News & Events
Requesting Graduate Research Projects
Posted February 1, 2012
The course OCT1220: Graduate Research Project Course in the University of Toronto Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy allows students to work in pairs on a research project during their final year. Students are required to submit a single written paper at the end of the course and present their work at the annual Thelma Cardwell Research Day. We are currently seeking proposals for research projects. All submitted projects proposals will be evaluated for acceptance based on: 1) Relevance of topic to occupational therapy and occupational science; 2) Feasibility of project; 3) Resources available to complete project; 4) Expertise of supervisory team; and 5) Dissemination plan. Please contact Dr. Denise Reid (d.reid@utoronto.ca) for more information or visit https://app1.rehab.utoronto.ca/researchproject/ to submit a project proposal. Proposals are due by April 2, 2012.
Prof. Alex Mihailidis' research showcased
Posted November 29, 2011
Dr. Mihailidis' research into intelligent devices to support well being was showcased in U of T News. Alex's lab is using the the new HomeLab space at Toronto Rehab to fast-track the development of devices that support aging-in-place while reducing caregiver burden.
OSOT honours Dr. Judith Friedland with Honorary Life Membership Award
Posted November 25, 2011
Judy Friedland was presented with the Honourary Life Membership Award at OSOT's Annual Conference, on September 23, 2011, in Niagara Falls. Judy's book on the early history of OT in Canada, Restoring the Spirit, was launched at the Conference to help celebrate the 90th Anniversary of the founding of OSOT. Congratulations Judy!
2011 Annual Faculty Assembly
Posted October 14, 2011
Status, Adjunct, and Core faculty will meet together at Hart House around the theme, ‘Looking Back, Moving Forward’. The meeting will take place Wednesday November 23, 2011 starting at 2:30 PM at the Hart House, University of Toronto.
To register online, please visit: http://www.ot.utoronto.ca/afa/
Restoring the Spirit: The Beginnings of Occupational Therapy in Canada, 1890-1930
Posted October 11, 2011
Professor Emerita, Judith Friedland, has published the book "Restoring the Spirit: The Beginnings of Occupational Therapy in Canada, 1890-1930". It traces the influence of political and social movements on the development of the emerging profession, tells the stories of several pioneering women in the field, and shows how the profession's current and future contributions have roots in the past.
The book is available from Chapters/Indigo (in-stores and on-line), Amazon, U of T Bookstore and directly from the publisher, McGill-Queen's University Press.
Cover of Judith Friedland's new book
Professor Pat McKee Honoured as the 2011 Recipient of the Innovative Practice Award
Posted September 8th, 2011
Congratulations to Prof. Pat McKee on being honoured as the 2011 recipient of the Innovative Practice Award from the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists at the 2011 annual meeting.
" Pat has provided exceptional leadership and innovation as an educator of occupational therapists and students since 1976, thus having a positive impact on client practice and advancing occupational therapy clinical practice through those she has educated. This education has been in the form of clinical continuing education workshops, conference presentations, publications, and as a faculty member at the Universities of Alberta and Toronto. Her clinically-oriented, orthotic and anatomy presentations and workshops have been given in Canada, the United States, Sweden and Trinidad."
Pat McKee (left) receiving CAOT Innovative Practice Award from CAOT President Sue Baptiste (right).
Prof. Debra Cameron to Provide Guest Lecture at Iranian OT National Conference
Posted August 29th, 2011
Prof. Debra Cameron will be travelling to Tehran, Iran in late November to present a guest lecture on “Turning Action into Evidence and Evidence into Action” at the Iranian OT National Conference. After the guest lecture, Prof. Cameron will be teaching a three day course on Sensory Processing in Children and a two day course on Cognitive Orientation to daily Occupational Performance (CO-OP) through the collaboration of Valiasr Rehabilitation Foundation and the Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences.
Dr. Jill Cameron is a recipient of the Ministry of Research and Innovation Early Researcher Award
Posted August 17th, 2011
Dr. Jill Cameron is among one of 71 emerging researchers to receive the Ministry of Research and Innovation Early Researcher Award. As the lead researcher, Dr. Cameron will receive up to $140,000 to support her graduate students who aim to further develop and implement programs to help family caregivers.
Please visit Ministry of Research and Innovation Early Researcher Award to review the announcement.
Dept of OS&OT celebrates the Awards of Community Faculty Members and Clinical Partners
Posted August 17th, 2011
Congratulations to all Community Faculty Members and Clinical Partners in receiving their respective awards and honours!
