The Division of Pediatric Rheumatology, based at the Montreal Children's Hospital, was started in the 1970s by Dr. Hannah Strawczynski. Over the years, the division expanded under the direction of Dr. Julie Paquin and Dr. Ciaran Duffy. The division focuses on clinical care, teaching of undergraduate and postgraduate students, and clinical research. Currently, Dr. Claire LeBlanc is the director of the Rheumatology division.

This Division provides comprehensive services for children with rheumatic diseases. They evaluate children with musculoskeletal pain, fever of unknown origin and other inflammatory conditions. The main diseases followed in the rheumatology clinics are juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), connective tissue diseases (such as lupus, scleroderma, dermatomyositis), systemic vasculitis (such as Kawasaki disease), and periodic fever syndromes.

Most patients are seen in the outpatient setting. These include Rheumatology clinics with coordinated care by nursing, physiotherapy and occupational therapy as needed. Each physician has dedicated clinic time where they follow their own patients. All take part in combined clinics with other services such as Orthopedics and Dermatology. We also have point of care ultrasound clinics and a joint injection program. Some of our patients are seen in the emergency room, medical day hospital or hospital inpatient units especially those requiring intravenous treatments.

Pediatric rheumatology services are also provided at Hôpital Val d'Or for the RUIS Abitibi-Temiscamingue, at The Children’s Clinic, and at the sport medicine clinic on the West Island. We also contribute to Camp ArticulAction which is a summer camp for children with rheumatic disease.

Division Members

Dr. Sarah Campillo, Residency Program Director
Dr. Gaëlle Chédeville
Dr. Claire LeBlanc, Division Director
Dr. Rosie Scuccimarri

Associate Members
Charlene Hopper MSc Nursing
Anna Kabal, MEd Nursing