Dr. Kristina Kokorelias

PhD
Translational Research Scientist

Department of Medicine (Geriatrics), Mount Sinai Hospital

Supporting older adults and caregivers across the care and illness trajectory

Our program of research focuses on improving health systems that can better meet the needs of people living with complex health conditions, including older adults and their caregivers. Our goal is to help build a health system that is inclusive, responsive and focused on supporting people’s health and well-being.

We examine how patients and caregivers navigate hospitals, long-term care, and community services, paying close attention to where care can be fragmented. We explore how social, cultural and structural factors influence people’s experiences and outcomes, and we collaborate closely with patients, families and healthcare professionals to design solutions that address real-world needs.

By grounding our research in lived experience and collaborating with healthcare teams, patients, caregivers and decision-makers, we aim to make care easier to navigate, more coordinated, and more responsive.

Telephone
Contact

Email: [email protected]

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Location

Suite 18, 600 University Avenue
Toronto, M5G 1X5

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Accordion Items
  • 2025–present; Translational Research Scientist, Department of Medicine (Geriatrics), Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto
  • 2023–present; Assistant Professor (Status) Institute for Life Course and Aging, Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto
  • 2023–present; Assistant Professor (Status) Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto
  • 2022–present; Assistant Professor (Status) Occupational Sciences and Occupational Therapy, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto
     
  • Postdoctoral fellowship with Dr. Sander L. Hitzig, Sunnybrook Health Sciences, Toronto; 2020–2022
  • PhD, Rehabilitation Sciences Institute with Dr. Jill I. Cameron, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto; 2016–2021
  • MSc, Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Health and Aging Specialization) with Dr. Maurita Kloseck, Faculty of Health Sciences, Western University, London, Canada; 2014–2016  
  • BA, Gerontology (Sociology minor) with Dr. Ellen B. Ryan, Department of Health, Aging and Society, Faculty of Social Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada; 2010–2014  
  • 2025–2026 – AMS Healthcare Fellow in Compassion and Artificial Intelligence
  • 2026 – Travel Award – Institute Community Support , Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
  • 2025–2026 – Junior Investigator Career Salary Award, The Ontario HIV Treatment Network
  • 2023 – Hunter Prize Recipient, The Hub
  • 2021 – Seniors’ Mental Health Outstanding Care & Integrative Practice Award, The Canadian Coalition for Seniors’ Mental Health/Canadian Academy of Geriatric Society

We are always looking for motivated researchers to join our team.

Graduate students  
Our research group is part of the Rehabilitation Sciences Institute at the Temerty Faculty of Medicine at U of T, which requires that a supervisor be identified before admission to the graduate program. Graduate students interested in doing a MSc or PhD in the laboratory/group should first contact Dr. Kristina Kokorelias directly at [email protected] or [email protected].  

Postdocs 
Our research group is always interested in recruiting highly motivated postdoctoral fellows with a strong publication record in qualitative research methodologies, co-design, implementation science and health equity. Please forward your CV, references and research interests to [email protected]

Notable publications

The work of faith care: An interpretive phenomenological analysis on the role of spirituality and religion in diabetes self-management among black older adults in the Greater Toronto Area

The Science of Diabetes Self-Management and Care, 2026

Identifying misrepresented participants in qualitative research through culturally aware and action-oriented strategies

Qualitative Inquiry, 2026

What do I want my providers to know? Co-designing education with older adults with HIV

Patient Education and Counseling, 2026

“It's like it's the old boys club”—the age-related experiences of diverse older women living with HIV: A scoping review and consultative exercise

HIV Medicine, 2024

Towards a universal model of family centered care: a scoping review

BMC Health Services Research, 2019

Join our team

Visit our job board to see research positions.