Stephen Hwang

Dr. Stephen Hwang is a professor in the Department of Medicine and director of the Division of General Internal Medicine at the University of Toronto. Hwang is also a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Homelessness, Housing and Health and director of the MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions. Dr. Hwang is one of the world's most renowned researchers in homelessness, housing and health. His groundbreaking research changed the conversation about homelessness and precarious housing in Canada - these are critical health crises that can be prevented. 

The profound effect that homelessness can have on a person's life expectancy was first quantified by Dr. Hwang, who established that homeless men have an eightfold higher mortality rate than men in the general population. He was a co-leader of the At Home/Chez Soi study, the largest randomized controlled trial ever conducted to assess homeless-related interventions. As a result of its success in putting the "Housing First" strategy to the test, the federal government committed funds to expand Housing First interventions across the nation.

Research Interests

Homelessness, housing as a social determinant of health, health care for homeless persons, marginalized populations, inner city health, urban health, socioeconomic status, access to care, community-based health care, health services research.

 Research Activities

Dr. Hwang’s research program focuses on interventions to improve the health of people experiencing homelessness, and to interrupt chronic homelessness itself.

Dr. Hwang is not taking any summer students.

Other Appointments & Affiliations

• Director, MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Unity Health Toronto
• Scientist, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael’s Hospital
• Staff Physician, Division of General Internal Medicine, St. Michael’s Hospital
• Director, Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Toronto
• Professor, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto
• Professor, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto
• Professor, Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto