Waterloo co-op students invent revolutionary paediatric orthopaedic devices at SickKids
By: Christie Zeb (she/her)
Students contribute to research that enhances the treatment of paediatric foot and ankle conditions.
At The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), Waterloo co-op students are driving groundbreaking research and innovation in paediatric orthopaedic care. Their contributions have not only enhanced treatment methods but also led to the creation of two novel medical devices, transforming patient care and setting new standards in the field.
As Canada's leading research hospital focused on children's health, SickKids' Division of Orthopaedic Surgery treats patients with various orthopaedic conditions and runs a research program with registries for children with clubfoot and other foot conditions. These registries inform new treatment methods.
Waterloo co-op students are at the heart of managing these crucial databases.
Students handle everything from identifying and recruiting patients for studies to writing codes and designing patient information materials.
"Without co-op students, this work wouldn't be possible," says Dr. Maryse Bouchard, paediatric orthopaedic surgeon at SickKids.
Dr. Maryse Bouchard, paediatric orthopaedic surgeon at SickKids
Empowering co-op students: From research assistants to inventors and leaders
At the research program, co-op students are given the freedom to take on other projects beyond their roles as research assistants. This has helped to ensure students experience autonomy in their work and resulted in students taking on large roles, from improving registry processes to performing complex statistics.
It has also led to the invention of two novel medical devices. One of the devices is a clubfoot brace that is being patented and licensed to a manufacturer. “This student has now been hired at our organization. She's working on another novel concept for a computational foot model for surgical planning,” says Bouchard.
The second device, a sensor for clubfoot bracing, has led to the creation of an independent company called OrthoFlexion.
Former Waterloo engineering co-op students, Hannah Seatle (she/her) (BASc ’22) and Ella Walsh (she/her) (BASc ’24) are behind these inventions. They are now cofounders of OrthoFlexion, partnering with Bouchard to run the company.
When co-op students join our research program, I take time to learn of their personal goals and create opportunities for them. I also invite them to take on research projects that they get to present at conferences and publish in international journals.
Waterloo student Zhina Bevrani (she/her) has completed two co-op work terms at SickKids. During her co-op terms, she took on a leadership role and worked on research projects. “I was able to learn the technical side of research. I also got to understand the challenges that come with maintaining a research study,” says Bevrani.
Zhina Bevrani (she/her), Waterloo Honours Health Science co-op
Bevrani’s co-op experience at SickKids has led her to take anatomy courses. This experience has inspired her interest in pursuing more learning in the field of research and the orthopaedics.
Maryam Rezakarimi (she/her) describes her experience at SickKids as “insightful, enriching and rewarding”. Rezakarimi worked on data analysis and performed statistical modelling for studies the orthopaedic team was working on.
“Part of research is gaining the data ethically; the other part focuses on gaining insights from the data collected to produce impactful literature. At SickKids, I was graciously able to work on both aspects,” says Rezakarimi.
The team at the research program organizes regular one-on-one meetings and social events for students. Through these meetings, students share ideas, get support on projects and connect with other team members. “I try to have the students overlap for some time, so they can help train each other,” says Bouchard.
After their work terms, co-op students continue to get support from the SickKids team. Bouchard organizes an alumni event once a year, where former co-op students come together to catch up. “They help support each other in future endeavours like applying to medical school or master’s programs,” says Bouchard.
For Bouchard, the versatility of Waterloo co-op students has been invaluable. Students are hired from various programs, including engineering, health sciences, math and business. They take the initiative to lead projects, teams and research meetings.
These students have so many opportunities that are not only enriching to us but are exceptionally enriching for them. It’s a real privilege to work with them and potentially become their mentor, lifelong colleague or friend.
Bouchard hopes to hire more Waterloo co-op students to advance research in orthopaedic care.