Doctor at SickKids hospital charged with possessing, accessing child sexual abuse material
A doctor at Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children has been arrested and charged with possessing and accessing child sexual abuse material. Police stated there is no evidence the charges are connected to his medical practice, and the hospital has placed him on immediate leave.
Why it matters
The case involves a serious criminal investigation at a major pediatric institution, raising concerns about patient safety and institutional oversight.
A doctor at Toronto’s prestigious Hospital for Sick Children is facing charges following an internet child exploitation investigation by Toronto police.
Toronto Police’s Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) unit began the investigation in January 2026 after an electronic device was allegedly used to access and download child sexual abuse and exploitation material.
“In February 2026, members of the ICE unit executed search warrants at the Hospital for Sick Children and at a private residence,” a police release states.
“Multiple electronic devices were seized, including a work computer.”
On Tuesday, July 21, officers arrested Dr. Dilan Dissanayake, 44, of Toronto.
Police confirm he is a doctor at the hospital, but add that at this time “investigators have found no evidence that the child sexual abuse and exploitation material is connected to his practice as a physician.”
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