Name: Amy Kirkham
Program: PhD
Graduated: 2016
Dissertation Title: “Exercise Cardioprotection from Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer”
How would you describe your research in the UBC Rehabilitation Sciences program?
Kristin Campbell, PhD in the Department of Physical Therapy was my supervisor. We were very productive together over the course of my PhD and completed a number of studies involving the effect of exercise on health outcomes in cancer survivors. The projects that made up my dissertation were focused on the role of acute and chronic aerobic exercise to prevent injury to the heart caused by a common type of chemotherapy treatment among women with early staged breast cancer. I have very positive and fond memories of my time in Kristin’s lab – Cancer Exercise & Physiotherapy Lab. She took a very balanced approach to supervising – she was supportive but also pushed me and provided mentorship at times but also recognized when I needed more independence. Kristin also created a very supportive environment within the lab and instilled values of empathy, kindness, and clear communication for interactions among lab mates and with participants.
Where and what is your current position?
I have been an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education at the University of Toronto and an Affiliate Scientist at the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, part of the University Health Network, Canada’s largest hospital-based research program since 2020. In between my PhD and this faculty position I pursued postdoc training in a different field (Biomedical Engineering with a focus on MRI) but my research program strongly incorporates many elements from the expertise and skills I learned during my PhD. My research program has a large focus on clinical trials of lifestyle interventions (exercise, nutrition, and multi-modal rehabilitation) among women at risk for or with cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. My strong foundation of clinical trial expertise that I apply on a daily basis in my current position started during my PhD.
How do you like to spend your free time?
While I don’t have as much free time as I used to after introducing a mini-me to my world last year (my daughter, Nova, is 18 months), I still maintain a focus on exercise. I lift heavy weights 3 times a week, bike 9 km each way to work, and do running intervals. We hike in the forest close to our house as a family. Currently the rest of my free time is spent doing puzzles and colouring with Nova.