OT Lens | Winter 2024
 
Graduating student gives thumbs up from under umbrella

The Power of Community

Stepping into any new role undoubtedly involves a great deal of learning. Life transitions are often wonderful opportunities, but they can also be stressful! As I enter my fourth month as Department Head, I want to extend my gratitude to everyone in the OSOT community who has provided me with support and guidance: whether it is practical advice, learnings from previous experiences, ideas for the future, or simply well-wishes and motivational cheers (or condolences).

The support I have received is a welcome reminder that our department – including our inclusive learning environment, innovative research streams, not to mention awards and achievements – is the glowing result of people working together, sharing knowledge, and seeking to make a positive impact. Together, we are greater than the sum of our parts, and I am optimistic about the opportunities we have ahead.

Ben Mortenson

Ben Mortenson, PhD, OT, FCAOT
Professor and Department Head
Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy
 

Spotlight
 
Dr. Ben Mortenson in gown as part of the procession entering convocation hall

Congratulations to our Graduating Students

November is always a joyous time of year, when we can all come together to celebrate the achievements of our students. Warmest congratulations to our Class of 2023 and graduating MRSc, MSc and PhD students in our Rehabilitation Science Graduate Program and Online Programs.

> See more from graduation day 2023
 
Portrait of Dr. Nikki Ow

Dr. Nikki Ow is our new Director of Rehabilitation Science Online Programs

We are pleased to welcome Dr. Nikki Ow as the new Director of the Rehabilitation Science Online Programs (RSOP). Dr. Ow has been an integral part of Rehabilitation Science for the last two years, serving as a postdoctoral fellow. She brings her extensive experience in graduate teaching and supervision, along with a passion for teaching and research. You can also meet her at the RSOP Online Info Session on 23 Jan.

> Read more about Dr. Ow and RSOP
 
Dr. Laura Bulk and family

"Celebrating My Community": Dr. Laura Yvonne Bulk wins the 2023 UBC Young Alumni Achievement Award

The Young Alumni award is a huge honour: “I feel like it was celebrating my community and the legacy of my ancestors who have worked toward justice in various ways.” Dr. Bulk was recognized with this prestigious award for her renowned work in occupational science and disability studies. Dr. Bulk (MOT '14, PhD '21) joined our faculty as an Assistant Professor of Teaching at the start of 2023.

> Learn more about the award and Dr. Bulk's work
 

Teaching & Learning
 
Professor with a group of learners in front of a flip chart with notes

Recruiting: Assistant Professor - Surrey site

Join our excellent faculty team! We are inviting applications for an Assistant Professor (tenure track) to join us at our Surrey site. Review of applications will begin February 1, 2024.

> Read the job description and apply online
 
Students testing wheelchairs in OSOT corridor

This is D'HoPE: Diversifying Health and Human Service Professions Education

Back at the end of summer, we took part in the D'HoPE Summer Program. This program is designed to help equity-denied high school and undergraduate students develop a sustained interest in a health profession education program of their choice. The feedback was remarkable with clear improvments in participant self-belief, sense of opportunity and confidence towards accessing health professions.

> Learn about D'HoPE programs and mentorship opportunities
 
Group photo from the reunion

Party like it's 1993! The Class of '93 reunites

The Class of ’93 reunited recently to celebrate a big milestone: 30 years since graduation! Happily, the majority of the class are still practising OTs (or have just recently retired from OT practice).

> Read more about the reunion
 
Learners in semi-circle with notepads and pens

A Day in the Life of an MOT student

Every fall, students in the first year of their Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) program look forward to two hands-on sessions that take place in the classroom: informally known as 'Baby day' and 'Wheelchair day'.

> Learn more and see photographs from our 2023 classes 
 
Portrait of Dr. Elly Park

"Share and Be Vulnerable": Dr. Elly Park's Teaching Approach

Assistant Professor of Teaching, Dr. Elly Park, was profiled by UBC Today as part of the 'Teaching in Focus' series. Find out more about Dr. Park's experience with our Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) Northern Cohort in Prince George, and the importance of relationships to learning and healthcare.

> Read Dr. Park's UBC Today profile
 

Innovation & Leadership
 
Lightbulb surrounded by cogs and sparks

Apply for release time and mentor support to develop ideas and improve client outcomes

Working as an OT for Vancouver Coastal Health or Fraser Health? Apply for up to $5,000 for time to explore an innovative idea or develop a solution that will benefit your clinical practice.

> Learn about the OSOT Mentored Clinician Partnership Program
 
Portrait of Dr. Julia Schmidt

Dr. Julia Schmidt wins Michael Smith Scholar Award to support her brain injury research

This award is enabling Dr. Schmidt to build a leading-edge health research program, train the next generation of scientists, and expand her team's potential to make significant contributions to the field of traumatic brain injury research and peer support services.

> Find out about the impact of Dr. Schmidt's award
 
Portrait of Dr. Brodie Sakakibara

Dr. Brodie Sakakibara's research into virtual health platforms funded by Heart & Stroke

Assistant Professor Dr. Brodie Sakakibara was awarded a Heart and Stroke Foundation New Investigator award for his research on 'Virtual health innovations for secondary prevention after stroke'. This research has important implications that may improve the delivery of virtual health services across Canada.

> Learn more about Dr. Sakakibara's research
 
Portrait of Dr. Catherine Backman

Dr. Catherine Backman recognized with presitigious Master Award

Professor Emerita Dr. Catherine Backman (who only just retired last summer) has been recognized with a highly prestigious 2023 Association of Rheumatology Professionals (ARP) Master Award.

> Find out more about the Master Award
 

Dates for your diary
 
Close up image of calendar with red pins in dates



 
 

Image credits: OSOT, apart from header image (UBC Brand and Marketing), image of convocation (Dr. Alex Scott), lightbulb (dDara/flaticon)  and calendar image.