Students reflect on their summer in the SPReSS program
This summer, we were pleased to support seven students participating in the Social Paediatrics Research Summer Studentship (SPReSS) Program at the University of Toronto. The program provides trainees with opportunities to contribute to child health research while exploring the impact of social factors on health and well-being. In this feature, we highlight the reflections of four funded students as they share insights from their summer experiences and describe their ongoing involvement in the projects.
Michelle Rianto is a medical student at the University of Toronto and a Summer Research Student supervised by Dr. Shaun Morris and Dr. Adria Rose. She previously earned a Master of Health Administration from Johns Hopkins University and completed an administrative fellowship in healthcare strategy at The Hospital for Sick Children.
“This summer, my project focused on a quality improvement evaluation of the SickKids Immunization InfoLine and Vaccine Consult Service, both designed to address vaccine hesitancy and improve access to credible immunization information. By analyzing service data, I examined how effectively these programs provided timely personalized support to users. Through this experience, I gained valuable insight into the role of public health communication and quality improvement in strengthening vaccine confidence and supporting informed decision-making across diverse communities.”
Selam Yimer is a second-year medical student at the University of Toronto and a Summer Research Student in the SPReSS Program, supervised by Dr. Ashley Vandermorris and Gillian Thompson at the Young Families Program (YFP) at The Hospital for Sick Children.
“My project involved two components: collecting data on the social determinants of health (SDOH) affecting adolescent mothers in the clinic, and conducting a scoping review on mental health outcomes in this population. In addition to surveying patients, our team developed a follow-up research question assessing the validity of our SDOH screening approach by comparing patient and provider responses. As I observed the challenges of asking patients sensitive questions, I learned the importance of both trauma-informed interviewing and developing research-informed protocols for SDOH screening. Overall, working with the resilient families at the YFP reinforced my interest in pediatrics and showed me how research can be a powerful tool for health advocacy and equity.”
Sophie Wagner is a second-year medical student at the University of Toronto and a Summer Research Student in the SPReSS Program, supervised by Dr. E. Ann Yeh and the SickKids Neuroinflammatory Team. Her research project examined the association between racial identity, neighbourhood marginalization, and depression levels in pediatric patients with acquired demyelinating disorders.
“Existing research highlights that pediatric patients with neuroinflammatory conditions experience disproportionately high rates of depression. However, the influence of racial identity and broader social determinants of health, such as situational vulnerability, remains underexplored. By identifying key risk factors, we can better understand how to support mental health in this vulnerable population and inform targeted interventions. So far, we have found that the rate of clinically significant depressive symptoms in our cohort of patients with pediatric neuroinflammatory disorders is ~30%, and this does not differ by disease category or racial identity. High situational vulnerability was associated with higher depressive symptoms, whereas high ethnocultural composition was associated with lower depressive symptoms.
The SPReSS experience allowed me to grow my research skills and gain meaningful insight into pediatrics. Observing clinical interactions helped me connect research findings to patient stories, deepening my understanding of the challenges families face beyond a diagnosis. I’m grateful to continue this work through the CMSC (Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers) scholarship and look forward to further exploring the factors that contribute to mental health in children with neuroinflammatory disorders.”
Chinmayi Yathiraju is a third-year medical student at the University of Toronto and a Summer Research Student in the SPReSS Program. She worked under the supervision of Dr. Rudaina Banihani and collaborated closely with Natalie Antonacci, an occupational therapist with specialized training in infant feeding. Through this role, she had the opportunity to gain experience at the Sunnybrook Neonatal Follow-Up Clinic.
“This project aimed to characterize feeding challenges in very preterm infants and address gaps in our current understanding of their prevalence, progression, and associations with neurodevelopmental disorders. I had the opportunity to learn from interdisciplinary staff and attend rounds in the neonatal intensive care unit, which immersed me in the clinical environment and broadened my understanding of child development beyond a medical perspective. Participating in this program has given me a newfound appreciation of the integration of research and clinical practice and solidified my interest in pursuing a career in pediatrics.”