In the ranks of Canada’s leading physiotherapists, Paul Stratford is a pioneer in evidence-based practice. A Professor of Epidemiology and Biostatistics in the Faculty of Health Sciences at McMaster University and Associate on the Scientific and Affiliate staff of Sunnybrook and Women’s College Health Sciences Centre, Paul is well-known for his work in the clinical application of measurement to the field of rehabilitation. Our “measurement/statistical guru” is how colleagues on Physiotherapy Canada’s editorial team describe Paul. An accomplished researcher and clinician, he is the recipient of an unprecedented five Silver Quill Awards from the Canadian Physiotherapy Association. Paul has dedicated his life’s work to creating new tools to enhance the physiotherapy profession in Canada and internationally.

Paul’s career as teacher, clinician, researcher and consultant began after he was awarded a Diploma in Physiotherapy from Mohawk and a Certificate in Physiotherapy in 1974. While working as a clinician, Paul pursued his studies attaining a Master of Science Degree in Epidemiology from McMaster University in Hamilton in 1980. An accomplished Physiotherapist, Paul has practiced as Staff and Senior Physiotherapist at McMaster University; Coordinator of the Athletic Injuries Clinic at Mohawk College and Clinical Consultant at St. Joseph’s Hospital Physiotherapy Department.

In the classroom, Paul is a leader. He has been a teaching Master and Professor of Physiotherapy at Mohawk College. Since 1984, he has held a wide variety of progressively responsible teaching positions at McMaster University, including appointments as Assistant Professor in the School of Rehabilitation Science and the Department of Medicine and Associate Professor in the School of Rehabilitation Science. For three years, Paul was Coordinator of Clinical Health Sciences for the Rehabilitation Science Graduate Program. Paul’s influence is wide reaching. He has been invited to speak throughout North America, leading countless workshops designed to educate practicing clinicians on how to integrate evidence into practice.

Paul’s research, editorial and consulting experience is equally impressive. He is the prolific author of over 85 peer reviewed publications, the winner of five Silver Quill Awards from Physiotherapy Canada and an editorial contributor to numerous professional journals. He is an exam consultant with the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators and an external grant reviewer with the Physiotherapy Foundation of Canada – a role he has enjoyed for over 20 years.

Paul’s education at Mohawk College permitted him to blend his passion for physiotherapy, athletics and teaching and to build an outstanding career and life on a foundation of learning, leadership and citizenship.