We are an outpatient clinic created specifically for patients living with chronic pain who have tried other pain management treatments and strategies without success. They often have complex medical histories or have been in serious accidents, and are suffering from the physical, emotional and social impacts of chronic pain.
The Comprehensive Pain clinic is run by SPARC, which is part of the KITE Research Institute, the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute and UHN. Many of our staff are also affiliated with the University of Toronto and supervise and mentor clinical students within the clinic. We use evidence based rehabilitation practices and cutting edge methods to create individualized care plans that help people improve their functioning and get back to their lives.
The Comprehensive Pain Clinic treats pain and common co-occuring conditions using a holistic approach. Our interpersonal team of physicians, nurses, chiropractors, kinesiologists, neuropsychologists, social workers, psychotherapists, and occupational therapists.
Patients can be referred by physicians, case managers, internal and external clinics, personal injury law firms and insurers. For more information, reach out to SparcClinic@uhn.ca or click here for our referral forms.
Dr. Dinesh Kumbhare is Director for the Schroeder Pain Assessment and Rehabilitation Research Centre (SPARC), part of the KITE Research Institute. He is a scientist at the KITE Research Institute and the Schroeder Chair in Pain Assessment and Rehabilitation at Toronto Rehabilitation Institute.
He is a Professor and Clinician Scientist in the Department of Medicine at the University of Toronto within the Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. He is cross-appointed to the Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education and Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation at the University of Toronto.
Dr. Kumbhare is a physiatrist with expertise in chronic pain management, myofascial pain syndrome, electromyography and quantitative imaging. He obtained his Doctor of Medicine from Dalhousie University, his MSc in Health Research Management from McMaster University and his PhD in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Toronto.
Maggie Szeto is the Program Manager for the Schroeder Pain Assessment and Rehabilitation Research Centre (SPARC). She oversees the department’s operations and leads its interdisciplinary team of clinicians and researchers. As manager for the program, she has led the development and launch of different clinical services since SPARC opened. She drives process improvement initiatives using data analytics and strategic growth opportunities that will expand patient services and remove barriers to timely care. She has expertise in good clinical practices and clinical trial implementation, and experience in project management, education and corporate training. She obtained an Honours Bachelor of Science degree in Human Biology from the University of Toronto, a Bachelors of Education from Western University and is a member of the Ontario College of Teachers.
Dr. Dinesh Kumbhare is an Associate Professor and Clinician Scientist in the Department of Medicine at the University of Toronto within the Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. He is a scientist at KITE Research Institute and the Schroeder Chair in Pain Assessment and Rehabilitation at Toronto Rehabilitation Institute. He is cross-appointed to the Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education and Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation at the University of Toronto. Dr. Kumbhare is a physiatrist with expertise in chronic pain management, myofascial pain syndrome, electromyography and quantitative imaging. He obtained his Doctor of Medicine from Dalhousie University, his MSc in Health Research Management from McMaster University and his PhD in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Toronto.
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Tashi Tashi is a registered nurse with experience working with patients suffering from musculoskeletal disorders, and helping patients recover from orthopedic surgeries, medically complex conditions such as oncology-related illness, acute or persistent pain conditions, and recent organ transplants. He obtained his Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Trent University.
Bethany is a Registered Kinesiologist with a knack for optimizing patient care. Upon graduating from the University of Toronto's Faculty of Kinesiology, Bethany has focused her career on injury rehabilitation, prehabilitation, and lifestyle intervention. Her approach to care is nurturing, empathetic and empowering. Having worked in a variety of populations, including spinal trauma at Sunnybrook Hospital, perinatal wellness, geriatric rehabilitation, sports injury, motor vehicle collision and more - Bethany is well-equipped to craft tailored treatment plans and make a positive impact on her patient's well-being.
Dr. Carla Ciraco is a chiropractor at the Schroeder Pain Assessment and Rehabilitation Centre (SPARC) at Toronto Rehabilitation Institute (TRI). Dr. Ciraco is trained to assess and treat acute and chronic pain utilizing the latest evidence-based techniques. She has worked with a variety of patients from car accident patients to athletes, with expertise in spinal manipulation, manual therapy, therapeutic exercise and injury prevention. Dr. Ciraco obtained her Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree at D'Youville University in Buffalo, NY and her Bachelor's of Kinesiology (BKin) at the University of Toronto.
Dr. Eliyas Jeffay is a Clinical Neuropsychologist at the SPARC clinic within Toronto Rehab at KITE. He obtained his Ph.D. from the University of Toronto and successfully completed a post-doctoral fellowship at Toronto Rehab. His responsibilities encompass conducting neuropsychological assessments and overseeing online group-based therapies tailored to enhance metacognitive strategies, aimed at enhancing functional outcomes for individuals coping with chronic pain. Additionally, he actively engages in research to investigate predictors of optimal outcomes and psychological treatments for the management of chronic pain.
Kate Kostukovsky is a Psychometrist at the Schroeder Pain Assessment and Rehabilitation Centre (SPARC) at Toronto Rehabilitation Institute. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology at York University, as well as her Social Service Worker diploma at Seneca College. Kate is experienced in working with a wide variety of populations, such as children, adolescents and adults. She specializes in administering psychoeducational testing, neuropsychological testing, as well as testing for developmental disabilities with Developmental Services Ontario. Kate is passionate about working with diverse populations to assist individuals in accessing the necessary support and care services they require to lead a meaningful life.
Sarah is a registered social worker, psychotherapist with the Schroeder Pain Assessment and Rehabilitation Centre (SPARC) at the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute (TRI). She has a passion for collaborating with people experiencing illness, pain and disability to enhance their mental health and well-being. She works with individuals and groups, provides education, engages in research and advocates for both the needs of her patients and for positive systemic change.
Sarah has a Master of Social Work from the University of Toronto and a Master of Arts in Sociology with a focus on health from Wilfrid Laurier University. She currently serves as a board member of the Ontario chapter of the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science. In addition to her clinical work, she has held roles within health services research, ethics and quality improvement.
During rush hour, the 142 bus goes along University Avenue
505 Dundas - University stop, and walk one block north up University Avenue
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Queen's Park subway station or St. Patrick subway station, on the University branch of the Yonge-University-Spadina line (Line 1)
You can drop people off at the Elm Street entrance.
University Centre does not have its own parking lot. However, there are several public parking garages close by, including on Murray Street (directly behind University Centre).
Street parking is restricted on the streets around our hospitals. Some street parking is available on nearby side streets. Please read parking signs carefully.
Frequent patients, families, and visitors of Toronto Rehab - University Centre are eligible for discounted parking rates at UHN's 201 Elizabeth Street lot, behind Toronto General. See Parking at UHN more information.
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Parking
Wheelchair-accessible parking is available at all UHN parking lots. Learn about how to get an accessible parking permit.
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