Dr. Bonnie Islam and the SPACE Initiative

The SPACE initiative is an out-of-this-world collaboration in Social Pediatrics! Dr. Bonnie Islam founded the Social Pediatrics Advocacy Collaborative in Edmonton, known as SPACE, to address the need for increased collaboration among individuals working in the field of Social Pediatrics. Dr. Islam brought together pediatricians, researchers, educators, and advocates to work together on ideas and projects, amplifying their impact within the Department of Pediatrics. Inspired by her mentors in medical school and residency, Dr. Islam pursued a career in General Pediatrics, focusing on vulnerable populations. Her work with a low socio-economic demographic at the Northeast Community Health Centre (NECHC), refugees at the New Canadians Health Centre, and outreach clinics in remote communities highlighted the need for more advocacy, better exposure for learners to these populations, and untapped research opportunities.

SPACE members are dedicated to community-engaged healthcare and focus on advocacy, research, and education. These pillars guide their involvement in various projects aimed at optimizing health and achieving health equity for vulnerable children and youth.

The group is currently involved in several projects, including "Performing an Environmental Scan of Programs for Marginalized Pediatric Populations in Edmonton," led by Drs. Qaasim Mian and Marghalara Rashid. Dr. Nick Brochez, a pediatric resident, is also finalizing a manuscript on a survey on food insecurity at the Stollery Children’s Hospital. Dr. Brochez has presented this work at WCHRI Research Day and the recent Canadian Pediatric Society Conference (CPS) and will also present at the North American Refugee Conference in August.

All members of SPACE are actively engaged in research and advocacy, presenting at various conferences and leading local and national initiatives. The group holds monthly meetings and welcomes new ideas and members. Those interested in joining can contact Dr. Islam via email at bislam@ualberta.ca. Meetings are typically held on the third Thursday of each month via Zoom.