School of Rehabilitation Science

Rehabilitation Science
Research in Rehabilitation Science
Physiotherapy
Occupational Therapy
Speech-Language Pathology
Program and Course Offerings

Rehabilitation Science

The School of Rehabilitation Science offers a M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Sciences for individuals who have a prerequisite degree in Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Speech-Language Pathology or other health-relevant program; and wish to pursue graduate training in Rehabilitation Science.

There are two options within the Rehabilitation Science Master’s programs:

The thesis option, which may be undertaken on a full or part-time basis on campus; and
The course-based option, which is offered on a part-time basis and can be completed entirely through online education, or include on-campus course options.

The M.Sc. course-based option provides training to physiotherapists, occupational therapists and other health professionals who want to obtain a master’s degree relevant to their clinical practice or employment. The program provides flexibility for working clinicians at a distance to complete the program entirely online and on a part-time basis. However, students also have the option to take an on-campus course. Courses emphasize evidence-based practice, clinical measurement/evaluation, critical thinking, qualitative and quantitative methods, and application of knowledge to practice.

The M.Sc. thesis option provides training that will develop knowledge, appraisal, and evaluation skills in Rehabilitation Science. Students study and apply theory, research design and analysis methods both qualitative and quantitative, to a Rehabilitation Science research thesis.

The Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Science provides training to develop rehabilitation scientists who will advance rehabilitation research and transfer new knowledge into practice and policy. This competency-based program educates students in rehabilitation theory, research design and methods, grantsmanship, scientific writing, knowledge exchange and translation, and teaching/learning strategies. This option includes coursework, a comprehensive portfolio and a thesis. Graduates will be prepared to take on academic, leadership or research roles.

The McMaster Rehabilitation Science Dual Degree option allows students to obtain the established Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (OT) and Doctor of Philosophy in Rehabilitation Science (RS) OR the Master of Science in Physiotherapy (PT) and Doctor of Philosophy in Rehabilitation Science (RS) offered within the School of Rehabilitation Science (SRS) in 5 years. The Dual Degree option provides students with advantages through integrated scholarship training and professional development and stream-lined time efficiency. Completing the two degrees, an OT or PT professional degree and Ph.D., concurrently rather than sequentially develops clinician scientists who have an understanding of the issues facing the professions, the potential contributions they can make and research expertise to undertake these roles.

Fax: 905-524-0069
Email: rsgrad@mcmaster.ca
Website: https://healthsci.mcmaster.ca/srs-rehabsci

Faculty / Fall 2023

Professors

Jacqueline Bosch, B.Sc.OT (Queen’s), M.Sc. (McMaster), Ph.D. (McMaster)
Dina Brooks, PhD (Toronto), MSc (Toronto), BSc PT (Toronto)
Vanina Dal Bello-Haas, B.Sc. PT (Toronto), MEd (Brock), Ph.D. (Cleveland State)
Lori Letts, B.Sc.OT (Western), M.A. (Waterloo), Ph.D. (York)
Joy MacDermid, B.Sc. (St. Mary’s), B.Sc. PT (Western), M.Sc. (Western), Ph.D. (Western)
Lyn Turkstra, B.A. (Trent), M.A. (State University, Buffalo), Ph.D. (Arizona)
Brenda Vrkljan, B.A. (Wilfrid Laurier) M.Cl.Sc.OT (Western), Ph.D. (Western)

