John Wong, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the School of Nursing and the Department of Occupational Therapy in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences at MGH Institute of Health Professions. He obtained his BA (Biology) from New College of the University of South Florida, Sarasota, FL and is PhD (Biochemistry & Cell Biology) from Rice University, Houston, TX. Before coming to the Institute, he carried out postdoctoral research at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) and Emory University.
Dr. Wong currently teaches nursing and occupational therapy students in research-related courses. He employs teaching strategies in active learning using a learner-centered approach. In 2019 and 2020, he took nursing and occupational therapy students to China for global health immersion after helping to establish an academic exchange program between IHP and a private hospital in China.
Dr. Wong has over 50 publications in peer-reviewed journals and was a co-author of numerous peer-reviewed or invited presentations. He provides support in quantitative research methods to students and faculty in our Direct Entry Masters of Science in Nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice, Entry-Level Doctor of Occupational Therapy, and Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy programs and has served on a dissertation committee in our Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program.
Regarding his service at the institute level, Dr. Wong has completed training as an equity advocate and was a former Chair of the Faculty Senate. At the school level, he currently serves on the School of Nursing's Awards & Recognition Committee and Evaluation Committee, and the Department of Occupational Therapy's ADE Steering Committee.
- BA, Biology, New College of the University of South Florida, Sarasota, FL
- PhD, Biochemistry & Cell Biology, Rice University, Houston, TX
Dr. Wong’s research focuses on cell signaling, inflammation, stress, and health outcomes. He studies the role of stress-induced biochemical signaling pathways in the development of inflammatory diseases and inflammation-mediated diseases. Dr. Wong also examines the risk factors, clinical assessments, and interventions of neurological disorders. He his currently collaborating with researchers at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and several institutions in China.
Dr. Wong collaborates with IHP faculty and students from different disciplines, as well as researchers at other MGB institutions and in China, as reflected by his recent publications. His body of work has been cited over 2000 times and has enhanced our understanding about neurological disorders, rehabilitation, inflammation, and issues around justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. Some of Dr. Wong's publications are highlighted below. You can view a complete listing of Dr. Wong's publications on Google Scholar or in his CV.
Representation of dark skin tones in foundational nursing textbooks: An image analysis.
In addition, Dr. Wong regularly presents at conferences and industry events. Please see his CV for a complete list of presentations.
Implementing mentorship program for new graduate nurses in perioperative setting at the Eastern Nursing Research Society 36th Annual Scientific Sessions.
Focus on functional cognition: OT evaluation of adults with advanced heart failure at the 2024 American Occupational Therapy Association Conference.
Relationship between play & self- esteem for children with disabilities at the 2024 American Occupational Therapy Association Conference.
Image analysis of dark skin tone in foundational nursing textbook at the Massachusetts/Rhode Island League for Nursing Fall Conference.
Occupational therapy pre-operative evaluation of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) candidates: A new standard of care to focus on function at the American Association of Heart Failure Nurses Conference.
