New graduate studies program to begin at CMCC

February 1, 2011 — The Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC) is pleased to welcome Dr. Patrick Loisel, a pioneer in the field of work disability prevention to its graduate faculty.

Loisel is a medical physician scientist trained in orthopaedics and founder/director of the Work Disability Prevention CIHR Strategic Training Program at University of Toronto. Loisel will work with CMCC’s Division of Graduate Studies to design and implement a Work Disability Prevention program for chiropractors at CMCC, while continuing his research in the field.

According to Loisel, while pain or another disorder may be the initial reason for disability, it is rarely what prevents the return to work. The reasons are complex and often involve multi-stakeholder issues that require correction at a number of levels.

“The value in working with the chiropractic community is its holistic perspective when it comes to patient care,” says Loisel. “Often the nature of a chiropractor’s work requires him or her to understand the patient’s lifestyle and environment to the degree that is optimal for successful disability prevention.”

Loisel’s program within CMCC’s Division of Graduate Studies will complement chiropractic education on the musculoskeletal system with specific theoretical and practical training in Work Disability Prevention. Components in the program will include, among other factors, workplace issues, ergonomics, the psychology of stress, and case coordination.

“It is extremely gratifying to welcome Dr. Loisel to CMCC. As one of the most respected subject matter experts within the field of Work Disability Prevention, we are truly fortunate to offer his program and expertise to our graduate students,” says Dr. John Triano, dean of graduate education and research programs at CMCC.

I look forward to watching the evolution of CMCC’s program, in anticipation of the benefits that will be passed on to future patients, their employers and others affected directly or indirectly by this problem.”

The annual cost of work disability is estimated at $1 to $2 trillion worldwide. In Canada alone, the annual cost is estimated to be $30 billion.

Loisel will retain cross appointments with the University Health Network and University of Toronto.

Source: Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, www.cmcc.ca