Associate Professors

Marla Beauchamp, B.HSc. (Waterloo), MSc.PT (Toronto), Ph.D. (Toronto)
Wenonah Campbell, B.A. (Hons) Psy (Acadia), M.Sc. Speech-Lang. (Dalhousie), Ph.D. Rehab Sci. (Western)
Lisa Carlesso, B.Sc.PT (Toronto), M.Sc. (Western), Ph.D. (McMaster)
Briano Di Rezze, B.Sc. (Hons) Human Bio. (Toronto), M.Sc., OT (McMaster), Ph.D. Rehab Sci. (McMaster)
Rebecca Gewurtz, BSc Human Bio (Toronto), B.Sc. OT (Queen’s), B.Sc., M.Sc. (Toronto), Ph.D. (Toronto)
Jocelyn Harris, B.A. (Waterloo), B.H.Sc. OT (McMaster), M.Sc., Ph.D. (British Columbia)
Michelle Kho, B.Sc. Kin (Waterloo), M.Sc. Kin (Waterloo), B.HSc. PT (McMaster), Ph.D. (McMaster)
Ayse Kuspinar, M.Sc. PT (McGill), Ph.D. (McGill)
Luciana Gazzi Macedo, M.Sc. PT (Alberta), Ph.D. (Sydney)
Sandra Moll, B.Sc. OT, M.Sc. OT (Western), Ph.D. (Toronto)
Ada Tang, B.Sc. PT (Toronto), M.Sc. (Toronto), Ph.D. (Toronto)
Sarah Wojkowski, PhD (McMaster), MSc (McMaster), BHons Kin (McMaster)

Clinical Professor

Anita Gross, B.Sc.PT (Toronto), M.Sc. (McMaster)

Assistant Professors

Shaminder Dhillon, B.Sc. (McMaster), B.H.Sc.OT, M.Sc. (McMaster)
Evelyne Durocher, HB.Sc. (Toronto), M.Sc. OT (Manitoba), Ph.D. (Toronto)
Ashwini Namasivayam-MacDonald, B.Sc. (Hons) Science and Business (Waterloo), M.H.Sc SLP (Toronto), Ph.D. Rehab Sci (Toronto)
Michelle Phoenix, B.A. (Hons) Child Studies (Guelph), M.H.Sc. SLP (Toronto), Ph.D. Rehab Sci. (McMaster)
Tara Packham, B.H.SC. OT (McMaster), M.Sc. RS (McMaster), Ph.D. RS (McMaster)
Jenna Smith-Turchyn, BA Hons Kin (McMaster), MSc PT (McMaster), PhD RS (McMaster)
Sandra Vanderkaay, PhD (McMaster), MSc (McMaster), BA (Queen’s), BSc OT (Queens)

Assistant Clinical Professors

Mary Clark, M.Ed. (Athabasca), B.Sc.OT(Toronto)
Aileen Costigan, PhD (Pennsylvania State), MSc OT (McMaster), BKin (McMaster)
Kim Cullen, PhD (Guelph), MSc (McMaster), BSc (Waterloo)
Janet Law, BA PT (Queen’s), M.Sc. Rehab Sci. (McMaster)
Kathryn Wise, B.A. (Hons.) (Waterloo), B.H.Sc. PT (McMaster), M.H.Sc. (Toronto)

Assistant Clinical Professors (Adjunct)

Alexis Buettgen, B.A. (Hons.) (Wilfred Laurier), M.A. (Wilfrid Laurier), P.hD. (York)
Linda Laakso, B.Sc. (Hons.) (Guelph), Dip. P&O (George Brown), M.Sc. Rehab Sci. (McMaster)
Joshua Vincent, B.Sc. PT (Tamil Nadu Dr. MGR Medical Univ.), M.Sc. PT (Tamil Nadu Dr. MGR Medical Univ.), M.Sc. Rehab Sci. (McMaster), Ph.D. (Western)
Megan Suddergaard, BHSc (Georgia Southern), BHSc PT (McMaster), MPA (Queen’s)
Ashley Williams, B.Sc. Psych (Hons) (Memorial), M.Sc.OT (Queen’s), Ph.D. (Queen’s)

Sessional Instructors

Ahmad Firas, MEd (Ottawa), MM (McGill), PhD (McMaster), MD (St. George’s U)
Patrick McPhee, PhD (McMaster), MSc (McMaster), HBSc (Western)
Michael Pryzbek, PhD (McMaster), MSc (Brock), BSc (Brock)

Associate Members

Karen Beattie, B.Sc. (Guelph), Ph.D. (McMaster)
Jan Willem Gorter (Pediatrics)
Peter Rosenbaum (Pediatrics)
Lina Santaguida (Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics)

