SickKids doctor charged with possessing child abuse material
A rheumatologist at Toronto's SickKids hospital has been arrested and charged with possessing and accessing child sexual abuse material. The hospital has placed the doctor on leave and is cooperating with police, noting no evidence of a connection to his medical practice.
Why it matters
The case highlights the intersection of public safety, institutional accountability, and the protection of vulnerable populations within healthcare settings.
A doctor at Toronto’s SickKids hospital has been arrested on charges related to possessing child sexual abuse and exploitation material, police say.
Toronto police said its Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit launched an investigation in January after an electronic device was allegedly used to access and download child sexual abuse and exploitation material.
In February, investigators executed search warrants at The Hospital for Sick Children, commonly known as SickKids, and at a private residence.
Investigators said they seized multiple electronic devices, including a work computer.
On Tuesday, police arrested Dilan Dissanayake, 44, of Toronto.
He has been charged with possession of child sexual abuse and exploitation material and accessing child sexual abuse and exploitation material. The charges have not been tested in court.
The accused was scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday.
Police said Dissanayake is a doctor at SickKids and has since been placed on leave.
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