At Fowler Kennedy Sport Medicine Clinic, research plays a vital role in advancing patient care and improving outcomes for individuals with musculoskeletal injuries. Behind many of these innovative research initiatives is Ashley Ambrose, Research Coordinator, whose passion for research and sport has shaped a rewarding career dedicated to evidence-based care.
Supporting Research That Makes a Difference
Ashley is involved in a diverse range of clinical research initiatives at Fowler Kennedy, coordinating multi-centre clinical trials, investigator-initiated studies, and long-term outcomes research in orthopaedic sport medicine.
“The research program at Fowler Kennedy is internationally recognized as a premier centre of excellence in orthopaedic surgery, sport medicine, and musculoskeletal research,” Ashley explains.
Working alongside surgeons, physicians, physiotherapists, scientists, and trainees, Ashley helps support research spanning surgical innovation, rehabilitation science, biomechanics, and patient-reported outcomes. The shared goal is to generate high-quality evidence that improves patient care and advances treatment options for people with musculoskeletal injuries around the world.
A Passion for Discovery
Ashley discovered her passion for research after completing her Master’s degree at Western University.
“I was fascinated by the opportunity to ask meaningful questions, challenge existing practices, and generate evidence that could lead to better patient care,” she says.
What inspired her most was the ability to take an innovative idea, investigate it through collaboration, and ultimately see those findings translated into real improvements in clinical practice. For Ashley, research offers the opportunity to continually learn while making a meaningful impact on healthcare.
Finding Purpose Through Collaboration
For Ashley, one of the most rewarding aspects of working in orthopaedic sport medicine research is combining two lifelong passions: research and sport.
No two days are ever the same. Whether she’s coordinating a clinical trial, collaborating with surgeons to develop a new study, meeting with patients, or mentoring trainees through their research projects, each day presents new opportunities to learn and contribute.
One of her favourite parts of the job is seeing a project through every stage—from an initial research question to a completed study that has the potential to influence patient care worldwide.
“It’s especially meaningful to work directly with patients and participants, many of whom I can relate to through my own involvement in sports and physical activity,” Ashley says. “Being able to contribute to research that helps people return to the activities they love makes the work even more fulfilling.”
She also values the collaborative culture shared between Fowler Kennedy and Lawson Health Research Institute, where clinicians, researchers, students, and research staff work together toward a common goal of improving patient outcomes through innovation and evidence-based care.
Life Beyond the Clinic
Outside of work, Ashley enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter, and their two golden retrievers. Staying active has always been an important part of her life, and she participates in a variety of sports, including running, volleyball, ringette, golf, softball, hockey, and soccer.
She also enjoys coaching youth sports, helping young athletes build both their skills and confidence.
“Staying active outside of work helps me maintain balance and is one of the reasons I’m so passionate about research that enables others to safely return to the sports and activities they enjoy.”
Words to Live By
When asked about the best career advice she’s ever received, Ashley’s answer is simple but powerful:
“Make sure you genuinely enjoy what you do every day.”
She believes that finding a career that is both challenging and meaningful naturally inspires continuous learning and personal growth.
“In research, that passion is especially important because every study has the potential to make a meaningful difference in patients’ lives. Knowing that our work can contribute to improving care for future patients is what continues to inspire me every day.”
Through her dedication, curiosity, and commitment to improving patient care, Ashley is helping shape the future of orthopaedic sport medicine research—one study at a time.
Interested in learning more about research at Fowler Kennedy? See below.