Dr. Sarah Oosman BSc, BScPT, MSc, PhD
Associate Professor School of Rehabilitation Science and Researcher - Canadian Centre for Rural and Agricultural Health (CCRAH), Saskatchewan Population Health & Evaluation Research Unit (SPHERU), nātawihowin & mamawiikikayaahk research, training, mentorship network (SK-NEIHR)Research Area(s)
- Indigenous health research (culturally grounded research, community-driven participatory action research)
- Physiotherapy practice and pedagogy research (Scholarship of Teaching and Learning - SoTL; health justice, cultural humility and anti-oppression in physiotherapy profession)
- Intervention science and implementation research
- Mixed research methods (quantitative and qualitative)
- Health promotion (culturally informed approaches, intergenerational approaches, interdisciplinary approaches, interprofessional approaches)
- Population health (obesity prevention, Type 2 Diabetes, chronic conditions)
Bio
Dr. Sarah Oosman is an Associate Professor in the School of Rehabilitation Science. Her research focuses on Indigenous health equity, anti-oppressive practice, and community-driven approaches to health and wellness. She partners with Métis and First Nations communities to co-create culturally grounded programs across the lifespan, including healthy aging in place(s) and prevention of chronic conditions such as Type 2 diabetes.
Sarah’s community-led, relational and interdisciplinary/interprofessional approach is guided by a commitment to equity, reconciliation, and intergenerational wellbeing. She integrates experiential research knowledge into physical therapy teaching and learning spaces. Through mentorship and collaboration, she works to bridge Indigenous and western/academic knowledges in ways that transform health systems and nurture the next generation of researchers and practitioners in Indigenous health.
Knowledge Translation and Media
- Oosman, S. & Cheecham-Uhrich, D. Re-storying and humanizing research and practice to mobilize reconciliation in health care. [Invited Keynote] LungSask’s Inspired Breathing Conference, Saskatoon SK. (February 2025).
- Oosman, S., Stavness, C., Gorman, K., Reena, S. & Epp, L. Creating Courageous Spaces: A Workshop on Applying Anti-Oppressive Pedagogy in Higher Education. [3 hour Workshop]. Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education Conference, Saskatoon SK. (June 2025).
- New Zealand Health Research Council - International Advisory Board Member for 5-year program of research entitled Taunakitanga Takitini: reframing self-management support for all in Aotearoa. Health Research Council of New Zealand/New Zealand Government, July 2023-July 2028
- Oosman S, Stavness C. An OT and PT Explore SoTL: The Start of a Transformative Journey in Decolonizing Curriculum in a School of Rehabilitation Science. Imagining SoTL, 4(2): 15-38.
- Oosman S, Nazarali J, Potter J, Schroeder L, Sehn M, Stout K, Durocher L, Roy T & Abonyi S. (2019). Essential elements for advancing cultural humility through a community-based physical therapy practicum in a Métis community. Physiotherapy Canada, 71(2): 146-157.
- Wuskiwy-tan! (Let’s Move!): Aging Well in a Northern Saskatchewan (Canada) Métis Community “Our Culture and Traditions are Important to Aging Well”.