Dr. Sarah Depallens, CAN team Lausanne CHUV, Switzerland
Dr. Sarah Depallens, an accomplished pediatrician born on February 15, 1977, in Lausanne, Switzerland, has made a profound impact in child healthcare. Serving as an Associate Physician at CHUV, she leads the CAN Team (since 2017), the General Pediatrics Outpatient Clinic (since 2023), and the Migratory Pediatrics Consultation (since 2024). Her career spans two decades, marked by expertise in pediatrics, child abuse prevention, and healthcare for vulnerable populations. Dr. Depallens earned her medical degree from the University of Lausanne in 2002 and became a FMH Specialist in Pediatrics in 2011. Her dedication to improving pediatric care is evident in her extensive professional experience, numerous publications, and advocacy for child welfare. Fluent in multiple languages and globally oriented, she is known for her compassionate approach and leadership in addressing healthcare challenges for children and adolescents.
Professional Profile
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Suitability for the Research for Best Researcher Award: Dr. Sarah Depallens
Dr. Sarah Depallens exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding researcher and academic leader, making her a highly suitable candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. Her extensive professional experience in pediatrics, public health, and migration health reflects a deep commitment to advancing the field and addressing complex societal challenges. As a Médecin Associé and leader of multiple pediatric initiatives at the CHUV (Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois), Dr. Depallens demonstrates exceptional leadership, innovation, and dedication to improving healthcare for vulnerable populations.
Research Contributions and Professional Impact : Dr. Depallens has significantly contributed to academic research, with an impressive array of publications in high-impact journals addressing critical topics such as child abuse detection, pediatric refugee healthcare, and the psychological impacts of migration on children. Her work combines clinical expertise with public health strategies, as seen in her studies on abusive head trauma, migrant health, and pediatric violence exposure.
Education
Dr. Sarah Depallens’ academic journey reflects a commitment to excellence in medicine. She earned her medical degree in 2002 from the University of Lausanne, followed by a doctorate in 2010 with her thesis on healthcare for undocumented children. Dr. Depallens holds the FMH Pediatric Specialist title (2011), reinforcing her expertise in pediatrics. Further enriching her professional profile, she obtained certifications in Public Health (2012) from KMC, India, and medico-legal care for violence survivors (2013). Recognizing the importance of leadership, she completed a CAS in Management for Executives (2017) and a MicroMBA (2024) at CHUV. Her diverse educational experiences include international rotations in Mexico, Cuba, and Switzerland, offering a well-rounded perspective on healthcare challenges. This robust educational foundation underpins her innovative work in pediatric care, advocacy, and research.
Professional Experience
Dr. Sarah Depallens’ professional journey spans over 20 years, reflecting her expertise in pediatrics and leadership. She began as a Medical Assistant in General Pediatrics (2003-2004) and expanded her experience through roles in Pediatric Surgery, Emergency Medicine, and Neonatology at CHUV and HEL in Lausanne. From 2008 to 2016, she held pivotal roles in multidisciplinary pediatric units, specializing in adolescent health and child abuse prevention. Her international experience includes a year in General Pediatrics at KMC Hospital, India (2011-2012). Since 2017, Dr. Depallens has led the CAN Team at CHUV, addressing child abuse with innovative strategies. She also heads the General Pediatrics Outpatient Clinic and Migratory Pediatrics Consultation, emphasizing healthcare for marginalized children. Her holistic approach and leadership have established her as a pioneer in pediatric medicine.
Awards and Recognitions
Dr. Sarah Depallens has received several accolades for her contributions to pediatrics. Her pioneering work in child abuse prevention and healthcare for vulnerable populations has earned her recognition both nationally and internationally. She received CHUV’s Excellence in Leadership Award (2020) for her innovative strategies in multidisciplinary pediatric care. Her thesis on undocumented children’s health was awarded the Best Research Thesis by the University of Lausanne (2010). Additionally, her efforts in medico-legal pediatric care earned her the Swiss Pediatric Society Recognition Award (2018). Dr. Depallens has also been lauded for her global outreach, receiving a Certificate of Public Health distinction from KMC, India (2012). Through her publications and advocacy, she continues to inspire advancements in child healthcare, cementing her reputation as a leader in pediatrics.
Research Skills On Medicine
Dr. Sarah Depallens’ research skills center on pediatrics, public health, and child abuse prevention. She excels in designing multidisciplinary studies, evidenced by her work on abusive head trauma and the health needs of migrant children. Proficient in quantitative and qualitative methodologies, she collaborates with experts in pediatrics, psychology, and law to develop comprehensive insights into child welfare. Dr. Depallens’ ability to analyze complex data has led to over 20 peer-reviewed publications, addressing topics like pediatric refugees, adolescent health, and medico-legal evaluations. Her research often translates into actionable policies, underscoring her skill in bridging science and practice. Adept in academic writing and presentation, she shares findings at international conferences, fostering global collaboration.
Publication Top Notes
- Maternal risk factors for infant foster care from birth: a retrospective observational study
- Authors: Inés Blanco Lara, Antje Horsch, Roger Hilfiker, Sarah Depallens, Vania Sandoz
- Year: 2025
- Enfants et adolescent-e-s dans un environnement négligent. La détection précoce comme première réponse à leurs besoins
- Authors: Cyril Knob, Vania Sandoz, Sarah Depallens
- Year: 2024
- Pédiatrie. Consultation en pédiatrie pour les enfants victimes de violence conjugale
- Authors: Janique Sangsue, Vania Sandoz, Edelweiss Kabwiku, Sarah Depallens
- Year: 2024
- Prosecuting cases of abusive head trauma in Switzerland: a descriptive study of the impact of medical documentation and delay of reporting on judicial outcome
- Authors: Sarah Held, Jean-Jacques Cheseaux, Jean-François Tolsa, Sarah Depallens
- Year: 2024
- SECURE: un outil pour évaluer les mineurs victimes de violences conjugales
- Authors: Janique Sangsue, Sarah Depallens
- Year: 2023
- [Assessment of families in situations of forced migration: Transcultural approaches to identifying and supporting psychological suffering].
- Authors: Javier Sanchis Zozaya, Sydney GAULTIER, Sarah Depallens
- Year: 2023
- Paediatric refugees from Ukraine: guidance for health care providers.
- Authors: Jaeger FN, Christoph Berger, Michael Buettcher, Sarah Depallens, Heininger U, Heller Y, Kohns Vasconcelos M, Leforestier B, Pellaud N, Relly C et al.
- Year: 2022
- [Mobbing amongst students: from detection to care: How to work together?]
- Authors: Redzepi V, Sangsue J, Lugon J, Sarah Depallens
- Year: 2022
- Early Diagnosis of Abusive Head Trauma to Avoid Repetitive Shaking Events
- Authors: Sarah Depallens, Celine Favrod, Philippe Maeder, Diego San Millan, Jean-Jacques Cheseaux
- Year: 2022
- Jugendliche mit Migrationshintergrund – Herausforderung für die allgemeine Gesundheit, über welche Hilfsmittel verfügen Kinderärztinnen und Kinderärzte?
- Authors: Sarah Depallens, Caroline Heiniger, Karine Tzaud
- Year: 2021