Announcement of Professor Emeritus
Congratulations to Dr. Marilyn Mackay-Lyons on being honored with the distinction of Professor Emeritus for the Dalhousie University’s, School of Physiotherapy. Dr MacKay-Lyons is a Professor (post-retirement), an Affiliated Scientist with the Nova Scotia Health, and a cross-appointee with the Dalhousie University Department of Medicine. She received her BSc (Physical Therapy) from University of Toronto, Canada; MSc (Physical Therapy) from University of Southern California; and PhD (Physiology) from Dalhousie University, Canada. Dr. Mackay-Lyons has extensive clinical and research experience in neuro-rehabilitation, with a particular focus on exercise interventions to optimize recovery after stroke.
Currently, she is co-editor of Physiotherapy Canada with Dr. Dina Brooks, Chair of the Advisory Board of the CIHR Institute of Circulatory and Respiratory Health, and a member of the Research Advisory Committee of CPA.
The appointment of Professor Emeritus is made by the Universities Board of Governors on recommendation of the President. Dr. MacKay-Lyons is the second professor to receive the distinction of Professor Emeritus in the 58-year history of the School – Dr. Joan Walker being the first. The designation is awarded to those with “outstanding academic contributions that were substantially above the norm for a Full-Professor.” Dr. MacKay-Lyons is known for her contribution in ground-breaking research, effectiveness in knowledge mobilization, commitment, and passion for improving care of individuals with neurological conditions, and for her leadership in both research and clinical contexts. Evidence of her influence in the field of physiotherapy can be seen at national and international levels.
In the School of Physiotherapy, Dr. MacKay-Lyons was instrumental in transitioning the School to offer a Master’s level entry to practice degree, she also supported the clinical training of physiotherapists beyond the University through her work on the national certification exam and her chairing role for external reviews for other Canadian programs.
In creating and implementing best practice guidelines for the use of aerobic exercise, Dr. MacKay-Lyons changed the field of stroke rehabilitation, impacting the lives of survivors of stroke worldwide. The Faculty of Health is delighted to see Dr. MacKay-Lyons recognized with an appointment as a Professor Emeritus in the School of Physiotherapy.
~Dr Shaun Boe, Associate Dean Research | Faculty of Health
Associate Dean Research, Dr Shaun Boe describes Dr. MacKay-Lyons as "a visionary in the field of stroke rehabilitation and its secondary prevention. Dr. MacKay-Lyons was a leader internationally in the use of aerobic exercise after stroke, playing key roles in establishing the science behind its use and its adoption in clinical practice. In creating and implementing best practice guidelines for the use of aerobic exercise, Dr. MacKay-Lyons changed the field of stroke rehabilitation, impacting the lives of survivors of stroke worldwide. The Faculty of Health is delighted to see Dr. MacKay-Lyons recognized with an appointment as a Professor Emeritus in the School of Physiotherapy."
Thank you and congratulations, Dr. MacKay-Lyons, for the many years of service that you devoted to physiotherapy research, and for your contribution to the School's vision for excellence. We wish you well at, as your daughter affectionately puts it, “wrapping-up your research projects" to spend more time on other creative passions.