In the fall of 2008, RAACWI awarded its third post-doc to Fergal O'Hagan. Fergal joined the RAACWI initiative in May 2009. He has been working in the field of occupational rehabilitation since 1988 following the completion of a BSc in physical education (Saskatchewan) and a MSc in adapted human biodynamics (McMaster).

Currently, Fergal is a lecturer in the Department of Psychology at Trent University. He recently completed a PhD at the University of Toronto on the subject of work adaptation
of people with cardiac illness. He is also participating in the Work Disability Prevention Strategic Training Program at the Université de Sherbrooke, which is funded by the Canadian Institutes for Health Research.

Fergal is working with Dr. Peri Ballantyne on the Injured Worker Health Survey, which is a large-scale survey undertaken within RAACWI's Health and Well-being Theme. He plans to conduct in-depth interviews with workers to explore how the system, particularly deeming, impacts their health.

Related Research

O'Hagan, F., Thomas, S., Ballantyne, P. "Job strain and return to work with cardiac illness: envisioning an enhanced role for the clinical practitioner" (submitted for publication)

O'Hagan, F.T., Thomas, S.G. "Work Adjustment with Cardiovascular Disease: Job Characteristics and Social Support" (submitted for publication)

Kennett, D.J., O'Hagan, F.T., Cezer, D. (2008) Learned resourcefulness and the long-term benefits of a chronic pain management program. Journal of Mixed Methods Research 4(2):317-339.

Related Grants

O'Hagan, F.T., Steenstra, I., Ammendolia, C. Health Provider and Employer Communication Practices, Centre for Research Expertise on Improving Disability Outcomes, Young Investigator Grant, $7.000 over 1 year.