(June 12, 2025) Toronto, ON – The Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Martha Funabashi as the new McMorland Family Research Chair, effective June 1, 2025. She succeeds Dr. Samuel Howarth, who has held the position with distinction since its inception in 2011.
An accomplished research scientist, Funabashi has received numerous prestigious distinctions and awards. She is a Fellow of the Chiropractic Academy for Research Leadership (CARL), was named Researcher of the Year in 2023 by the American Chiropractic Association and received the Scott Haldeman Award for Outstanding Research at the 2023 World Federation of Chiropractic conference. Her research is widely-published and internationally recognized.
Funabashi investigates conservative care for spinal pain, with a focus on the biomechanics, underlying mechanisms, and safety of manual therapies. Known for her integrative and collaborative research approach, she bridges basic science and clinical application and leads interdisciplinary, international research teams. Among her current projects are the implementation of the Force Sensing Table Technology (FSTT®) within the CMCC Campus Clinic and a study mapping the biopsychosocial factors in individuals with low back pain who respond well to chiropractic care. With the latter, she is embarking on international projects that will take her to the University of Southern Denmark between 2025 and 2027, a collaboration that will undoubtedly inform and enrich her contributions as Chair.
“We are delighted to welcome Dr. Funabashi to this important role,” says Dr. Christine Bradaric-Baus, President, CMCC. “Her vision and expertise, particularly in manual therapy and patient safety, will be instrumental in shaping the future of The McMorland Chair. Dr. Howarth will continue in his role as Director of Human Performance Research under which the Chair resides, and will remain actively involved to ensure continuity and a smooth transition.”
“At its core, the Chair’s work has advanced our understanding of function through quantitative evaluation of human movement,” says Dr. Gord McMorland whose family were instrumental in funding the Chair. “We’re especially pleased to see the evolution through Dr. Funabashi’s work that will investigate the biopsychosocial factors that contribute to positive outcomes in chiropractic care.“ -more-
The McMorland Family Research Chair was established in 2011 to study spine instability, degeneration and joint dysfunction, as well as the impact of everyday activities on spine health.
About CMCC
The Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College is an academic institution recognized for creating leaders in spinal health. With graduates practicing in 45 countries and faculty who are leaders in their fields, CMCC delivers world-class chiropractic education, research, and patient care. CMCC offers a four-year undergraduate program leading to a Doctor of Chiropractic Degree. This program is offered under the written consent of the Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security until May 2030. The institution also offers post graduate studies and a continuing education program.
CMCC researchers, faculty, and graduate students contribute to the understanding and management of neuromusculoskeletal conditions. The Toronto campus features modern teaching and laboratory space, including new simulation and biomechanics laboratories with Force Sensing Table Technology (FSTT®) and extends across Toronto through its network of community-based interprofessional clinics that serve diverse patient populations. A not-for-profit, charitable organization, CMCC receives no direct government funding and relies on tuition, donations, auxiliary revenue, and special events for support.
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For more information, please contact:
Shannon Clark
Manager, Communications
Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College
sclark@cmcc.ca | 647-805-1743
