INCREASE BC is a collaborative initiative between the UBC Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Rehab Research Program, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute (VCHRI), and the UBC Rehabilitation Sciences Executive Committee.
INCREASE BC, held on April 26, 2023 at Chan Auditorium, BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, is the first interdisciplinary conference in rehabilitation research in BC. Historically, the UBC Rehabilitation Sciences Executive Committee (RSEC) ran its own annual Research Day to showcase the research projects of RHSC Master of Science (MSc) & doctoral trainees. This year, the RSEC partnered with the Rehabilitation Research Program, one of VCHRI’s programs, to put forward this inaugural conference, bringing together researchers, rehabilitation clinicians, physicians, students, and anyone interested in rehabilitation science and research. The theme of this all-day conference was “Revolutionizing rehabilitation through collaboration” and featured Keynote Presenter Professor Carol Clark, a professor of Physiotherapy at Bournemouth University, whose research involves the use of digital tools and behavioural theories to enhance rehabilitation, balance, and exercise adherence. The inaugural G.F. Strong Professorship lecture was given by Dr. Gerard E. Francisco, the Chairman and Professor in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Housing (UTHealth). His research includes robotic therapy in persons with incomplete spinal cord injury and intrathecal baclofen and botulinum toxins for spasticity.
UBC Rehabilitation Sciences trainees working towards their MSc or PhDs had the opportunity to present their research throughout the day through oral and poster presentations. Our RSEC has worked tirelessly to help make this conference happen. We are proud to support them in this inaugural collaboration of clinical practice and rehabilitation research.
For more information visit the INCREASE BC webpage.