Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre

21/08/2025

On Monday, August 25, 2025 construction will begin to repair parts of Parking Garage 1 at our Bayview Campus. Construction will continue until Saturday, October 18, 2025.

During construction, the driveway leading the ground floor will be closed to patients and visitors. No patient pick-up or drop-off will be permitted on the Ground Floor at this time. Patients and visitors are asked to use the first floor for pick-up and drop-off.

Signage will be posted across Bayview campus to help guide drivers through the construction zone.

Learn more about how this construction will impact your visit to Sunnybrook: http://bit.ly/45JnxMs

21/08/2025

Divine Omo-Obas controls a bleeding wound with compression, then packs it with gauze. From there, it’s off to learn how to apply a tourniquet.

“I love this practical learning,” says Divine, who is heading to York University in the fall. “And all of the Sunnybrook teams I’ve met have been so friendly. I can see myself working here.”

Divine was part of a hands-on day at Sunnybrook for 30 diverse high school students aimed at exploring roles, challenges and opportunities in the healthcare system. The event was organized by the Canadian Black Nurses Alliance – York University Chapter, in collaboration with Sunnybrook’s Centre for Injury Prevention and the President’s Anti-Racism Taskforce.

Students learned how to effectively respond to critical situations in a controlled learning environment. From CPR compressions to simulation scenarios with mannequins, the day reflects Sunnybrook’s commitment to youth engagement, equity and inclusive education.

Matrix Green is entering grade 12 in September and found STOP THE BLEED®, which trains people to manage massive bleeding, very engaging. “Before this training, I didn’t know what to do if someone was seriously injured,” says Matrix. “Now I know exactly what to do.”

19/08/2025

Sunnybrook is improving wayfinding to make it easier to navigate our campuses — and we want to hear from you!

Take our survey and share your ideas on improving exterior and interior signage, graphics along major corridors and clear entry zone markers. Your feedback will help us make navigation and accessibility better for everyone.

Learn more about the project and complete the survey here:

Navigating a large hospital can be challenging. That’s why Sunnybrook has launched a project to improve wayfinding across its campuses.

19/08/2025

Enter today and this could be your lucky month! Every ticket purchased helps advance life-changing research and groundbreaking medical care.

Don’t let this opportunity slip away – buy your ticket today!

https://ow.ly/KO1C50WGK15

15/08/2025

This summer, our Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program launched the Next Neuroscientist — a pilot initiative in collaboration with Toronto Community Housing.

Through this program, four outstanding high school students were welcomed into our neuroscience labs for an immersive, hands-on experience. Working alongside leading clinicians and researchers, they explored the world of brain sciences at one of Canada’s foremost neuroscience centres.

CTV’s Pauline Chan speaks more about the program: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5fmQgB-NLs&t=2087s

14/08/2025

By participating in the RBC Race for the Kids, you'll do more than just cross a finish line; you'll help change the lives of youth in our community. Every step you take and every dollar you raise supports Sunnybrook's Family Navigation Project (FNP), helping more young people access the mental health and addictions care they need.

As Canada's largest navigation program, FNP guides youth aged 11 to 29 and their families through Ontario's complex mental healthcare system. Hear from Katie Wicik, FNP Navigator, as she explains what makes this program so special.

Register and make a self-donation to support more youth and families: https://ow.ly/uTSP50WEEJo

13/08/2025

We sat down with three students to learn how Sunnybrook is shaping their careers.

For our final story in this series, meet Shayan — an undergraduate student aiming for med school, with a passion for cardiology.

Discover Shayan’s story: https://ow.ly/EN9g50WFeC8

12/08/2025

On July 30, Sunnybrook Veterans Centre, Canada’s largest veterans centre, was the scene of the inaugural 100+ Club celebration, honouring Veterans aged 100 and older.

56 Veterans celebrated this incredible milestone and were joined by their families, friends and Sunnybrook staff marking the achievement of becoming centenarians, and celebrating their lifelong service to Canada.

Read more about the celebrations here: https://ow.ly/FVIG50WEEIV

07/08/2025

When Herman Robers had a heart attack at 29, he never imagined it would lead to the Boston Marathon.

After six weeks in hospital, he joined a supervised exercise program at Sunnybrook’s Department of Rehabilitation Medicine. Led by Dr. Terrence Kavanagh, the program challenged the long-held belief that heart patients needed extended bed rest.

