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About Us

The McMaster Oncology Rehab Lab+ (MORL+) is conducting leading edge research in cancer rehabilitation, chronic condition management and implementation science that will inform the way rehabilitation services are provided across Canada. We have a dynamic and collaborative team with diverse backgrounds working together on numerous research projects to progress the field.

MORL+ Vision & Mission Statement

Vision

Our research lab is dedicated to optimizing rehabilitation services for individuals with cancer and other chronic conditions in Canada. Through research, advanced clinical practices and a collaborative approach with patients and healthcare providers, we strive to enhance quality of life, optimize health outcomes and empower patients on their journey to recovery and beyond. Our vision is a future where every individual with cancer or chronic conditions can access personalized, evidence-based rehabilitation that supports their physical, emotional and social well-being, leading to improved survivorship and a better quality of life.

Mission

At the MORL+, our mission is to advance the understanding and awareness of the critical role of rehabilitation during and after cancer treatment. We strive to enhance the well-being of patients and empower health providers by disseminating knowledge and creating accessible resources to help individuals find the right rehabilitation services. Our lab is dedicated to conducting high-quality and impactful research in cancer rehabilitation and exercise oncology. We are committed to translating evidence-based research into clinical practice, ensuring that the latest scientific discoveries benefit real-world patient care. By fostering a collaborative community of passionate students and researchers, we aim to drive innovation and progress in this vital field, ultimately improving the quality of life for cancer survivors and their families. Together, we are shaping the future of cancer rehabilitation through rigorous research, education and community engagement.

Expandable List

MORL+ began in September 2020 in the School of Rehabilitation Science at McMaster University. Since its inception, our lab has grown in number of students, research projects and outputs. We are eager to continue building our work at McMaster, which will serve the greater Hamilton area and beyond.

The School of Rehabilitation Science (SRS) is a leader in providing education in rehabilitation and rehabilitation research across Canada.

The SRS includes three professional graduate disciplines — physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech language pathology — and the rehabilitation science graduate program. It is a well-established school, having offered innovative problem-based professional programs for over 30 years. Our school has an international reputation for promoting excellence in clinical practice, research and management. A key strength of SRS is our partnerships with the community, which ensures the programs are at the leading edge of clinical practice.

MORL+ has existing programs of research at the Juravinski Cancer Centre, the Walker Family Cancer Centre in Niagara Health and Joseph Brant Hospital. We have interdisciplinary collaborations across Ontario that support our clinical research.

MORL+ conducts research in the following areas:

  • Cancer rehabilitation
  • Exercise oncology
  • Chronic condition management
  • Self-management
  • Implementation science
  • Technology in cancer care
  • Peer support interventions
  • Managing multi-morbidity
  • Maximizing function and quality of life
  • Physiotherapy education