Convocation ‘26: Pam Hung, PhD in Rehabilitation Science

For Pam Hung, starting a PhD in Rehabilitation Science in 2020 while raising three young children during a global pandemic was a masterclass in balance and perseverance. Returning to academia after years in clinical practice as an occupational therapist, she navigated virtual coursework and school closures, a process that deeply reshaped her perspective on student life. 

In previous roles, Pam had observed that people living with obesity often faced weight-based stigma and societal misconceptions that directly undermined their well-being and health outcomes. She carried this clinical perspective into her doctoral studies, where she focused on the integration of evidence-based obesity and chronic disease management within occupational therapy frameworks

Prioritizing community and connection, Pam found a balance between clinical practice and research, completing her doctorate alongside the growth of her family. Now an assistant professor at the University of Saskatchewan, she is developing the curriculum for their inaugural occupational therapy program. 

Congratulations Pam!

Which faculty, program and department are you graduating from?

A PhD in Rehabilitation Science in the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine. 

What led you to choose this area of study?

Early in my OT career, I was the first occupational therapist to work in an obesity treatment program in Alberta, but there wasn't a lot of research to guide rehabilitation practices in this area. Obesity is a complex chronic disease that is often misunderstood, where people experience bias and stigma which can impact health and well-being. I then had a provincial role supporting health care providers with education and resource development. However, there continued to be gaps in care and barriers for people living with obesity in navigating daily activities. 

I had often considered starting a PhD program, but there just didn't seem to be a right time. Then COVID started, and I decided to just go for it. It turned out to be the right choice because I had opportunities to explore other research areas and do some teaching, which I hadn't been able to do in a full-time clinical role.

What is your favourite memory from your time at the faculty?

Rehabilitation Research Day and the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine (FRM) Symposium were some of my favourite events as a graduate student. The students all had the opportunity to share their research with peers and it was so nice to celebrate all the hard work that we do.

Did you take on any leadership or volunteer roles while you were a student? If so, please share your experiences.

Working in the Rehabilitation Research Centre as a GRA allowed me to connect with several FRM graduate students, learn about all the interesting research that students were doing in the faculty and offer opportunities for students to support each other through writing groups, candidacy exam prep and presentations.

Did you face any significant challenges while you were a student, and if so, how did you respond?

I started my PhD in September 2020 with a two, five and seven-year-old, and I've now finished it with an eight, eleven and 13-year-old! Navigating school closures, graduate coursework as a parent returning to school after a long break and a global pandemic was a lot, but it did give me a new perspective about being a student while trying to juggle a lot of other responsibilities. Even though it was hard to connect with other students with all the virtual work we did, reaching out and finding a few people to share the successes, challenges and experiences was so helpful. Many of these people have now become great friends and colleagues.

What advice do you have for current or future students?

My best advice is to not be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and try something new; that's where you learn the most! Even though graduate student life is busy, taking breaks from work and having outside interests is so important.

How do you plan on celebrating convocation?

We celebrated a bit early with a family trip to Australia last March! But I'm very excited to attend convocation.

What's next after graduation?

In Fall 2025, I started a faculty position at the University of Saskatchewan in the School of Rehabilitation Science. While building my research program, I am also in the midst of developing the curriculum for the inaugural occupational therapy program starting in September 2026, which is a very exciting and unique opportunity.