People
Trainee Experience: Jonny Doucett (UGME Graduate, 2021)
I started with the BACK program research team in my first year of medical school (RIM, 2017) and have never regretted it. I’ve had such a supportive experience throughout the past four years and would strongly encourage anyone who has the opportunity to join the team, to do so. You’ll learn all about the research process and really enjoy it with a team of knowledgeable research experts.
Dr. Jill Hayden: BACK Program Research Lead
Jill Hayden is Professor in the Department of Community Health & Epidemiology at Dalhousie University. Jill has a clinical background in chiropractic, and was previously Scientist at University Health Network (CREIDO) (2006-2008) and Assistant Professor in the Dept. of Health Policy, Management & Evaluation, University of Toronto.
Contact: JHayden@dal.ca
Rachel Ogilvie: Research Program Coordinator
Rachel is Research Program Coordinator for the BACK Program with more than 20 years experience conducting and supporting research across a range of health disciplines. She supports the administration of the program, including grant development, ethical approvals and trainee mentorship. Rachel received her MA in Gerontology from Mount Saint Vincent University.
Contact: Rachel.Ogilvie@dal.ca
Samuel Silva: PhD Candidate & Research Associate
Samuel is completing his PhD under the supervision of Dr. Jill Hayden investigating factors related to exercise implementation, adherence, and effectiveness for the management of chronic low back pain. With a background in physiotherapy, Samuel completed his Master's in Rehabilitation Sciences in Brazil (Federal University of Minas Gerais) in 2023, and began his PhD in Sept 2024.
Contact: S.Silva@dal.ca
Rachael Ansems: Research Assistant and MSc Trainee
Rachael is completing her MSc under the supervision of Dr. Jill Hayden. In her thesis work she will be using data from the Red Flags project to examine the prognosis and stratification of patients with low back pain who present to the emergency department. In her RA work, Rachael supports our primary research projects.
Contact: Rachael.Ansems@dal.ca
Dr. Kirk Magee: BACK Program Clinical Co-Lead
Kirk is an Emergency Medicine Physician at the QEII Health Sciences Centre, and a founding member of the BACK Program team. He is Director of Research and Associate Professor of the Department of Emergency Medicine, Dalhousie University. Dr. Magee also serves as Editor with the Cochrane Heart Group. For more information see Dr. Magee's profile with Nova Scotia Health.
Dr. Samuel Campbell: BACK Program Clinical Co-Lead
Sam is Chief of Emergency Medicine at the QEII Health Sciences Centre and Professor in the Departments of Emergency Medicine and Anesthesia, Dalhousie University. Dr. Campbell is also National and Regional Champion of Choosing Wisely Canada. For more information, see Dr. Campbell's profile with Nova Scotia Health.