Jana Dengler

MD, MASc, MHSc
Affiliate Scientist, Hand and Peripheral Nerve Surgeon
jana.dengler@sunnybrook.ca

Research Assistant:

Juliet Buenaventura
Phone: 416-480-6731

Dr. Dengler’s research program focuses on improving access to care, processes of care, and outcomes in peripheral nerve injuries. She has a special interest in improving upper extremity function in people living with cervical spinal cord injury, and is a national leader on the use of nerve transfers in spinal cord injury. With a Master’s in Knowledge Translation, Dr. Dengler strives to bring modern treatment paradigms for nerve injuries and spinal cord injuries to healthcare providers and affected patients globally. Dr. Dengler has been the recipient of numerous awards for her academic and research work, and is the author of many peer-reviewed publications.

Education

  • B.A.Sc., 2006, Chemical Engineering, Queen’s University
  • M.A.Sc., 2009, Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto
  • M.D., 2013, Doctor of Medicine, University of Toronto
  • M.H.Sc., 2021, Translational Research, University of Toronto

Appointments & Affiliations

  • Affiliate Scientist, Evaluative Clinical Sciences, Sunnybrook Research Institute,
  • Assistant Professor, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto,
  • Hand and Peripheral Nerve Surgeon, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Tory Trauma Program, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre,
  • Courtesy Staff Privileges, Division of Plastic Surgery, St Michael’s Hospital,
  • Courtesy Staff Privileges, Division of Plastic Surgery, University Health Network,

Research Foci

  • Knowledge Translation Health Services Research

Affiliated Labs & Programs

Selected Publications

  1. Zaidman M, Novak CB, Midha R, Dengler J. Epidemiology of Peripheral Nerve and Brachial Plexus Injuries in a Trauma Population. Can J Surg. 2024 May-Jun; 67(3): E261–E268.

  2. Dengler J, Steeves JD, Curt, C, Mehra M, Novak CB, Fox IK. Spontaneous Motor Recovery After Cervical Spinal Cord Injury: Issues for Nerve Transfer Surgery Decision Making. Spinal Cord. 2022 Oct;60(10):922-927. doi: 10.1038/s41393-022-00834-6

  3. Yeung C, Salim S, Fox IK, Novak CB, Dengler J. Identifying Barriers to Upper Extremity Reconstruction in Tetraplegia: A Scoping Review. Spinal Cord. 2021 Oct;59(10):1088-1095. doi: 10.1038/s41393-021-00631-7.

  4. Dengler J, Mehra M, Steeves JD, Department of Defence (DOD) Group, European Multicenter Study of Spinal Cord Injury (EMSCI) Group, Fox IK. Range of Functional Independence in Cervical-Level Spinal Cord Injury: Implications for Peripheral Nerve Transfer Surgery To Restore Upper Limb Function. J Hand Surg Am. 2021 Jul;46(7):621.e1-621.e17. doi: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2020.10.036.

  5. Dengler J, Padavano W, Davidge K, McKay V, Yee A, Mackinnon SE. Dissemination and Implementation Science in Plastic Surgery: Protecting and Promoting the Innovation that Defines our Specialty. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2021 Feb; 147(2):303e-313e. doi: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000007492.

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