Endocrinology Program

Our Endocrinology Program sees over 2700 patients annually for a wide variety of endocrine issues, including:

  • Growth concerns
  • Pubertal development
  • Thyroid pathology
  • Adrenal pathology
  • Obesity
  • Bone health and disorders of calcium regulation
  • Disorders of sexual development
  • Hypoglycemia

The Endocrinology Program includes a satellite endocrine clinic at Metropolitan Hospital in Windsor, Ontario.

Specialized Endocrine Clinics

Rare Bone Disease Clinic

The Rare Bone Disease Clinic provides specialized care for children and adolescents with rare skeletal dysplasia, in affiliation with Shriners Hospital for Children Canada. Conditions managed in this clinic include:

  • Osteogenesis Imperfecta
  • Paediatric Osteoporosis
  • Achondroplasia and Hypochondroplasia
  • FGF23-mediated and non-FGF23-mediated Hypophosphatemic Rickets
  • Vitamin D dependent Rickets (types 1, 2, and 3)
  • Osteopetrosis
  • Hypercalcemia
  • Other rare skeletal dysplasias, such as Larsen Syndrome, Epiphyseal Dysplasia, and CTNNB1-related osteoporosis

Clinic Team Members include:

  • Dr. Funmbi Babalola, Paediatric Endocrinologist
  • Dr. Angie Moresco, Paediatric Geneticist
  • Dr. Debra Bartley, Paediatric Orthopedic Surgeon
  • Dr. Ian Ross, Paediatric Radiologist
  • Endocrinology Registered Nurse
  • Genetic Counsellor
  • Physiotherapist

Paediatric HEAL Program (Healthy Eating, Activity & Lifestyle)

The HEAL Program is a family-centred program for children and adolescents living with obesity and related health concerns. The program focuses on sustainable lifestyle changes and available pharmacotherapy to support physical, emotional, and metabolic health. The HEAL Program offers:

  • Medical assessment and monitoring
  • Nutrition and physical activity guidance
  • Behavioural and mental health support
  • Guidance when medication is a possibility
  • Family-focused goal setting
  • Long-term follow-up and support

Clinic Team Members include:

  • Dr. Marina Ybarra, Paediatric Endocrinologist
  • Registered Nurse
  • Registered Dietitian
  • Master/Registered Social Worker
  • Children's Physiotherapist
  • Clinical Coordinator
  • Administrative Assistant

Gender Pathways Program

The Gender Pathways Program provides multidisciplinary gender-affirming care to transgender and gender non-conforming children and adolescents. The allied health team, including a nurse practitioner, nursing, social work, psychotherapy, and peer mentorship, works closely with Paediatric Endocrinology and Adolescent Medicine specialists to support patients and families. Care includes:

  • Assessment and ongoing support
  • Collaboration with mental health and allied health providers
  • Hormonal management when indicated
  • Family-centred education and shared decision-making

Gynaecology / Endocrinology Clinic

The Gynaecology/Endocrinology Clinic provides coordinated care for adolescents with conditions affecting reproductive and endocrine health, including:

  • Early or delayed puberty
  • Menstrual disorders, including amenorrhea
  • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
  • Other gynaecologic-endocrine conditions

Clinic Team Members include:

  • Dr. Andrea Ens, Paediatric Endocrinologist
  • Dr. Carol King, Paediatric Gynecologist
  • Endocrinology Registered Nurse

Oncology – Late Effects Endocrinology Clinic

The Oncology – Late Effects Endocrinology Clinic provides specialized endocrine follow-up for childhood cancer survivors who are at risk for, or experiencing, hormone-related late effects of cancer treatment. Care focuses on:

  • Growth and pubertal development
  • Thyroid and pituitary function
  • Long-term endocrine surveillance

Clinic Team Members include:

  • Dr. Patricia Gallego, Paediatric Endocrinologist
  • Endocrinology Registered Nurse