After decades of transforming the lives of children and youth with cerebral palsy and other childhood-onset disabilities through her clinical care, groundbreaking research, mentorship and leadership, as of January 1, 2027, Dr. Darcy Fehlings will be stepping back from her clinical role at Holland Bloorview. Darcy will continue to support our research mission by dedicating one day per week to clinical research in the Bloorview Research Institute, serving as scientific lead with the Ontario Brain Institute's Childhood Cerebral Palsy Integrated Neuroscience Discovery Network (CP-NET).

Darcy has had a profound impact on Holland Bloorview, on the field of developmental paediatrics and on the lives of countless children, youth and families. Most recently, Darcy was elected a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences, one of the highest honours in Canada’s health sciences community. The recognition reflects a career defined by scientific excellence, innovation, leadership and an unwavering commitment to improving outcomes for children and youth with cerebral palsy and other childhood-onset disabilities.  

As a senior clinician scientist, developmental paediatrician and leader of the CP Discovery Lab, Darcy has been at the forefront of advancing knowledge in cerebral palsy through groundbreaking work in early detection and intervention, neurorehabilitation, dystonia and pain management, genetics and personalized approaches to care. Her research has helped shape practices locally, nationally and internationally, while always remaining grounded in what matters most: creating a world of possibility for children and youth with disabilities and developmental differences.

Darcy's leadership extended well beyond our walls. She served as the inaugural head of the University of Toronto's Division of Developmental Paediatrics, led the American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine (AACPDM) as its president and helped establish influential care pathways and clinical practice guidelines used around the world. She is also the inaugural holder of the Bloorview Children's Hospital Foundation Chair in Developmental Paediatrics. In 2024, Darcy received AACPDM’s Lifetime Achievement Award for her contributions to advancing the health and well-being of people with cerebral palsy and other childhood-onset disabilities.  

Dr. Golda Milo-Manson, vice president of medicine and academic affairs, reflects: 

“What stands out most to me is not only Darcy's impressive list of accomplishments, but also the generosity, mentorship, compassion and collaboration she has brought to our community. She has inspired generations of clinicians, scientists, trainees and researchers around the world.” 

Trainees that have benefited from Darcy’s mentorship are now stationed across Canada and around the globe, including in Australia, the US, Ireland and Israel. In 2025, she was recognized with AACPDM’s Mentorship Award for demonstrating outstanding leadership in mentoring trainees and colleagues in the field of childhood-onset disabilities.    

Beyond her many professional accomplishments, colleagues know Darcy for her generosity, compassion and commitment to helping others succeed. Throughout her career, she has mentored generations of clinicians, scientists, trainees and researchers. Many of those she has guided now serve in leadership, research and clinical roles across Canada and around the world.

Please join us in thanking Darcy for her extraordinary service, leadership and vision. We are deeply grateful for her many contributions and look forward to celebrating her remarkable legacy in the months ahead. As she begins this next chapter, we wish her every success and know that her impact will continue to be felt for generations to come.

By Nadia Lise Tanel