Rehabilitation Medicine
Helping children and youth thrive
The Division of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine is dedicated to improving function, independence, and quality of life for children and youth with physical disabilities, chronic conditions, and developmental differences in the Maritimes. As part of the Department of Pediatrics, the division provides interdisciplinary, family‑centered care across inpatient, outpatient (i.e., IWK Kids' Rehabilitation Clinic), and regional leadership.
Clinical activities
Rehabilitation Medicine has a commitment to the care of Maritime children with physical disability, resulting in functional impairment. Service is provided to children from birth to the end of high school. The most common condition managed by the division is cerebral palsy. The majority of patients followed by the division have more than two chronic health care conditions. Other diagnoses and services include:
- Acquired brain injury
- Spinal cord injury
- Neuromuscular disorders
- Complex medical and developmental conditions
- Spasticity management (e.g., botulinum toxin, medications)
- Mobility and functional assessments
- Assistive technology and adaptive equipment
- Transition planning to adult care
- Inpatient rehabilitation care (if applicable)
Rehabilitation Medicine provides direct coverage for acute inpatient rehabilitation. This includes all patients admitted to hospital with a new disability as a result of trauma, illness, or surgery. The physician provides expert consultation to other acute services in the assessment of rehabilitation needs, prognosis, and management of complications of disability, including tone management, pain, joint mobility, and others. The inpatient consultation service also provides consultation support in management of acute hypertonia, including life-threatening exacerbation of hypertonia and movement disorders. We see our patients through IWK Health and its Rehabilitation Serice. Care is delivered through a collaborative interdisciplinary team that includes approximately 60 allied health staff including nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, social workers, dieticians, recreation therapists, psychologists, and rehabilitation assistants. These team members work within the IWK Health Center, as well as in the community and schools. The rehabilitation physicians work in an interdisciplinary fashion with these disciplines alongside the patients and families.
Teaching activities
In the Division of Rehabilitation Medicine, our members are actively involved in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, continuing medical education, public education, and supports interdisciplinary learning for allied health professionals.
Research interests
We place a considerable amount of emphasis on the importance clinical research. Research within the division focuses on improving functional outcomes, participation, and quality of life for children with disabilities, as well as advancing evidence‑based rehabilitation practices.
Our people
- Jordan Sheriko, MD, FRCPC
- Drew Rajaraman, MD, FRCPC
Contact info
Phone: 902-470-3972
Fax: 902-470-7709
Address:
Division of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine
IWK Health, K8306, 8th Floor
5850/5980 University Avenue
Halifax, NS
B3K 6R8