Meet IPRC Fellowship Recipient Peter Emary

MEET IPRC FELLOWSHIP RECIPIENT PETER EMARY

"Ever since the age of five, all I ever talked about while growing up was being a Doctor of Chiropractic - just like my dad," says Peter Emary, recipient of the 2024 Institute for Pain Research & Care fellowship.

Raised in Cambridge, Ontario by his mother, Marilyn, and father, Dr. Bruce Emary, Peter spent his summers playing baseball and his winters downhill skiing. "I also grew up a die-hard Toronto Maple Leafs fan," he added. He's still a die-hard Leafs fan, but now his favourite thing to do when he's not working is spend time with his wife and three daughters - whether it's camping, fishing, playing board games or just watching movies together.

Peter's desire to help others led him beyond clinical practice and into pain research. Under the mentorship of Professor Jason W. Busse, he completed his PhD in Health Research Methodology at McMaster University in August 2022. "Professor Busse and his team do phenomenal work," said Peter. It was the opportunity to continue to work with Dr. Busse and learn from him that drew him to a fellowship with the IPRC. "I feel very fortunate to have this opportunity," he added.

As a chiropractor, Peter finds great fulfillment in working directly with patients, using hands-on therapy and exercise to help manage musculoskeletal pain. However, he is also aware of the barriers many socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals face in accessing private health services like chiropractic care. "That’s what motivates me most about pain research— improving access to care, especially for underserved communities," he explained.

Since beginning his fellowship, Peter has gained valuable experience in primary and secondary research design, as well as statistical analysis. Beyond technical skills, the collaboration and partnerships have been monumental in advancing meaningful research. "The opportunities and support that Professor Busse has given me to develop research ideas aligning with my clinical interests has been the most rewarding part of my role," he said.

Looking ahead, Peter is committed to continuing his work in pain research, with a particular focus on integrating chiropractic and medical care for patients with spinal pain. "I plan to explore future definitive trials on the effectiveness and cost-utility of this approach in community health centers, primary care settings, and Canadian Armed Forces bases," he shared.

For those interested in working with the IPRC, Peter has this advice: "Take advantage of everything the IPRC offers—Trainee Hub, symposiums, social events, and collaboration opportunities. There’s so much to learn and contribute."