The Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association (CHPCA), Canada’s Pediatric Care Alliance (CPPCA) and the Canadian Network of Palliative Care for Children (CNPCC) are proud to announce Dr. Hal Siden as the recipient of the 2025 Pediatric Award of Excellence. This award recognizes Dr. Siden’s extraordinary leadership, vision, and impact on pediatric palliative care (PPC) in Canada and across the globe. 

For more than three decades, Dr. Siden has been a driving force behind transformative change in the care of infants, children, and youth facing serious illness. As the Medical Director of Canuck Place Children’s Hospice (CPCH) since 2001, his leadership helped shape Canada’s first pediatric hospice into a world-renowned centre of excellence. His role later expanded to include Pediatric Palliative Care at BC Children’s Hospital, PainCare 360, and broader palliative care programs throughout the province. 

At the heart of Dr. Siden’s approach is a deeply held belief: pediatric palliative care is not just about easing suffering, it is about optimizing living. He is known for championing care that embraces the whole child while honouring the expertise, resilience, and partnership of families. This philosophy has guided his efforts to extend services and supports across British Columbia and the Yukon, ensuring that more children and families can access compassionate, specialized care close to home. 

A Builder, Innovator, and Collaborator 

Dr. Siden has played an integral role in strengthening the PPC landscape across major institutions, bringing palliative medicine into the structures of BC Children’s Hospital, BC Women’s Hospital + Health Centre, and regional health authorities across British Columbia. In 2020, he was appointed Medical Director of the BCCH Centre for Health Complexity, a role that reflects his commitment to improving care for children with complex medical needs and advancing the intersection between PPC and complex care. 

Advancing Knowledge and Research 

A global leader in pediatric palliative care research, Dr. Siden has contributed significantly to the evidence base since 2003, with work spanning epidemiology, health services utilization, psychosocial experiences, symptom management, and clinical interventions. His research model is defined by inclusive collaboration, integrating parent partners as essential contributors to every major project. 

Under his guidance, the Canuck Place Research Initiative, formally launched in 2023, has become an internationally respected hub for generating and translating new knowledge. The initiative is advancing groundbreaking work, including longitudinal studies, epidemiological analyses, and research into pain, symptom management, and the care experiences of non-verbal children with neurological impairments. Dr. Siden has also led multiple CIHR-funded and UBC-supported research projects, strengthening the academic foundation of PPC in Canada and beyond. 

Training the Next Generation 

Dr. Siden has been instrumental in building Canada’s pediatric palliative care workforce. Through partnerships with UBC Pediatrics, he created a highly sought-after training program that offers rotations for senior pediatrics residents, pediatric oncology fellows, adult palliative medicine trainees, and participants in the General Practice Oncology program. 

With the establishment of the Royal College subspecialty in Pediatric Palliative Medicine, Canuck Place became one of only two approved training sites in Canada. Under Dr. Siden’s leadership, the program celebrated its first Fellow graduate and achieved Standing with Accreditation Canada. CPCH also earned accreditation from ChildKind International in recognition of its excellence in pain care. 

A Global Impact 

Beyond Canada, Dr. Siden has positioned Canuck Place as a global learning hub for clinicians and emerging pediatric hospices. Leaders from Costa Rica, Kuwait, Australia, South Africa, Romania, the Netherlands, Mexico, Ireland, the U.S., Japan, and multiple Canadian centres have come to CPCH to learn from Dr. Siden and his team. His mentorship and openness in sharing knowledge have contributed to the development of PPC programs around the world, amplifying his impact far beyond provincial and national borders. 

A Legacy of Compassion and Excellence 

Dr. Hal Siden’s career is defined by compassion, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of children and families confronted with fragility, uncertainty, grief, and loss. His influence can be felt in clinical practice, education, research, and system-level change. 

CHPCA, CPPCA and the CNPCC are honoured to present him with the 2025 Pediatric Award of Excellence, recognizing not only his remarkable achievements, but also the profound legacy he continues to build for the future of pediatric palliative care. 

Congratulations, Dr. Siden, and thank you for your extraordinary dedication to children, families, and the field of pediatric palliative care.