Physiatry (Rehabilitation) Oncology
Dr. David Michael Langelier
The Cancer Physiatry (Rehab) Program at the Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre is a provincial interdisciplinary rehabilitation program dedicated to optimizing function, quality of life, independence, and participation for individuals living with and beyond cancer. Embedding within comprehensive oncology care, the program provides specialized rehabilitation assessment and treatment for the physical, functional, neurologic, musculoskeletal, and symptom-related impacts of cancer and its treatments across the disease continuum.
As one of the emerging leaders in cancer rehabilitation in Canada, the program integrates clinical care, research, education and system innovation to advance equitable access to rehabilitation services for Albertans affected by cancer. The program works collaboratively with oncology, surgery, radiation oncology, palliative care, psychosocial oncology, allied health, and community partners to deliver patient-centered rehabilitation care that supports recovery, survivorship and quality of life. The Arthur Child is among the largest compressive cancer centers in the world and was designed to integrate multidisciplinary cancer care, research and education under one roof.
Clinical Services
The Cancer Physiatry (Rehab) Program provides specialized rehabilitation consultation and longitudinal management for adults with cancer-related functional impairments. Services are delivered within outpatient oncology clinics and through collaborative interdisciplinary models of care.
Areas of Clinical Focus
The program provides assessment and management for:
- Cancer-related deconditioning and functional decline
- Fatigue and exercise intolerance
- Neurologic complications of cancer and treatment
- Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathies
- Radiation fibrosis and soft tissue dysfunction
- Musculoskeletal pain and biomechanical impairments
- Lymphedema and cancer-related swelling
- Spasticity and mobility impairment
- Cognitive and functional changes affecting return to work or school
- Bone metastasis rehabilitation and mobility optimization
- Pre-treatment counselling and functional optimization
- Advanced cancer rehabilitation
- Adaptive equipment, orthotic and mobility device assessment.
Interdisciplinary Rehabilitation Care
The program collaborates closely with physiotherapy, occupational therapy, recreational therapy, speech-language pathology, exercise oncology, nursing, pharmacy, psychosocial oncology, nutrition and palliative care to deliver integrated rehabilitation interventions tailored to patient goals and disease trajectory.
Provincial and Program Development Initiatives
The Cancer Physiatry Program is actively advancing innovative models of rehabilitation delivery, including:
- Early rehabilitation integration within oncology pathways
- Exercise and rehabilitation models for advanced cancer populations
- Survivorship and return to function initiatives
- Early supportive and community transition models of rehabilitation care
- Virtual and hybrid rehabilitation care delivery
- Development of provincial standards and pathways for cancer rehabilitation access
Strategic Plan
The strategic vision of the Cancer Physiatry Program is to establish rehabilitation as a core component of comprehensive cancer care across Alberta.
Strategic Priorities
- Clinical Excellence and Access
Expand timely access to specialized cancer rehabilitation across Alberta through innovative models of care, integrated triage systems, and interdisciplinary and community collaboration. - Integrated Oncology Rehabilitation
Embed rehabilitation within oncology care pathways from diagnosis through survivorship and advanced disease. Ensure rehabilitation principles are integrated into routine care. - Research and Innovation
Develop a nationally recognized cancer rehabilitation research program focused on pragmatic clinical trials, impairment focused rehabilitation, exercise oncology, survivorship, and advanced cancer rehabilitation. - Education and Capacity Building
Train future leaders in cancer rehabilitation through fellowships, imbedding oncology rehabilitation in post-graduate and medical school curricula and supporting interdisciplinary education and mentorship. - Provincial and National Leadership
Advance advocacy, policy development, and system transformation efforts that improve recognition and integration of rehabilitation within cancer care delivery systems.
Education Programs
The Cancer Physiatry Program is committed to advancing education and training in cancer rehabilitation for physicians, allied health professionals, trainees, and for operational managers. The educational program is designed and led by Dr. George Francis.
Cancer Rehabilitation Fellowship
The program offers a specialized Cancer Rehabilitation Fellowship based at the Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre in affiliation with the University of Calgary. The fellowship provides advanced clinical and academic training in oncology rehabilitation, survivorship, neurologic rehabilitation, procedural interventions, and interdisciplinary care.
Fellows gain experience across diverse cancer populations and participate in scholarly activities, quality improvement initiatives and research programs focused on rehabilitation innovation and functional outcomes.
Undergraduate & Postgraduate Education
Program members contribute extensively to undergraduate medical education, residency training, and interdisciplinary oncology education through lectures, workshops, bedside teaching, and mentorship.
Research Programs
The Cancer Physiatry Program maintains an active and growing academic research portfolio focused on improving functional outcomes and quality of life for individuals affected by cancer. Then program has a special interest in Quality Improvement and Innovation, led by Dr. Arjun Ghuman.
Research Themes
- Cancer Rehabilitation and Functional Outcomes
- Exercise Oncology
- Advanced Cancer Rehabilitation
- Health Services and Implementation Science
- Survivorship and Long-Term Outcomes
Collaborative Research
The program collaborates with clinicians, scientists, and institutional partners across Alberta and nationally to advance interdisciplinary cancer research.