Pediatric Assembly

The CTS Pediatric Assembly (PA) is comprised of pediatric respirologists and other CTS members with an interest in pediatric medicine and research.

Executive Committee 2025-2026:

Members of the CTS Pediatric Assembly (PA) Executive Committee are elected at the PA’s annual business meeting held in conjunction with the Canadian Respiratory Conference.

Chair: Dr. Jackie Chiang (ON)
Past Chair: Dr. April Price (ON)
Chair-elect: Dr. Mairelena DiBartolo (ON)
Secretary: Dr. Jody Platt (AB)
Community Respirologist: Dr. Tania Samanta (ON)
Early Career Representative:  Dr. Nita Chauhan (SK)
Representative to the CTS Board of Directors: Dr. David Zielinski (QC)

Pediatric Assembly Early-Career Outstanding Contributions Award
The CTS Pediatric Assembly Early-Career Outstanding Contributions Award was established in 2022 as an annual award that recognizes the contributions of an early-career individual practicing in the area of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine in Canada. The award recognizes significant contribution in the area of clinical care, education, advocacy, research and/or other scholarly activity. Click here to view the Terms of Reference.

Terms of Reference
Click here to view the Pediatric Assembly’ terms of reference.

Next Pediatric Assembly Annual Meeting: Thursday April 16, 2026 (in conjunction with the Canadian Respiratory Conference), Calgary, AB.

Lifetime Achievement Award in Pediatric Respirology
The Lifetime Achievement Award in Pediatric Respirology recognizes an individual for lifetime achievement in the field of pediatric respirology each year. Any respirologist – or physician in a related specialty – can be nominated for this award.  Click here to view the terms of reference for the Lifetime Achievement Award in Pediatric Respirology. 

2025 Lifetime Achievement Award in Pediatric Respiratory Medicine Award: Dr. Jean Paul Praud (Sherbrooke, QC)
In the photo below, Dr. Praud is presented with his award with Dr. Melinda Solomon.

2024 Lifetime Achievement Award in Pediatric Respiratory Medicine Award: Dr. Neil Sweezey (Toronto, ON)
In the photo below, Dr. Sweezey is presented with his award by Dr. Dimas Mateos-Corral.

2023 Lifetime Achievement Award in Pediatric Respiratory Medicine Award: Dr. Aurore Côté (Montreal, QC)
In the photo below, Dr. Côté is presented with her award by Dr. David Zielinski.

2022 Lifetime Achievement Award in Pediatric Respirology: Dr. Sheldon Spier (Chemainus, BC)
In the photo below, Dr. Spier (L) is presented with his award by Pediatric Assembly Chair Dr. Christopher Gerdung.

2021 Lifetime Achievement Award in Pediatric Respirology: Dr. Mark Montgomery (Calgary, AB)

2020 Lifetime Achievement Award in Pediatric Respirology: Dr. Carina Majaesic (Edmonton, AB)

2019 Lifetime Achievement Award in Pediatric Respirology: Dr. Dennis Gurwitz (Toronto, ON).

~ Dennis Gurwitz ~
CTS President John Granton (L) and Pediatric Assembly Chair, Glenda Bendiak (R)

2018 Lifetime Achievement Award in Pediatric Respirology: Dr. Valerie Kirk (Calgary, AB).

Dr. Valerie Kirk receiving her award from CTS President Catherine Lemiere, April 14, 2018

2017 Lifetime Achievement Award in Pediatric Respirology: Dr. Larry Lands (Montreal, QC).

Larry Lands award winner in pediatrics

2016 Lifetime Achievement Award in Pediatric Respirology: Dr. Dan Hughes (Halifax, NS).

2015 Lifetime Achievement Award in Pediatric Respirology: Dr. Ian MacLusky (Ottawa, ON)

2014 Lifetime Achievement Award in Pediatric Respirology: Dr. Michael Seear (Vancouver, B.C.).

2013 Lifetime Achievement Award in Pediatric Respirology: Dr. Jean-Guy Lapierre (Montreal, QC).

Recipients – Lifetime Achievement Award in Pediatric Respirology

2009 – Victor Chernick
2010 – Allan Coates
2011 – Henry Levinson
2012 – Ian Mitchell
2013 – Jean-Guy Lapierre
2014 – Michael Seear
2015 – Ian MacLusky
2016 – Dan Hughes
2017 – Larry Lands
2018 – Valerie Kirk
2019 – Dennis Gurwitz
2020 – Carina Majaesic
2021 – Mark Montgomery
2022 – Sheldon Spier
2023 – Aurore Côté
2024 – Neil Sweezey
2025 – Jean-Paul Praud