Professor Emeritus

Susan Baptiste, Dip. OT (England), M.H.Sc. (McMaster)
Carol DeMatteo, Dip. P&OT (Toronto), M.Sc. (McMaster)
Mary Law, B.Sc. OT (Queen’s), M.Sc. (McMaster), Ph.D. (Waterloo)
Cheryl Missiuna, B.Sc.OT (Western), M.Sc. (Calgary), Ph.D. (Toronto)
Julie Richardson, Dip.PT (Otago, NZ), B.Sc.PT (Toronto), M.Sc. (Otago, NZ), Ph.D. (Toronto)
Patty Solomon, Dip.PT (Manitoba), M.H.Sc. (McMaster), Ph.D. (Waterloo)
Paul Stratford, PT (McMaster, Mohawk), MSc (McMaster)

Research in Rehabilitation Science

The focus of the research in Rehabilitation Science includes the following areas of specialization:

1. Best practice and knowledge translation: Developing, evaluating and applying skills in evidence-based practice and strategies to implement best practices.

2. Childhood Disability (and Participation): CanChild Centre for Childhood Disability Research is a research and educational centre whose research is focused on improving the lives of children and youth with disabilities and their families. Founded in 1989, CanChild is a world leader in the field of childhood disability.

3. Functional health with aging or chronic disease: Research that focuses on keeping people healthy and functionally independent despite increasing age or chronic disease.

4. Neuromusculoskeletal function and mobility: Research that focuses on understanding and optimizing neuromusculoskeletal function and mobility as a vital aspect of overall health.

5. Work Ability and Participation: Research that focuses on creating and maintaining safe, healthy, productive work, and participation in valued life roles.

6. Orthopaedic Musculoskeletal-Manipulative Physical Therapy (OMPT): Specialty training that advances knowledge, clinical reasoning, manual therapy skills, evidence-based practice and research experience in keeping with national and international standards for clinical specialization.

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Physiotherapy

The Faculty of Health Sciences Graduate Program and the School of Rehabilitation Science offer a Master of Science degree program in Physiotherapy, M.Sc. (PT). The Master of Science in Physiotherapy is a full-time accredited course-based professional Master’s program that will prepare students with the knowledge, skills and behaviours to practice as an entry-level physiotherapist in a variety of healthcare and community settings. The program’s curriculum is problem-based, incorporates a self-directed learning philosophy and integrates theory, clinical skill development, evidence and research providing graduates with the foundation to practice as evidence-based physiotherapists in the current and future healthcare environment.

Enquiries: 905 525-9140 Ext. 27859, PT Program Coordinator
Fax: 905 524-0069
Email: askpt@mcmaster.ca
Website: https://healthsci.mcmaster.ca/srs-pt

Faculty / Fall 2023

Professors

Dina Brooks, B.Sc. PT, MSc, PhD (Toronto)
Vanina Dal Bello-Haas, B.Sc.PT (Toronto), M.Ed. (Brock), Ph.D. (Cleveland)

Associate Professors

Marla Beauchamp, B.HSc. (Waterloo), MSc.PT (Toronto), Ph.D. (Toronto)
Lisa Carlesso, B.Sc.PT (Toronto), M.Sc. (PT) (Western), Ph.D. (McMaster)
Michelle Kho, B.Sc. (Western), M.Sc. (Waterloo), B.H.Sc.PT, Ph.D. (McMaster)
Ayse Kuspinar, B.Sc.PT (McGill), M.Sc. (McGill), Ph.D. (McGill)
Luciana Macedo, B.Sc.PT (Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil), M.Sc. (Alberta), Ph.D. (Australia)
Greg Spadoni, B.A., B.H.Sc.PT, M.Sc. (McMaster)
Ada Tang, B.Sc.PT, M.Sc., Ph.D. (Toronto)
Sarah Wojkowski, H.B.Kin., M.Sc.PT, Ph.D. (McMaster)

Assistant Professors

Jasdeep Dhir, B.Sc.PT, M.Cl.Sc.MT (Western), TDPT (EIM)
Kristina Durham, BSc (Honours) (Waterloo), M.Sc. (Waterloo), Ph.D. (McMaster)
Jenna Smith-Turchyn, H.B.Kin, M.Sc.PT, PhD (McMaster)

