From Patient to Pediatric Rheumatologist:

Dr. Molly Dushnicky

Dr. Molly Dushnicky’s story sounds like a lot of her patients’: When she was just 18 months old, she stopped walking, her knees wouldn’t bend easily, and she wasn’t her usual happy self. That’s when she was diagnosed with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA).

Now, Dr. Dushnicky is a Pediatric Rheumatologist at McMaster Children’s Hospital in Hamilton, Ontario. She’s gone from being a patient to a doctor dedicated to helping kids and teens living with rheumatic diseases. This International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we’re honoured to share her story to inspire young patients with childhood rheumatic diseases to pursue their dreams!

Growing up with JIA

Dr. Dushnicky knows that growing up with JIA isn’t easy. Many people told her to take it slow, but that only made her even more determined to stay active and keep up with other kids. Today, she’s an avid soccer player, skier, and curler. She shares, “There are still many days where my arthritis doesn’t allow me to do the things I want to do, but for the most part, I can, and I’m always grateful for that.”

Dr. Dushnicky also understands what it’s like to manage JIA. She’s been on most of the standard medications, from steroids to biologics, and has experienced the frustration of going from disease-free periods to having a flare after stopping treatment. “All I can say is, I get it.”

Making a Difference as a Pediatric Rheumatologist

Now that she is a pediatric rheumatologist herself, Dr. Dushnicky is using her unique perspective as a person with JIA and a healthcare professional to make a difference for kids and teens across the country. Most recently, she spoke about her experience to over 350 youth, families, and healthcare providers as part of the Youth Panel at Cassie + Friends’ Juvenile Arthritis Family Day conference in Toronto, Ontario, last May. “I love what I do every day, and I am so grateful to have the opportunity to change more lives than just my own.”

Growing up in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Dr. Dushnicky didn’t have access to a pediatric rheumatologist nearby. The closest city with pediatric rheumatology care was a 14-hour drive away, so she was lucky to have an amazing adult rheumatologist in her area. Now, she’s advocating for better access to care for kids and teens in Northern and rural communities, ensuring that no one is left without support just because of where they live.

She’s also passionate about making the transition from pediatric to adult care easier for patients. She knows firsthand how difficult it can be to navigate that shift, that’s why she’s helping develop better resources and transition programs so teens and young adults don’t feel lost as they begin to manage their own care. Dr. Dushnicky has also seen the need for more resources and support for youth mental health, especially for those with rheumatic diseases. That’s why she is part of Cassie + Friends’ National Mental Health Working Group.

Dr. Dushnicky’s message to you:

Just because you have a rheumatic disease, doesn’t mean you need to be a pediatric rheumatologist. Sometimes, having a chronic disease can make pursuing your dreams harder than if you didn’t have that disease. But doing something that you love, will make those hard days a little bit easier. Talk to your healthcare team! If you want to do something that you’re not able to do right now, explain why, and work together to figure out if there are ways to work towards your goals.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion have come a long way, but still have a long way to go, especially for patients with chronic disease. Working together to support change is a step towards every patient achieving their dreams.