Janet Parsons
BA, BSc, PT, MScm, PhD
Dr. Janet Parsons is a Research Scientist at the Applied Health Research Centre (AHRC), the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael’s Hospital. Additionally, she is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Sciences Institute at the University of Toronto. She is also an Associate Member for the University of Toronto’s School of Graduate Studies and a CQ Fellow for the Centre for Critical Qualitative Health Research in the Dalla Lana School of Public Health. Dr. Parsons practiced as a physiotherapist for 18 years in acute-care teaching hospitals before completing a MSc and PhD both in Medical Sciences at the University of Toronto.
Her research is focused on applying qualitative methodologies to a variety of health care issues. Most recently, she has developed a new film-based method (Brokered Dialogue) with Dr. Jim Lavery. Her main interests include patients’ experiences of cancer and other illnesses, health services delivery, drug policy, health disparities, and the sociology of health and illness. Additional interests include arts-based research, knowledge translation, and public engagement in health care.
Dr. Parsons is a Principal Applicant on the grant. She will lead the patient and community engagement strategy, including the planned Brokered Dialogue process (Pillar 4).