Wood Forum

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Join us on Saturday, November 8, at the Wood Forum 2025, "Strength in Science: Exercise for Bone and Joint Health". We'll unlock the science behind exercise and its impact on bone and joint health. Step behind the lab doors with Calgary’s top researchers from the McCaig Institute as they share their groundbreaking studies just for you. Whether you're an avid fitness enthusiast or simply eager to enhance your health, this event offers a rare chance to gain insights directly from the experts.

Registration for this FREE public event opens in early September!

Midlife Momentum: The Power of Strength Training Through the Menopausal Transition

Dr. Leigh Gabel, MD

Talk synopsis coming soon!

Dr. Leigh Gabel is an assistant professor in the Faculty of Kinesiology at the University of Calgary. Her research explores how physical activity and exercise influence musculoskeletal health across the lifespan, with a focus on critical periods of bone development and loss, such as adolescence and menopause. Using advanced medical imaging, she aims to understand how movement can enhance bone accrual and prevent bone decline.

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Dr. Matt Jordan, PhD, CSCS

Our independence depends largely on healthy muscles—but aging and injury can quietly chip away at that. The good news? Muscle isn’t passive; it responds to stress at any age. While we often think of training as building size or strength, after decades working with athletes I’ve learned power—the ability to move quickly and forcefully—matters too. It helps Olympians win medals and older adults cross the street safely. Science shows we can train power into our 90s. It’s never too late to start—the best time is now.

Dr. Matt Jordan is an assistant professor in the Faculty of Kinesiology at the University of Calgary, where he co-leads the Integrative Neuromuscular Sport Performance Lab. His research focuses on neuromuscular adaptations to strength training and strategies to prevent repeat traumatic knee injuries. With experience consulting across six Olympic Winter Games and major professional leagues, he bridges science and practice to advance athlete health and performance.

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Dr. Laurie Hiemstra, MD, PhD

Talk synopsis coming soon!

Dr. Laurie Hiemstra is a clinical professor in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Calgary and an orthopaedic surgeon specializing in sport medicine knee ligament injuries. Her research focuses on ACL reconstruction, patellofemoral instability, and strategies to prevent secondary injury and improve surgical outcomes. She is also a leader in advancing gender diversity and inclusion in orthopaedics through international collaborations and organizations.

Title Coming Soon

Dr. Lauren Beaupre, PhD

Talk synopsis coming soon!

Dr. Lauren Beaupre is a professor and the Dr. David Magee Endowed Chair in Musculoskeletal Research in the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of Alberta, with a joint appointment in Orthopaedic Surgery. Her research focuses on outcomes and health services for people living with arthritis or recovering from joint replacement, with a particular emphasis on improving access to musculoskeletal care for rural populations through virtual rehabilitation.

Wood Forum History

The Wood Forum is supported through the Wood Joint Research Fund which honours the memories of Dr. John and Mrs. Christena Wood. The forums were designed to enhance public awareness of the causes, consequences and prevention of joint injury and disease, and to provide an opportunity to discuss the latest research findings with leaders in the field. The Wood Research Fund continues this legacy.