Professor Emeritus

Julie Richardson, Dip.PT (Otago, NZ), B.Sc.PT (Toronto), M.Sc. (Otago, NZ), Ph.D. (Toronto)
Patricia Solomon, Dip. PT (Manitoba), M.H.Sc. (McMaster), Ph.D. (Waterloo)
Paul Stratford, Dip. PT (Mohawk), M.Sc. (McMaster)

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Occupational Therapy

The Faculty of Health Sciences Graduate Programs and the School of Rehabilitation Science offer a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy degree program. The goal of the Master of Science (OT) is to prepare graduates to be occupational therapists who possess the requisite knowledge, skills and professional behaviours to practice in the emerging realities of the new healthcare system and the broader societal context of rapid and constant change, within our local, national and international communities. Students will achieve an understanding of the influence of family, society, culture and environment, as they explore the concepts of occupation and health across the lifespan within the context of client-centred practice. The M.Sc. (OT) is a full-time course-based Master’s degree. Graduates with a strong research interest may be eligible to proceed to thesis-based graduate programs should they wish to do so in the future.

Enquiries: 05-525-9140 ext. 27829, OT Program Coordinator
Email: askot@mcmaster.ca
Website: https://srs-ot.healthsci.mcmaster.ca

Faculty / Fall 2023

Professors

Jacqueline Bosch, B.Sc.OT (Queen’s), M.Sc. (McMaster), Ph.D. (McMaster)
Lori Letts, B.Sc. OT (Western), M.A. (Waterloo), Ph.D. (York)
Brenda Vrkljan, B.A. (Wilfrid Laurier), M.C.Sc.OT, Ph.D. (Western)

Associate Professors

Briano Di Rezze, B.Sc. (Hons) (Toronto), M.Sc. OT (McMaster), Ph.D. (McMaster)
Rebecca Gewurtz, B.Sc. (Toronto), B.Sc.OT (Queen’s), M.Sc., Ph.D. (Toronto)
Jocelyn Harris, B.A. (Waterloo), B.H.Sc. (McMaster), M.Sc., Ph.D. (British Columbia)
Sandra Moll, B.Sc. OT, M.Sc. OT (Western), Ph.D. (Toronto)

Assistant Professors

Shaminder Dhillon, B.Sc. (McMaster), B.H.Sc.OT, M.Sc. (McMaster)
Evelyne Durocher, HB.Sc. (Toronto), M.Sc. OT (Manitoba), Ph.D. (Toronto)
Kristina Durham, B.Sc. (Hons) (Waterloo), M.Sc. (Waterloo), Ph.D. (McMaster)
Tara Packham, B.H.SC. OT, M.Sc., Ph.D. (McMaster)
Sandra Vanderkaay, PhD (McMaster), MSc (McMaster), BA (Queen’s), BSc OT (Queens)

Professor Emeritus

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Speech-Language Pathology

The Faculty of Health Sciences Graduate Programs and the School of Rehabilitation Science offer a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology degree program. The Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology is a full-time course-based professional Master’s program. It prepares students with knowledge, skills, and professional behaviours to practice as entry level speech-language pathologists. The program uses problem-based, self-directed learning philosophy. Students will complete course work and clinical practica during their two study years. All courses are required.

Enquiries: 905 525 9140 ext 27857, SLP Program Coordinator
Fax: 905 524-0069
Email: askslp@mcmaster.ca
Website: https://srs-slp.healthsci.mcmaster.ca/

Faculty / Fall 2023

Professors

Lyn Turkstra, B.A. (Trent), M.A. (State University, Buffalo), Ph.D. (Arizona)

Associate Professors

Wenonah Campbell, B.A. (Hons) Psy (Acadia), M.Sc. Speech-Lang. (Dalhousie), Ph.D. Rehab Sci. (Western)

Assistant Professors

Ashwini Namasivayam-MacDonald, B.Sc. (Hons) Science and Business (Waterloo), M.H.Sc SLP (Toronto), Ph.D. Rehab Sci (Toronto)
Michelle Phoenix, B.A. (Hons) Child Studies (Guelph), M.H.Sc. SLP (Toronto), Ph.D. Rehab Sci. (McMaster)

Programs

Master

Doctoral

Rehabilitation Science, Ph.D

Course Offerings

Other Programs

Rehabilitation Science - Dual Degree Option