Canadian Chiropractic Association and Ontario Tech University establish senior scientist role

Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions are a leading contributor to disability worldwide* and are a major source of health system use, underscoring the need for evidence-informed approaches that improve outcomes and support sustainable care delivery. In response, the Canadian Chiropractic Association (CCA), in partnership with Ontario Tech University, has established a new Senior Scientist in Knowledge Translation & Health Policy position for the 2026–2029 term. Carol Cancelliere, DC, MPH, MBA, PhD, serves in this role, bringing expertise in clinical epidemiology, evidence-based practice in musculoskeletal health and rehabilitation, implementation research, digital health-enabled service design, and health policy and decision-making. She also serves as the Rinaldi Research Chair in AI and Rehabilitation at Ontario Tech University.

Hosted at Ontario Tech’s Institute for Disability and Rehabilitation Research (IDRR), which also houses the WHO Collaborating Centre for Rehabilitation and Musculoskeletal Health, the Senior Scientist role will provide pan-Canadian leadership to help ensure chiropractic practice remains aligned with the best available evidence, informed by patient experience, and responsive to evolving health system and policy needs.

Launched in 2013, the Canadian Chiropractic Guideline Initiative (CCGI) became an international leader in the development and dissemination of clinical practice guidelines, as well as the creation of evidence-informed tools that support both clinicians and patients. Now in 2026, CCGI will be referred to as Canadian Chiropractic Guidelines (CCG), the ongoing home for established clinical practice guidelines and practical tools for clinicians and patients.

The senior scientist position will support the maintenance and advancement of CCG, strengthen knowledge translation and clinician education, and contribute evidence-informed expertise to national and provincial policy discussions affecting musculoskeletal health and rehabilitation care.

“This new role reflects our shared commitment to improving health outcomes by bridging research, clinical practice, and policy,” said Ayla Azad, CEO of the CCA. “By strengthening how evidence is translated into practice and decision-making, we can better support patients, clinicians, and the health system and ultimately contribute to a healthier Canada.”

“I’m honoured to take on this role and help strengthen how evidence is translated into everyday chiropractic practice,” said Carol Cancelliere, DC, MPH, MBA, PhD. “By supporting clinical guideline development and clinician education, we can help ensure care remains patient-centred, evidence-informed, and responsive to health system priorities.”

“Ontario Tech University and IDRR are proud to host this position and further strengthen Canada’s capacity for evidence-informed rehabilitation and musculoskeletal health leadership,” said Pierre Côté, PhD, Director of the IDRR and WHO Collaborating Centre for Rehabilitation and Musculoskeletal Health, Ontario Tech University. “This partnership builds on IDRR’s research excellence and its connection to the WHO Collaborating Centre.”

* World Health Organization (WHO). Musculoskeletal conditions (Fact sheet). July 14, 2022.

Important links

• Canadian Chiropractic Guidelines 
• Canadian Chiropractic Association 
• Ontario Tech University 
• Institute for Disability and Rehabilitation Research (IDRR)

About the Canadian Chiropractic Association (CCA)

The Canadian Chiropractic Association represents over 8,000 Doctors of Chiropractic across Canada who treat and manage musculoskeletal conditions that impact the health of millions of Canadians. Every year, at least 4.7 million Canadians rely on chiropractors to help them manage the serious burden of musculoskeletal pain and disease. As one of Canada’s largest primary contact healthcare professions, chiropractors provide evidence-based, non-invasive, drug-free manual therapies.

About the Ontario Tech University

Ontario Tech University advances technology with purpose, guided by ethics, sustainability and human judgment. A leader in artificial intelligence, the university applies technology to drive innovation in teaching, research and operations. Our career-ready students graduate with the technical skills, professionalism and adaptability required in a rapidly evolving workforce. With deep expertise in energy, and through applied research and strong industry and community partnerships, we deliver solutions that support economic growth, operational effectiveness and resilient communities in Canada and globally. Explore how innovation and education work together to shape the future: ontariotechu.ca.

Media contacts

Simone Lai
Associate Director of Marketing and Communications
CCA
slai@chiropractic.ca
416.585.7902 ext. 247

Melissa Ramirez
Manager, Integrated Marketing and Media Relations
Ontario Tech University
melissa.ramirez@ontariotechu.ca