The Rehabilitation Oncology Program

The Rehabilitation Oncology Program is a multidisciplinary program consisting of physiatry, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech language pathology and therapy assistants. Based out of the Holy Cross Center and the Richmond Road Diagnostic & Treatment Center, Rehabilitation Oncology sees cancer patients in all tumour groups – including tumours affecting the brain, spinal cord, head & neck, breast, lung, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, bone and soft tissue/sarcomas. Cancer rehabilitation spans all stages of cancer, from diagnosis to palliation.

Our physiatrists see outpatients through the Rehabilitation Oncology Clinic for 3 outpatient half day clinics per week, as well as inpatient cancer rehabilitation consults throughout the city. Cancer rehabilitation care is also provided partly through patients being seen in the brain injury clinic, for electrodiagnostic studies in the Electromyography (EMG) clinic, and continuing longitudinal follow-up for cancer survivors following discharge from the Tertiary Neurorehabilitation Unit.

Academic growth of the cancer rehabilitation program occurs through the mentorship of physiatry residents interested in cancer rehabilitation, and Dr. Francis has had residents from both the University of Calgary and the University of Alberta rotate through the program, as well as medical students via shadowing and elective experiences. Research is continually being conducted in partnership with the Faculty of Kinesiology and Dr. Nicole Culos-Reed, who is internationally recognized for her research accomplishments in the benefits of exercise in cancer populations.

Future goals of recruiting at least two additional cancer rehabilitation physiatrists, integrating the rehabilitation oncology program into the new Calgary Cancer Centre, an inpatient cancer rehabilitation program, expanding on research funding and innovation, and introducing a fellowship training program in cancer physiatry.

Members:

Physiatrist: Dr. David Langelier, Dr. George Francis