RSI Leadership Rehab Rounds - Developing a Program of Research in Bariatric Care and Rehabilitation

RSI Leadership Rehab Rounds, presented by Dr. Mary Forhan.
Dr. Mary Forhan is an occupational therapist and rehabilitation scientist. She has a PhD in rehabilitation Science from McMaster University, a masters in health sciences with a focus on family counselling from McMaster University and BScOT from the University of Toronto. Dr. Forhan worked as an occupational therapist for over 25 years in hospitals, institutions, home, and community care in Ontario. She started her academic career in 2013 as an assistant professor at the University of Alberta and appointed the Chair of the Department of Occupational Therapy in 2019. Dr. Forhan joined the Temerty Faculty of Medicine, Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy in 2021 as an associate professor and Department Chair. She is the past Scientific Director of Obesity Canada and past President of the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapy University Programs. Dr. Forhan program of research is focused on reducing the disability experienced by persons living with obesity by addressing factors in the built and social environment and promoting access to evidence-based treatment for obesity and other chronic conditions. Her research has contributed to national and international guidelines for the treatment of obesity in adults, particularly in setting high standards for bariatric care and addressing weight bias and stigma in health care settings. Her work has been recognized nationally by Obesity Canada and the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists and Internationally by The Obesity Society.