Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Graduate Student Society Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Graduate Student Society Western University Health Sciences Logo

Keynote Speaker

keynote

Join us for a compelling keynote lecture at our upcoming conference by Dr. Jessica Wong. Dr. Wong is an Assistant Professor in the School of Physical Therapy within the Faculty of Health Sciences at Western University, with a cross-appointment in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics in the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry. She is a Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Research Excellence, Diversity and Independence (REDI) Awardee. She also holds appointments with the Institute for Disability and Rehabilitation Research at Ontario Tech University, Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation at the University of Toronto, and ICES Western. Jessica leads a research program in aging, musculoskeletal health, rehabilitation, and health equity. Her research focuses on improving equitable access to care and functioning for older adults and people with musculoskeletal conditions. She co-designs her research with people with lived experience, caregivers, and other knowledge users to co-create knowledge and ensure the research is relevant and meaningful.

In “Low Back Pain as a Lens: Moving Upstream to Strengthen Equitable Healthcare”, Dr. Wong will provide a powerful case study for how healthcare systems shape outcomes. Dr. Wong will explore how upstream determinants of access influence functioning and quality of life, particularly for older adults with low back pain. Drawing on her research and early career experiences, she will highlight opportunities to strengthen healthcare by building systems that support equitable care. This talk invites students, researchers, clinicians, and other knowledge users to work together to improve access to care, enhance outcomes, and shape the future of healthcare.