Herman trained under Dr. Kavanagh’s guidance, building strength and confidence. He eventually ran the Boston Marathon alongside five other heart rehab patients, and went on to complete marathons in several countries.

Now 84, Herman credits the program with transforming his health and his life. Dr. Kavanagh passed away in 2018, but his legacy lives on through the patients he empowered.

Read the full story here: https://ow.ly/hW6v50WAQzP

06/08/2025

We sat down with three students to learn how Sunnybrook is shaping their careers.

For our second in this series, meet Victoria — an aspiring plastic and reconstructive surgeon.

Read more about Victoria’s story https://ow.ly/BSQv50WAN58

05/08/2025

Sunnybrook’s SunRYSE program, a hospital-community partnership with the North Toronto Ontario Health Team, Toronto Catholic District School Board, SPRINT Senior Care and Pine River Institute, has just finished its second year.

SunRYSE is a unique, summer camp-like experience for Toronto youth experiencing functionally impairing mental health challenges. Students can earn a high-school credit, while developing life skills that will help them navigate their physical health, emotions and mental health challenges.

We spoke with Jazmine, one of the students in this year’s SunRYSE cohort, about her experience in the program and how it’s helped her and her peers:

Sunnybrook’s Department of Psychiatry welcomed back Toronto youth as part of the second cohort for SunRYSE, a hospital-community partnership.

05/08/2025

On September 20, thousands will lace up their running shoes in Mel Lastman Square for the RBC Race for the Kids, supporting youth mental health. If young people in your life are struggling with mental health or addiction, Sunnybrook’s Family Navigation Project (FNP) is here to help. FNP guides caregivers and youth to find the right care plan for their needs.

Hear from Susana Rivas, FNP’s intake coordinator, as she discusses how FNP can help.

By registering and fundraising for the RBC Race for the Kids, you'll help FNP to support even more youth and caregivers on their mental health journey: https://ow.ly/KlqC50Wy6fY

01/08/2025

Today is Emancipation Day in Canada  a day to reflect on the history and honour the strength, reliance and contribution of Black communities across the country.

Emancipation Day commemorates the day the Slavery Abolition Act came into effect across the British Empire, which formally ended slavery in Canada.

Today at our Bayview campus, staff joined us for an afternoon of music, food and activities in celebration of Black culture.

Thank you to the President’s Anti-Racism Task Force for organizing this week’s event. Your work enhances diversity, equity and belonging at Sunnybrook.

31/07/2025

Yesterday, Sunnybrook Veterans Centre celebrated 56 centenarian Veterans aged 100 and older.

The afternoon honoured their lives, service and resilience by bringing them together with their families, friends and Sunnybrook staff to recognize not just a milestone in age, but a lifetime of contributions to Canada and the community. As home to Canada’s largest Veterans Centre, it is an honour for us to care for those who have given so much.

Check out this clip from CityNews about yesterday’s event:

You have to be 100 years old or more to be part of a very rare group at Sunnybrook's Veterans Centre . Audra Brown with how the centenarian club recognizes t...

29/07/2025

We sat down with three students to learn how Sunnybrook is shaping their careers and will be sharing their stories in the days ahead.

For our first in this series, meet Martin — an aspiring neurosurgeon-scientist.

Learn more about Martin’s story https://ow.ly/m7Js50WwOj4

28/07/2025

Meet Ahmed, Nathan, Caleb and Nabayt, the four high school students in the inaugural cohort of the Next Neuroscientist program, a community-hospital partnership with the Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program and Toronto Community Housing.

This summer, these students are learning more about the medical field by immersing themselves in health research and care in our neuroscience labs.

25/07/2025

Following a motorcycle accident, Johnathan Laporte underwent surgery to amputate majority of his left leg.

Just eight months post-amputation, he defied the odds by making Team Canada’s Paralympic volleyball team.

Today, Johnathan credits much of his healing and growth to the team and community at St. John’s Rehab. “There’s just this unspoken understanding here. It’s a place where people get it. Where you don’t have to explain your pain”, he says.

Read more about Johnathan’s patient journey: http://bit.ly/3TSdkbh

24/07/2025

After surviving a traumatic injury, Eloisa Valles returned to Sunnybrook for support during a new chapter — her pregnancy with baby Emily.

