Assistant Professor
University of Toronto
Dr. Justine Giddens is a prominent academic psychiatrist at the University of Toronto,
specializing in occupational psychiatry, with extensive expertise in trauma and addictions. She
has a Master’s of Science Degree from University College of London and Yale University and
completed her medical training at the University of Toronto. Her work is dedicated to addressing
the mental health needs of workers in high-risk, safety-critical environments as well as
international organizations.
Dr. Giddens has been tasked in 2025 for the Federal government to write the new Mental
Health and Return to Work Guidelines, which have broad implications across the entire
industry, enhancing mental health support and promoting effective return-to-work strategies for
workers in safety-sensitive sectors.
Additionally, Dr. Giddens is a co-author of the Canadian Railway Medical Rules Handbook
(For Positions Critical to Safe Railway Operations), contributing to the Substance Use
Chapter, which provides essential safety guidelines for safety critical work and is used across
North America.
A leading expert in the field, Dr. Giddens has authored numerous publications and has
presented at conferences worldwide, sharing her research and insights with the global
community. Dr. Giddens has served as an expert witness and have been entrusted as an
independent medical expert for Global Corporations such as Shell. She also serves as an
adjudicator for one of Canada’s largest employers, Canada Post and the insurer providing expert
evaluations on disability decisions. Her hospital practice consists of providing treatment and
psychiatric assessments for first responders (police, firefighters etc.) as well as the military.
Dr. Justine Giddens is committed to advancing mental health initiatives within the workplace,
ensuring that safety, well-being, and effective, evidence-based practices are at the forefront of
occupational health.
206 - Substance Use and Return to Work
Monday, April 20, 2026
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM CT
All relevant financial relationships have been mitigated.
Disclosure(s):
No financial relationships to disclose