Jason Peeler, PhD, Certified Athletic Therapist

Research summary

As an educational scholar, Dr. Peeler’s research is focused on exploring how curricular design and implementation influence student learning and knowledge retention across health science professions. As a clinician-scientist, his research examines the role exercise plays in the management and progression of pathologies of the knee such as ACL rupture and knee osteoarthritis.

Research interests

• Clinical orthopaedics
• Medical education
• Musculoskeletal anatomy
• Musculoskeletal rehabilitation 

Research affiliations

• Research affiliate, Pan Am Clinic Foundation
• Research affiliate, Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba (CHRIM)
• Research affiliate, University of Manitoba Centre on Aging

Dr. Jason Peeler serves as an associate professor within the Human Anatomy and Cell Science department at the Max Rady College of Medicine. His expertise lies in gross anatomy, complemented by his role as a Certified Athletic Therapist (CAT(C)). Dr. Peeler specializes in teaching musculoskeletal (MSK) anatomy and clinical concepts pertinent to MSK medicine and rehabilitation, and his instructional scope extends across various undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate health science programs.

Dr Peeler currently serves as the Graduate Program Chairperson for the Department of Human Anatomy & Cell Science, and from 2010 – 2025 he led the medical program’s preclinical Musculoskeletal (MSK) medicine curriculum. He was the first non-physician to work in such a position within the medical program, and his educational leadership and teaching prowess has garnered significant recognition, including the Max Rady College of Medicine inaugural award for Excellence in Preclinical Teaching (2025), the Manitoba Medical Student Association’s Award for Teaching Innovation (2025), and the university’s Dr. and Mrs. H. H. Saunderson Award for Excellence in Teaching (2021) - presented to a UM educator who has demonstrated continued teaching excellence and who has made ongoing and significant contributions to advancing teaching and learning at both UM and at the national / international level.

In support of his musculoskeletal research, Dr. Peeler holds appointment in the Faculty of Kinesiology, and works as a research affiliate with the Pan Am Clinic Foundation and the Children’s Hospital Research Institute. Through these affiliations, he conducts research examining the role of exercise in managing knee pathologies like anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture and knee osteoarthritis. As an educational scholar, his work is focused on exploring how curricular design and educational activities influence MSK learning and knowledge retention across the health sciences.

Dr. Peeler's professional background also includes extensive experience in musculoskeletal injury assessment and rehabilitation. He previously held roles such as head therapist for varsity sport at the University of Saskatchewan and director of sports medicine and science services within the Canadian Olympic Association. Notably, he has contributed his expertise to various international sporting events, serving as a member of Canadian medical teams for events such as the Commonwealth Games, Pan American Games, World Student University Games, and Canada Winter Games.