephrologist at the MUHC, took part in the event and highlighted the resilience of people living with this hereditary disease, which can lead to kidney failure and, in some cases, require a kidney transplant. CityNews