Dr. Melissa Andersen MD, MPT, FRCPC

Dr. Melissa Andersen is fully certified as a specialist in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Canada working within the Regina area of the Saskatchewan Health Authority. She is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Saskatchewan and participates in teaching undergraduate and postgraduate medical learners at the University of Saskatchewan. Within the department, she also holds a leadership position as the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Wellness Lead.

Dr. Andersen received a Bachelor of Science, studying Biochemistry and Biology, from the University of Regina in 2008. She volunteered at the Wascana Rehabilitation Centre and as an Athletic trainer furthering her interest in rehabilitation and sports medicine. She completed a Master’s in Physical Therapy from the School of Physical Therapy at the University of Saskatchewan in 2010. She then graduated from the College of Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan in 2014. She completed her Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Residency at the University of Saskatchewan in 2022, training at both the Regina and Saskatoon sites. She was born and raised in Regina and is happy to now be raising her own family here as well. 

Outside of medicine she enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, yoga, cycling, gardening, reading, pottery, and travel.

• FRCPC (Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Canada) - Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, University of Saskatchewan - 2022
• MD (Doctor of Medicine) - University of Saskatchewan - 2014
• MPT (Master of Physical Therapy) - University of Saskatchewan - 2010
• BSc (Bachelor of Science) - University of Regina – 2008 (with Great Distinction)

• Medical Education
• Physician Wellness
• Multiple Sclerosis

• Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Research Award - University of Saskatchewan - 2018
• Resident Doctors of Saskatchewan:  Dr. Brad Ardell Spirit Award – Awarded to the resident at the University of Saskatchewan who best exemplifies the “true prairie spirit” - hard working, positive spirit, integrity, and compassion for others. - 2017
• Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Award - University of Saskatchewan - 2014
• Drs. Epstein and Schnurr Award in Integrative Medicine - University of Saskatchewan - 2014
• Valedictorian, College of Medicine Class of 2014 - University of Saskatchewan - 2014
• Leadership Award in Medicine - University of Saskatchewan - 2013
• Spirit of the University of Saskatchewan College of Medicine - University of Saskatchewan - 2013
• Spirit of the Class of 2014 - University of Saskatchewan - 2014
• V. J. Cottrell Award, School of Physical Therapy - University of Saskatchewan - 2010
• Marj Braid Award for outstanding achievement in Orthopaedics - University of Saskatchewan - 2009

• Musculoskeletal Medicine and Rehabilitation
• Sports Medicine
• Neuromuscular Medicine and Electrodiagnostics (EMG)
• Spasticity Management
• Medical Education
• Physician Wellness

• Stacey A, D’Eon M, Andersen M, Koehncke N, Campoli J, Thompson G, Riou K. Warning: medical education is hazardous to your mental health. Medical students should make an informed decision to begin and continue training. Can. Med. Ed. J [Internet]. 2022 Jun. 14 [cited 2022 Sep. 21];13(5):39-44. Available from: https://journalhosting.ucalgary.ca/index.php/cmej/article/view/73959
• D'Eon M, Thompson G, Stacey A, Campoli J, Riou K, Andersen M, Koehncke N. The alarming situation of medical student mental health. Can Med Educ J. 2021 Jun 30;12(3):176-178. doi: 10.36834/cmej.70693. PMID: 34249209; PMCID: PMC8263039.
• The Multiple Sclerosis Best Evidence-Based Strategies and Treatment/Therapies for Rehabilitation (MSBEST) project - Andersen M, Knox K, Nickel D, Mirkowski M, McIntyre A, Bayley M, Bruno T, on behalf of the MSBEST Team. (2019). Team-Based Rehabilitation: Functional and Quality of Life Outcomes. Multiple Sclerosis Best Evidence-Based Strategies and Treatment/Therapies for Rehabilitation. Version 1.0: p. 1-48. Available from: https://kite-uhn.com/msbest/modules/team-based-rehabilitation-functional-and-quality-life-outcomes 
• Nickel D, Spink K, Andersen M, Knox K. Attributions and self-efficacy for physical activity in multiple sclerosis. Psychology, Health & Medicine. 2013. pp 1-9.

• D'Eon M, Thompson G, Stacey A, Campoli J, Riou K, Andersen M, Koehncke N. A comprehensive public health approach to medical student mental health. Medical Education Research and Scholarship Day Oral Presentation. 2019.
• Team-based Rehabilitation in Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review of Self-Care Outcomes. PM&R Grand Rounds, University of Saskatchewan. 2017.
• Nickel D, Spink K, Andersen M, Knox K. “Predicting Confidence to be Active with MS.” Invited Poster Presentation at the 2013 CAPM&R/ APQ Annual Scientific Meeting. 2013.
• Andersen M, Tenaski R, Pederson K, Poonja Z. “A Grassroots Approach to Living Well in Medicine: A Week of Wellness Initiatives.” Invited Presenter at the Canadian Conference on Medical Education. 2013.
• Leadership in Medicine. Invited Lecturer, Civic Professionalism. (MED 103.2. Course Coordinator: Marcel D’Eon). University of Saskatchewan College of Medicine. 2012.
• Andersen M, Knox K, Nickel D. Are rehabilitation patients active enough? Why or why not? Poster Presentation, U of S College of Medicine Fall Poster Day.
• Andersen M, Vangool A, Guidinger J, Lange J, and Schwartz K. The Effect of Interventions Designed to Increase Adherence to Therapeutic Regimes on Direct Measures of Adherence in Adults with Chronic Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review. U of S School of Physical Therapy Research Day. 2012