Meet Salim, a patient of the future.

After two weeks of unexplained headaches, Salim’s parents picked him up from soccer practice near their home in Collingwood and brought him to SickKids.

An MRI revealed that Salim had a small tumour, causing his health team to spring into action. Using cutting-edge sequencers, Salim’s DNA was analyzed to understand his tumour’s mutation profile and rigorous data was collected from his lab results, clinical exams, and social determinants of health screening tools.

Using powerful artificial intelligence platforms, SickKids clinicians and researchers were able to compare Salim’s data with thousands of other patients from around the world to find a diagnosis and identify gene-based therapy that could target the exact mutation in his tumour. Treatment was started immediately and soon Salim was on his way to recovery. By analyzing his pharmacogenetics, his clinicians were also able to identify drugs to effectively manage his pain and other symptoms.

To allow him to get back to school (and soccer practice), Salim and his SickKids doctors completed virtual follow-up visits and progress was shared back with his paediatrician in Collingwood.

It was a harrowing experience for Salim’s family, causing anxiety and missed work that led to financial strain. By connecting Salim’s parents to mental health supports and a local food program in Collingwood, Salim and his whole family were supported on a path to restored health.  

All the data generated from Salim’s care pathway were captured in the SickKids Data Commons to be integrated with that of thousands of other children, helping SickKids researchers and clinicians make decisions with future patients and families.