Sanford Children’s Specialty Clinic welcomes expert in adolescent medicine
May 26, 2026
This piece is sponsored by Sanford Health.
Wedged between childhood and adulthood is adolescence.
It’s a quirky time in a child’s life where they no longer feel like a kid, but they’re still learning what it means to be an adult. It’s marked by varying levels of independence and responsibility, and all that can feel a bit confusing.
And as children age, their health care needs will change. In addition to outside expectations from parents, teachers or coaches, physical and emotional development is happening. That’s why it’s important for health care providers to take a considerate approach that balances all the complicated feelings that can present themselves during this stage.
For Dr. Sindu Lakkunarajah, finding that balance is the best part.
A pediatric and adolescent medicine specialist at Sanford Children’s Specialty Clinic, Lakkunarajah has a genuine appreciation for the complexity of adolescence.
“Adolescents are a challenging but fun group to work with,” she said. “It takes time for them to let you in, but when they do, it’s incredibly rewarding.”
Born and raised in Toronto, Canada, Lakkunarajah brings a broad and global perspective to her work at Sanford Health. She completed medical school at the Royal College of Surgeons in Dublin, her residency in pediatrics at the Jacobi Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine in Bronx, New York, and her fellowship in adolescent medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee.
At Sanford, Lakkunarajah helps support a robust adolescent medicine program, providing comprehensive specialty care for adolescents and young adults. She can help address menstrual concerns and related issues like acne, mood changes and menstrual migraines. She also offers contraception care and management, including services for patients with complex medical needs.
Beyond reproductive health, Lakkunarajah treats anxiety, depression, eating disorders and other mental health conditions that commonly affect adolescents.
Lakkunarajah encourages patients to become active participants in their care and invites them to help shape their treatment plans. She also prioritizes creating a safe space for honest and open communication. Appointments typically begin with parents present, but one-on-one time with the patient is included as well.
“Giving teens that private time helps build trust,” she said.
Right now, patients need to be referred by their primary care provider to see Lakkunarajah. Typically, she can see patients in about one to two weeks.
Looking ahead, Lakkunarajah is eager to help build a more comprehensive adolescent medicine program at Sanford Children’s, which could include adding a therapist and dietitian to the team.
“When an adolescent has struggled for years and I can help provide even a bit of relief or support, it truly is rewarding,” she said. “Even more so when their parents say they’ve gotten their kid back.”
