Ilana Halperin '00

Tell me a little bit about yourself, what you do, etc.
I’m an endocrinologist at Sunnybrook, where I’ve worked since I completed my residency and fellowship. I’m also the Chief Medical Information Officer (CMIO) at Sunnybrook, a leadership position that aims to support high-quality clinical care by supporting the implementation of a new clinical  informatics system (aka electronic health records). I’ve been in this role for a few years, and I’ve focused on ensuring that our digital technologies help improve quality care and efficiency. I’ve always tried to bridge medicine and technology, and was doing virtual care even before the pandemic. When the pandemic forced everyone to pivot, I was asked to lead a digital and virtual task force at Sunnybrook and that work ultimately led to creation of the CMIO role. I am the first to ever hold this position, and it is an amazing and challenging opportunity. 

I grew up in Toronto and went to Bialik before attending TanenbaumCHAT. I did my undergraduate degree at McGill and medical school at Western University. Upon graduation, I did my residency and a master’s degree at the University of Toronto, and went on to work at Sunnybrook directly afterwards, where I’ve remained since.

What is the most important thing you took away from your time at TanenbaumCHAT?
Honestly, for me, it was the connection to the Jewish community. It wasn’t so much from a religious perspective, but more a deep conviction about the importance of Jewish continuity and raising a family with Jewish values. TanenbaumCHAT is also where I learned to be myself and to develop my leadership potential, which has led me to where I am today in my career. It was my involvement in student activities and student council, of which I was vice-president in my graduating year, that allowed me to express myself as a leader and made me realize how much I enjoy taking on these roles. 

Who are the teachers who had an impact on you during your schooling? Is there anyone you want to shout out? 
One teacher that comes to mind is Josh Sable. I was on student council during his first year as the head of student activities. Also, Rabbi Kandler, who was a shliach at the time and the head of Jewish student activities. We all worked very closely together and formed a special connection. There was also Janine Pokroy, who helped support the student council and was like a school mom. I have such fond memories of their offices just off the atrium (A107). This team excelled at providing the appropriate level of mentorship while also giving us the autonomy to plan events and take ownership of our ideas. 

I have fond memories of semestered math and calculus with Mrs. Heller z”l, and I fondly remember Mrs. Silverberg’s grade 11 chemistry class and Ms. Edie’s Grade 11 biology class - all of these classes and teachers set me up for success in medical school. 

I also want to mention Dr. Pfefferkorn z”l, I loved his Jewish History Classes, even though he gave me more than one detention for talking too much in Class. Rabbi Pamensky, who taught me grade 11 and 12 Rabbinics, had a group of us over to his house on Shabbat, and it was my first time ever going to a shomer Shabbat house for a Shabbat meal. It was very special.

Can you share some fond memories from school in general? 
Some of my fondest memories are just of the programs that we would put on - the Yom Ha’aztmaut carnival (and the dunk tank), the talent show where I was the assistant director, and, as mentioned, being the VP of Student Council in grade twelve. I recall that in grade twelve, basically for the entire year, I spent most Sundays at school - whether it was talent show, dance show, or whatever else we were planning, Sunday was an additional school day, and it didn’t bother us - it was exactly where we wanted to be! 

Is there anything from TanenbaumCHAT that you bring into your daily work life? 
My Jewish pride is thanks to TanenbaumCHAT. Despite the difficulties of the last few years, the confidence I gained at TCHAT has enabled me to be present in my work as a proud Jew. I am comfortable speaking about current issues with my close work colleagues, as I’m not afraid to hide my identity. I am lucky to work at Sunnybrook, which has been incredibly supportive. We just recently had a megillah reading at the hospital for Jewish employees on Purim!

Working in this leadership role at Sunnybrook, and having other TanenbaumCHAT grads as colleagues and friends in other leadership roles at the hospital has been a fun and rewarding experience. 

