Dina Brooks named head of School of Rehabilitation Science

A long-time University of Toronto faculty member and researcher is coming to McMaster University to take the helm of the School of Rehabilitation Science.

Dina Brooks has been appointed vice-dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at McMaster University and executive director of the School of Rehabilitation Science. Her five-year appointment is effective Jan. 1, 2019.

“I have always admired the innovation at McMaster,” said Brooks. “I am excited to be part of it now.”

Brooks is an alumna of University of Toronto, completing a Bachelor of Science degree in physiotherapy in 1988, a Master of Science degree in 1990 and a PhD in 1997. 

She joined the faculty at the University of Toronto as an associate professor in 1999 and has been full professor since 2011. She is a long-time scientist at the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, and senior scientist in respiratory medicine at West Park Healthcare Centre in Toronto.

Brooks held a Canada Research Chair in Rehabilitation in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease for 10 years, and is known internationally for her research in respiratory rehabilitation.

Her research has been recognized with a Queen’s Jubilee Medal for its impact on those living with lung disease. She is a Fellow in the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences, and recipient of the Enid Graham Award, which is the highest honour bestowed upon by the Canadian Physiotherapy Association.

Brooks has trained many interdisciplinary health sciences graduate students and postdoctoral fellows as graduate coordinator for the past 10 years for the Rehabilitation Sciences Institute at the University of Toronto.

As the lead of the School of Rehabilitation Science, Brooks will oversee its research and graduate education mission, which includes physiotherapy, occupational therapy, rehabilitation science and speech pathology programs. The school also manages the Masters in Health Management Program, which is delivered in partnership with McMaster’s DeGroote School of Business.

“After establishing a distinguished career in teaching and research in Toronto, we are pleased to have Dr. Brooks bring her experience and knowledge to McMaster University,” said Paul O’Byrne, dean and vice-president of the Faculty of Health Sciences. “We look forward to her approach and innovations that will continue to attract outstanding students, staff and faculty.”