Ellen Song

My CHEO Story

My story with CHEO began when I was thirteen, when I tore my ACL during a soccer game. Over the next five years, I would undergo three surgeries after retearing my ACL, countless visits to the Orthopedic and Hematology clinics, and a year’s worth of physiotherapy. Without the fantastic team of doctors, nurses, and physiotherapists, I would have never been able to return to everyday life and sport pain-free. I am beyond thankful for the incredible healthcare professionals who treated me and have inspired me to pursue a career in healthcare myself.

Areas of Interest

  • Concussion
  • Cancer
  • Rare Disease
  • Genetics
  • Neonatal Intensive Care
  • Pain

Why I'm involved

While I was a patient at CHEO, I gained an appreciation for the importance of clinical research in improving patient outcomes. My healthcare team did not only consist of the medical professionals who treated me, but also included the many scientists who performed critical research to determine the best practices for my recovery. Even during the four years between my first and last surgeries, new research in ACL rehabilitation emerged and informed improvements to my recovery plan the second time around. I am grateful to now have the opportunity to contribute my lived experience to the life-saving research conducted at the CHEO Research Institute.

Areas of Interest

My Role

  • PFAC 2021-2023
  • Research Reviewer
  • Research Advisor – Research Champion Program
  • Co-author of RI Guidebook

Milestones