04/29/2023
Six questions with Dr. Marilyn Hill, health psychologist and the driving force behind Strength In Numbers.
How long have you been practicing?:
27 years. Which seems impossible because in my mind I feel like I’m still 29. In that time, I’ve seen a lot of positive changes in how we understand and treat pain. Given the wealth of pain research underway, I’m excited to see how pain treatments evolve in the decades to come.
Describe yourself in three words: Mom. Kind. Determined.
Where is your favourite place?:
I’ve lived all over Canada, but I grew up in the Maritimes. The sound and smell of cold, crashing Atlantic ocean waves on a windy day is one of my favourite things
If you could have one super power, what would it be?:
Just for fun? (as in, not worrying about “with great power comes great responsibility”?) I would choose Dr. Strange’s ability to create inter-dimensional portals – so that I could travel the world, without any of the hassles or exhaustion. Imagine closing your eyes, randomly sticking a pin in a map, and asking yourself “Where will my adventure be today?”. How great would that be
Alive or passed-and money is no issue-which musician would you love to see perform?:
I love live music, and I would go back in time to see legendary concerts I missed. Prince’s last concert in Atlanta ...or U2 or Radiohead playing Red Rocks (a concert venue on my bucket list
How would you describe the work of a pain psychologist in 30 seconds? What is your “elevator pitch”?:
A pain psychologist helps people understand and manage their chronic pain condition. Our goal is to help people minimize their pain symptoms and achieve the best quality of life possible. We use a number of tools and strategies to help people reach that goal – education, lifestyle changes, coping skills and therapy to help people cope with the emotional impact of living life with a chronic illness.