Was there anything at TanenbaumCHAT that pushed you into your current field?
My medical career began at Bialik, where I had a fantastic teacher, Anita Eckhaus, and then continued to grow as I progressed through TanenbaumCHAT, making the decision to focus on science courses, understanding that it would be a long road ahead. TanenbaumCHAT gave me the ability to multitask and to manage my time, which paid dividends as I started my first year at McGill. Although it was challenging, I couldn’t believe how much time I had to focus on my studies - other friends from public school struggled to keep up with all the exams and assignments, but I didn’t; TanenbaumCHAT really set me up for success. 

This holds true in my daily life today, as well. I did so much multitasking at TanenbaumCHAT between academics, student activities, my social life, and more. People still ask me how I manage to juggle everything between family life and work life, and I truly believe that this foundation began at TanenbaumCHAT

Walk through a typical workday.  
Every day is a bit different!

Like Sarah and Adina, the majority of physician leaders have these dual roles, both administrative and clinical. My time is therefore split between my position as CMIO and clinical work. It’s a real juggling act because often these can bleed together. In my clinical work, I primarily focus on diabetes with special interest in young adults with type 1 diabetes, transitioning from pediatric to adult care, and pregnant women with Diabetes. I have developed expertise in the application of diabetes technologies, such as continuous glucose monitors and insulin pumps, and have led the development of national guidelines for their use.  

My day may start with patient appointments before switching to planning meetings for the upcoming electronic health record implementation project. Sometimes, at lunch or after work, I may give a medical education talk, either virtually or in person, to educate other clinicians on diabetes technologies.  I am fortunate to have extremely understanding and flexible patients, as well as an incredible administrative assistant, Angela, who keeps me on track. 

What do you love about your job?
I love the people I get to interact with and the human side of medicine. In my patient care, I’ve been part of a movement that has fundamentally changed how we approach and manage type 1 diabetes, through innovations like glucose monitors and insulin pumps. After 10 years in practice, I can clearly see the impact these advances have had on patients’ quality of life—especially for young adults transitioning from pediatric care into adulthood, getting married, and starting families. Being part of those moments is a real privilege. 

In the diabetes technology space, I have developed a national reputation, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to see our work recognized—whether through speaking engagements or connecting with people who have read the guidelines I published or attended my talks.  In my leadership role, I’ve also had the opportunity to work closely with the CEO, senior leadership, and the hospital’s board of directors, contributing at the highest levels. At the same time, I’m supported by an incredible team of physicians, project managers, and others driving digital transformation; I feel very fortunate.


Why is Jewish day school education important? 
Of course, there’s no question that Jewish identity can start and be instilled at home, but there is something unique to the deep sense of community that one experiences from an early age if you attend Jewish day school - you truly understand how you are part of a people, and feel a strong connection to the community here in Canada, in Israel, and around the world. Also, learning multiple languages and having 11 courses on your schedule plays a major role in fostering time management and balance, and is an important lifelong skill. 

Are you still involved in the Jewish community in any way? If so, how? 
I belong to Congregation Habonim, I had my Bat Mitzvah there and last year, my son had his Bar Mitzvah there too. I attend events at my Shul and other speakers  and through UJA, Hadassa WIZO and other local organizations, including the Jewish Medical Association of Ontario.. My family and I attend the Walk for Israel Every Year. As mentioned, I also am a proud Jew at work and am involved with the Sunnybrook Jewish Advisory Community. I also try to share news and updates with my non-Jewish colleagues,  they know that my sister and her family live in Israel, and understand the challenges currently being faced by the Jewish community. It is important to me that I can show up as my true self to these folks, and that they know and connect with someone who is Jewish that can break stereotypes that they might have if they have never previously engaged with a Jewish individual before. 

Beyond that, as mentioned, I have two kids at Bialik, and one is starting TanenbaumCHAT this Fall! We have also hosted two UJA Shinshinim, which was a life changing experience forour whole family, I now have two “adopted” sons in the IDF and we have gotten to know their families when we visit Israel. .

Do you have any advice to offer current students at TanenbaumCHAT? 
Try to get involved, try to see your time at CHAT as much more than an education. Figure out what you like - there are so many opportunities to get engaged and you should try to take full advantage! Even though the days are long, the years will go quickly because you’ll enjoy being a part of the TanenbaumCHAT experience that goes well beyond just tests and assignments.