Jessica Wong
Assistant Professor
Jessica Wong is an epidemiologist and early career researcher leading a research program at the intersection of population health and health services research. Her areas of research are aging, musculoskeletal health, rehabilitation, and health equity. Jessica aims to develop innovative strategies to optimize health, functioning and access to rehabilitation and other healthcare services for older adults and those with musculoskeletal conditions (including spinal pain, osteoarthritis).
Musculoskeletal conditions, such as back pain and osteoarthritis, are leading causes of disability and mean reasons for requiring rehabilitation in Canada and globally. However, many in need do not receive these services, representing unmet needs. When left unresolved, unmet healthcare needs lead to tremendous psychosocial consequences, particularly for older adults. Therefore, Jessica is comprehensively examining the burden of unmet healthcare needs for musculoskeletal conditions, including in older adults, and upstream determinants to develop prevention strategies.
Her interdisciplinary team works alongside an Advisory Committee including people with lived experience and multidisciplinary healthcare providers throughout all research stages. This is to co-design research with their critical input on objectives, methods, interpretation of results, and knowledge translation activities. This ensures that the research is relevant and meaningful to diverse communities to improve musculoskeletal health, healthy aging, and equitable access to care.
