Dr. Jon Hunter

Our research focus is on understanding what makes people vulnerable to distress during illness, how the medical system can help or harm this adaptation and the best ways to support them and their families.

Together with our colleague, Dr. Bob Maunder, we have explored the relevance of the Attachment System as a foundation for understanding why different events are stressful for different individuals, and how fundamental strategies for managing fear—learned in childhood— can influence how we respond to illness as adults. We have additionally reviewed the relevance of adverse childhood experiences in determining the amplification or suppression of illness behaviour.

Currently at Hennick Bridgepoint Hospital, part of Sinai Health, in collaboration with colleagues in Hospitalist Medicine and Nursing, we are exploring patient reports of complex continuing care. Our goal is to better understand and appreciate their experiences and to modify demanding and time-consuming care practices to optimize the experience of patients and staff. This work focuses on the concept of the ‘therapeutic alliance’—the agreed-upon goals and strategies of a therapy, contextualized by a mutually trusting relationship. It is a multidisciplinary, participant-inclusive research project.

We have also explored the clinician side of medical care, most recently in a series of investigations here at Sinai Health  on the stress imposed by COVID-19 and its long-term impact.