Dr. Dorothy Kessler appointed Scientist in Rehabilitation at Providence Care

News & Announcements | 29 Aug 2024

Queen’s University School of Rehabilitation Therapy, in partnership with Providence Care, is pleased to announce the honorary appointment of Dr. Dorothy Kessler as Scientist in Rehabilitation at Providence Care. Dr. Kessler’s two-year term began on July 1, 2024.

The Scientist in Rehabilitation is a jointly funded position dedicated to advancing interprofessional, non-physician-led research across Providence Care. The role will strengthen the capacity of occupational therapists, physical therapists, and other rehabilitation professionals at Providence Care to contribute as research partners together with client and patient groups.

“In this role, Dr. Kessler will nurture research capacity and interest among clinicians working within fields like occupational therapy and physiotherapy at Providence Care,” explains Allison Philpot, Vice President, Systems Innovation and Executive Director, Medical Affairs & Research at Providence Care. “This will help us build the next generation of researchers while strengthening connections between our clinicians and Queen’s Health Sciences faculty members.”

Group of people — Adam Say, Stephanie Nixon, Allison Philpot, Kate
Preston, Dorothy Kessler, Pamela Bartsch and
Peter Preston

This exciting research opportunity is made possible through the generous support of Kate and Peter Preston (ArtSci’74). Kate’s husband, David Preston (ArtSci’66), passed away in January 2023 after complications from stroke. In honour of David, the Preston family established the Causeway Stroke Rehabilitation Research Program.

As Scientist in Rehabilitation at Providence Care, Dr. Kessler will lead the research program, focusing on creating and testing treatment methods that actively involve patients and their families in decision-making and therapy. Key aspects of this program include:

Conducting a randomized controlled trial exploring the efficacy of occupational performance coaching (OPC) with people who have severe stroke or difficulties with understanding and speaking after a stroke.

Collaborating on a research agenda with Providence Care clinicians and developing adaptive treatment approaches that help patients participate in activities they value following stroke.

Exploring ways to increase family involvement in all stages of stroke care, from acute to outpatient/community support. This will involve gathering feedback and input from patients at Providence Care, as well as their families and clinicians.

Trained as an occupational therapist, Dr. Dorothy Kessler is an Associate Professor in the School of Rehabilitation Therapy. After completing her doctoral degree at the University of Ottawa, Dr. Kessler’s postdoctoral fellowships focused on primary care at the Bruyère Research Institute in Ottawa and the Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care in Toronto. Her current research examines the experiences of people living with chronic health conditions. This includes developing and testing interventions and models of care to improve community reintegration for individuals with conditions such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease. Her work emphasizes interventions and approaches that empower individuals to actively manage their own care.

“I am thrilled to be part of the growing research team at Providence Care,” says Dr. Kessler. “Working closely with both patients and clinicians, I look forward to conducting research that supports individuals living with stroke and other health conditions, helping them engage in activities that are meaningful to them and thereby enhancing their recovery and quality of life.”

Learn more about supporting the Causeway Stroke Rehabilitation Research Program.

Dr. Dorothy Kessler appointed Scientist in Rehabilitation at Providence Care

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