About
Crystal MacKay is an Assistant Professor in the School of Rehabilitation Therapy. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy at Queen’s University, and a MHSc and PhD at the University of Toronto. Following her PhD, she completed a CIHR-funded postdoctoral fellowship at Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network. As a health services researcher with a clinical background in physical therapy, her research has focused on understanding and improving health outcomes for people living with chronic conditions, such as osteoarthritis and limb loss.
Education
Doctor of Philosophy (Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto)
Master of Health Science (Community Health and Epidemiology, University of Toronto)
Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy (Queen’s University)
Research
Dr. MacKay’s research aims to improve the quality and accessibility of health care for people living with chronic conditions to maximize peoples’ health, social participation and ultimately quality of life. Her current research focuses on two main interconnected activities: developing and evaluating innovative, patient-centred health interventions, with a focus on optimizing health and well-being through physical activity; and understanding the health experiences and outcomes of patients to inform health system improvements. A cross cutting theme in her research is an exploration of technology in the field of rehabilitation. Dr. MacKay has experience in a wide range of methodological approaches including health services research, qualitative research methods and implementation science.
Current Research Projects
- Evaluation of a peer-led virtual behaviour change intervention promoting physical activity following dysvascular amputation
- Co-design of a community-based physical activity intervention for individuals with lower limb amputations
- Development and knowledge translation of evidence-informed physical activity guidelines for adults with lower limb amputations
- Exploring compassionate care in virtual rehabilitation
Supervision
Dr. MacKay is currently accepting graduate students.
Peer Reviewed Publications
For a list of Dr. MacKay’s publications, please refer to her Google Scholar Profile.