Mind and Body, Together
Supporting recovery of both mind and body
For many older adults recovering from a life-altering illness or injury at West Park Healthcare Centre, regaining independence involves more than physical rehabilitation. It’s also about dealing with the emotional and cognitive challenges that come with serious illness, injury or loss of function. That’s where the work of Dr. Ju Eun Lee plays a critical role.
Dr. Lee is a geriatric consultation-liaison psychiatrist at UHN, who brings specialized psychiatric care to patients at West Park who have suffered from falls, fractures, serious illness, strokes, chronic illnesses or surgeries such as amputations. Her work is focused on supporting patients’ mental health alongside their physical rehabilitation, helping them rebuild confidence, manage anxiety or depression and stay engaged in their recovery.
“These are individuals who may have had delirium, mood and anxiety symptoms, or cognitive decline,” says Dr. Lee. “Psychiatry plays an important role in supporting their recovery.”
Working with West Park geriatrician Dr. Jamal Depradine, general practitioners and allied health staff, Dr. Lee manages comprehensive patient care plans that include cognitive assessments ad psychiatric support. She evaluates psychiatric and sleep medications, coordinating with medical teams or family physicians to ensure safe discharge. She also educates West Park staff on integrating mental health care into rehabilitation plans.
Dr. Lee is a vital member of the rehabilitation team, bringing psychiatric expertise into a setting where mental health care has not always been front and centre. Her ability to work with colleagues from multiple disciplines ensures that treatment plans address the whole person, not just physical injuries. By educating staff and modeling patient-centered care, she is helping to embed mental health as a core component of rehabilitation at West Park.
Dr. Lee’s approach is attentive and person-centered. During rounds with patients, she listens actively and uses motivational techniques to build trust and confidence. By focusing on small, practical steps, she helps patients move steadily toward meaningful recovery.
“A part of my work is to listen closely and look for small, achievable ways to encourage progress in our patients,” says Dr. Lee. “For example, I might suggest holding a therapy session on one of West Park’s patios to help re-engage a patient who has withdrawn from physiotherapy. It’s often these small moments of connection that help patients rediscover their motivation and confidence in recovery.”
West Park staff care for patients with increasingly complex physical, social, cognitive and psychiatric needs, requiring a coordinated, collaborative team approach to treatment. Dr. Lee’s clinical expertise and empathy strengthen this effort, directly improving patients’ lives.
“It’s about supporting patients through prolonged hospitalizations and helping them return home safely,” says Dr. Lee.
Dr. Lee’s work at West Park reflects UHN’s broader goal of integrating physical and mental health across all care settings, ensuring that every patient’s recovery includes attention to both mind and body. Her compassionate and thoughtful approach helps patients heal more fully, reinforcing West Park’s commitment to supporting the whole person in recovery.
