Harrowsmith, Ontario
Dr. Aiken is a Canadian Armed Forces Veteran who served 14 years in the Royal Canadian Navy. She is the Scientific Director of the Canadian Institute for Military and Veteran Health Research (CIMVHR). As a university professor of rehabilitation therapy, Dr. Aiken is the driving force of the Institute. Her vision and passion for the establishment of a community-focussed organization for the health of military personnel and Veterans has enabled her to contribute to the creation and growth of the CIMVHR with the full support of Veterans Affairs Canada and the Department of National Defence. In order to fulfill CIMVHR’s vision, Dr. Aiken has effectively advocated for the Institute and focussed her small team’s efforts on building support and partnerships with individuals and organizations, including the Canadian Medical Association, the True Patriot Love Foundation, the Rick Hansen Institute, the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, the Royal Canadian Legion (RCL) and the Congress of Social Sciences and Humanities. Through her leadership, selflessness and team-building skills, CIMVHR has created opportunities for stakeholders, researchers, military and civilian personnel, representing both the academic and Veteran communities, to collaborate, at its annual Military and Veteran Health Research Forum and through the new Journal of Military, Veteran and Family Health. CIMVHR is making a positive contribution to Veterans’ policy and health practices across Canada and is comprised of more than 35 universities and 550 researchers.