CTV’s Pauline Chan spoke with Eloisa, who came to Sunnybrook’s Tory Trauma Program in 2020 after she was struck by a car. Over the years, she underwent five surgeries, three small procedures and four years of physiotherapy.

Knowing she wanted to start a family, Eloisa turned to Sunnybrook’s Accessible Care Pregnancy Clinic, which supports people who have experienced trauma and face increased risks during pregnancy and delivery.

Watch the full story here: https://ow.ly/zkXG50WuCAs

23/07/2025

At Sunnybrook, our people are our greatest strength!

Our latest Annual Report for 2024-2025 is a celebration of their extraordinary efforts that are helping us invent the future of health care.

From improving care delivery and accessibility to advancing treatments and technologies, this report highlights our commitment to supporting the people of North Toronto and across Ontario.

Take a look at our impact over the last year: https://ow.ly/r6ty50WtBuK

23/07/2025

🔬INTERVIEW: Meet BBB Pioneer Kullervo Hynynen, PhD

One of the most important ways focused ultrasound works in the body is by temporarily, reversibly, and noninvasively opening the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The BBB protects the brain from harmful substances but also blocks potentially life-saving drugs and immune cells from reaching their targets.

By modulating the BBB with focused ultrasound, researchers are opening new possibilities for treating conditions like brain tumors, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and ALS.

Kullervo Hynynen, PhD, the vice president of Research and Innovation and a senior scientist at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, was the first to discover that focused ultrasound could modulate the BBB.

Read our recent interview with Dr. Hynynen to learn more about how he developed and clinically translated BBB disruption: https://www.fusfoundation.org/posts/from-concept-to-commercialization-focused-ultrasound-enabled-blood-brain-barrier-opening/

22/07/2025

When Helena O’Connor arrived at Sunnybrook’s Holland Centre, she wasn’t just seeking a new hip — she was trying to regain her mobility and independence.

Living with metastatic breast cancer and the long-term effects of polio, Helena faced growing mobility challenges. A worsening hip condition made even short walks difficult, and a fall reinforced the need for surgery.

Her search for expert care led her to Sunnybrook’s Holland Bone & Joint Program, where Dr. Markku Nousiainen performed a complex and successful hip replacement.

Helena is now pain-free and moving with ease. Read her story here: https://ow.ly/22mY50Wthvb

21/07/2025

We’re transforming care by offering patients personalized and precise treatments that meet their unique medical needs.

Dr. Simron Singh is a medical oncologist at the Odette Cancer Center and research affiliate at the Sunnybrook Research Institute (SRI), and is at the forefront of this work. Dr. Singh’s work is advancing the future of personalized, targeted cancer therapies by taking a new approach to early treatment.

By leveraging cutting-edge technology, advanced techniques and novel therapies, we are leading the way in advancing patient care and outcomes.

Learn more about our approach to personalized and precise treatment in our new five-year strategic plan – Invent 2030: http://bit.ly/3GpMDrm

16/07/2025

In 2013, recognizing the need for improved access to mental health and addiction care, Dr. Anthony Levitt started the Family Navigation Project (FNP) with the support of a few dedicated caregivers to help youth and their families in Ontario access the right mental health and/or addictions care for their needs.

“Each year I’m moved by how our community rallies together to support youth mental health. We are extremely grateful to RBC and all the Race participants for their generous and long-standing support”, shares Dr. Levitt.

Register for the race and step forward for youth mental health: rbc.raceforthekids.ca

15/07/2025

Dr. Mina Madan and her team at Sunnybrook are pioneering a new treatment for high blood pressure. Renal denervation is a minimally invasive therapy that safely and effectively reduces blood pressure in patients with uncontrolled hypertension.

The procedure uses radio-frequency heat energy, delivered by catheter, to disrupt electrical signals travelling to and from the kidneys through the renal nerves.

Learn more here:

Find out about the relationship between renal nerves and blood pressure, and how new therapies are making a difference.

15/07/2025

New research led by Sunnybrook shows that fragmented sleep, like restless sleep or waking up frequently at night, can damage the brain’s blood vessels. Poor sleep can increase your risk of dementia. Read more. https://ow.ly/QVpV50WpPY9