A SickKids doctor is facing charges and has been placed on immediate leave following an investigation into internet child exploitation, Toronto police said
Police said Dr. Dilan Dissanayake, 44, was arrested on Tuesday and is charged with possession and access to child sexual abuse and exploitation material
The investigation began in January when officers discovered an electronic device allegedly used to access and download these materials
In February, investigators executed search warrants at the Hospital for Sick Children and at a home
Multiple devices were seized including a work computer, police said
A profile matching Dissanayake’s name was removed from the SickKids website
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Dissanayake has been working at SickKids for over a decade and was presently a staff rheumatologist
In a statement, SickKids Hospital said it is “deeply upset and dismayed” by the news and “condemn the behaviour alleged in the police investigation.”
“We understand that this news is concerning and the safety and well-being of our patients, families and staff remain our highest priority,” the statement says
Toronto police said at this time there is no evidence linking the material to Dissanayake’s practice as a physician
SickKids said Dissanayake was placed on immediate leave once it was notified of the investigation
The University of Toronto said it also placed Dissanayake on administrative leave as soon as it became aware of the police investigation. The university said it knows of no evidence that the charges are related to his university activities
The university said Dissanayake is not a university employee but holds a clinical faculty appointment through the Faculty of Medicine. It said it is reaching out to members of the university community who may have worked or studied with him to make them aware of available supports and re
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario said its Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee directed the registrar to suspend Dissanayake’s certificate of registration effective July 21
The regulator said Ontario law allows it to impose an interim suspension without notice when a physician’s conduct exposes or is likely to expose patients to harm and urgent intervention is required. The college said it will continue to monitor the matter
