Ontario Tech post-doctoral research fellow receives new federal funding to help older Canadians fight back pain and arthritis

Musculoskeletal conditions, including back pain and arthritis, are leading causes of disability among older Canadians. The World Health Organization says at least one in three people worldwide will require rehabilitation at some point in their life, but many do not receive these services, or have access to them.

Dr. Jessica Wong, a post-doctoral research fellow at Ontario Tech University who focuses on addressing unmet health-care needs in older adults with back pain and arthritis, is hoping to uncover new strategies to address this global program.

Dr. Wong, a Postdoctoral Fellow with Ontario Tech’s Institute for Disability and Rehabilitation Research, recently received a Research Excellence, Diversity and Independence (REDI) early career transition award from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). The award includes grant funding of $270,000 from the CIHR’s Institute of Musculoskeletal Health and Arthritis to study ways to improve health services and health equity for older patients who have medical issues related to bones, joints, muscles and connective tissue.

• Did you know: In 2022, Wong was one of two Ontario Tech recipients of a Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship, a prestigious Government of Canada award that funds the country’s top scholars to help them positively contribute to Canada’s economic, social and research-based growth.

“Unmet health-care needs are important barriers to functioning, social connectedness, independent living, and well-being for older Canadians,” says Dr. Wong. “We need to better understand these unmet needs and the lived experiences of patients. Our investigation will work with patients, caregivers and community partners to build an innovative tool that predicts who will experience these issues. This will guide prevention, rehabilitation and other health-care strategies, with considerations for equity, diversity and inclusion.”

Dr. Wong will work with her primary research mentor, Dr. Pierre Côté, IDRR Director, and Ontario Tech University Research Excellence Chair in Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation.

“We are very excited about Dr. Wong’s latest national award, and for how it will support her research in improving functioning for people who experience challenges with activities and participation,” says Dr. Côté, who is also a Professor with Ontario Tech’s Faculty of Health Sciences.

“The WHO has called for stronger access to rehabilitation in diverse communities and for its integration in universal health coverage.  Dr. Wong’s work will go a long way to inform health policy in this area.”     

Dr. Wong holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Radiation Sciences and a master’s degree in Public Health from the University of Toronto. She obtained her Doctor of Chiropractic degree from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College and became a Fellow of the College of Chiropractic Sciences (Canada). Dr. Wong also completed her PhD in Epidemiology at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health at the University of Toronto.

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Bryan Oliver
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Ontario Tech University
289.928.3653 (mobile)
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