Dr. Thornley has been recruited after beginning his career at Western University in London and brings a wealth of experience in paediatric spine surgery. Please see the announcement below from Drs. Bouchard and Lebel for more details about Dr. Thornley.

On behalf of the Division, welcome Pat! We look forward to your contributions to the University of Toronto!

Best regards,

Peter C. Ferguson MD MSc FRCSC FAOA
Albert and Temmy Latner Chair,
Division of Orthopaedics, Department of Surgery
University of Toronto

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to announce the recruitment of Dr. Patrick Thornley to the Spine Program within the Division of Orthopaedic Surgery at The Hospital for Sick Children.

Dr. Thornley joins us from Children’s Hospital at London Health Sciences Centre, where he has served as a Paediatric Orthopaedic surgeon and Assistant Professor at Western University since 2023. He completed his Orthopaedic Surgery residency at McMaster University, followed by a combined Neurosurgical and Orthopaedic Comprehensive Spine Fellowship at Western University. He subsequently completed a Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery Fellowship at Nemours Children’s Health and Thomas Jefferson University in Wilmington, Delaware. Dr. Thornley also holds a Master of Science in Surgery from Western University.

Dr. Thornley brings extensive clinical and academic experience in Paediatric Orthopaedics and spine surgery. He has an impressive record of research, publications, and presentations, with interests in Paediatric spinal deformity, neuromuscular scoliosis, adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, and patient-centered outcomes. He is also a highly regarded educator and was the recipient of Western University’s Howard S. Cameron Award for excellence in clinical teaching in 2024.

When he is not at work, Dr. Thornley enjoys spending time with his wife Rebecca, and three young sons, Caiden, Dax and Bennett, along with their French bulldog, Ronnie.

We are delighted to welcome Dr. Thornley to SickKids and look forward to the expertise, energy, and leadership he will bring to the Spine Program, the Division and the broader hospital community.

Maryse & David