2011 OT Preceptor Award
Heidi Musil, North York General Hospital
2011 TD Professional Learning Fund 2011
Denise Tolios, North York General Hospital
Wightman-Berris Academy Teaching Award 2010 (Faculty of Medicine, U of T)
Michal Goldreich, University Health Network - Toronto General Hospital
McMaster Award 2011 Preceptor Award from Queen's University
Josephine Appiagyei, University Health Network - Toronto Western Hospital
UHN Occupational Therapy Education Award 2010
Fatima Quraishi, University Health Network - Toronto Western Hospital
GTA Rehab Network Best Practices Day 2011 People's Choice Award - 2nd Place
Siobhan Donaghy and Team, St John's Rehab Hospital
GTA Rehab Network Best Practices Day 2011 People's Choice Award - 3rd Place
Marie Disotto-Monastero, St John's Rehab Hospital
Siobhan Donaghy,
St John's Rehab Hospital
Selby Fisch, St John's Rehab Hospital
2011 Occupational Therapy/Physical Therapy (PT)/Speech Language Pathology (SLP) Teaching Award
Natasha Stekel, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre Peters-Boyd Academy
2011 Schulich Award to Recognize Nursing & Clinical Excellance
Elise Goldberg, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Estella Tse, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Isabella Cheng, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
2011 NAC/PAC Academic/Curricular Teaching Award for Group Mentoring
Isabella Cheng, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
2011 Clinical Excellance Award
Isabel Fryszberg, St. Michael's Hospital
2011 Interprofessional Collaboration Excellance
Kate Churchill, St Michael's Hospital
Shari Vanderhoek,
St Michael's Hospital
Supporting Recovery to Work in Mental Health
Posted July 13th, 2011
Dr. Bonnie Kirsh provides invited preconference workshop and keynote address at the Occupational Therapy Australia 24th National Conference & Exhibition.
Information on Supporting Recovery to Work in Mental Health Workshop
Information about Occupational Therapy Australia 24th National Conference & Exhibition
OS & OT BrainFit Lab featured on Discovery Channel's 'Daily Planet'
Posted May 25th, 2011
The Discovery Channel's 'Daily Planet' hosted a one hour special Thursday, May 26th at 7:00 pm that is focused on concussion and sports. A segment of this show will featured an ongoing study focused on concussion in youth hockey that is being conducted by Nick Reed. The work of Nick Reed is being conducted out of the BrainFit lab under the supervision of Dr. Michelle Keightly of the Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, in collaboration with Assistant Professor Karl Zabjek of the Department of Physical Therapy and Dr. Phil Fait and Dr. Brad McFadyen at Laval University.
This research is supported by the ONF-REPAR, a joint collaboration between Ontario and Quebec neurotrauma rehabilitation teams. ONF stands for the Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation and REPAR stands for the Réseau Provincial de Recherche en Adaptation-Réadaptation.
To view the segment please visit Daily Planet.
CIHR New Investigator Salary Award 2011
Posted May 13th, 2011
The purpose of the CIHR New Investigator Salary Award program is to provide new investigators the opportunity to develop and demonstrate their independence in initiating and conducting health research through provision of a contribution to their salary. Four members of the Faculty of Medicine community are among those who have received this honour.
Jill Cameron, Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy
For: Optimizing Stroke Family Caregiver Support across the Care Continuum by Improving the Timing of Intervention Delivery.
Yr2 OS&OT Student Wins Gordon Cressy Award
Posted April 29th, 2011
We are pleased to announce that OT2 student Mallory Ryan was selected as one of only 16 students in the Faculty of Medicine for a Gordon Cressy Student Leadership Award! Mallory’s involvement in the community has been outstanding and we are proud of her achievements! Please visit the following website for a photo and award details: http://awards.alumni.utoronto.ca/viewer/view/971
OS&OT receives Accreditation Award
Posted April 29th, 2011
The Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy has been granted an accreditation award of 7 years (October 2010-2017), the highest ranking given by the Academic Credentialing Council of the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT). The Department was commended for its exceptional work and high standard of education in occupational therapy. CAOT is the sole agency responsible for the accreditation of occupational therapy education programs in Canada. The standards developed by the agency conform to those set by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT), and graduates of CAOT accredited programs are eligible for registration with all provincial regulatory organizations in Canada. CAOT accreditation supports the advancement of education and practice in occupational therapy.
Congratulations to Dr.Deirdre Dawson and team on receiving a 3-year CIHR Grant
Posted April 8th, 2011
The Department would like to congratulate Dr. Deirdre Dawson along with co-investigators Drs. Nicole Anderson, Malcolm Binns, Carolina Bottari, Thecla Damianakis, Helene Polatajko, and Merrick Zwarenstein on receiving 3 years of funding from CIHR to support their research entitled “Managing the dysexecutive syndrome: an ecologically valid rehabilitation approach”. Their research will build upon their previous pilot work on using the Cognitive Orientation to daily Occupational Performance approach to improve performance of community dwelling survivors of ABI (acquired brain injury) in self-identified real world performance problems.
OS&OT BrainFit Lab featured in an article in The Star
Posted Mar 21, 2011
Nick Reed and Steph Green, from Dr. Michelle Keightley’s BrainFit Lab are featured in an article in the Toronto Star talking about the issue of concussion in youth sports. Nick and Steph are both Registered Occupational Therapists, and alumni from UofT who are currently pursuing their doctoral degree under the supervision of Assistant Professor, Dr. Michelle Keightley. The article highlights aspects of the BrainFit Lab research program, including the use of accelerometers imbedded in the hockey helmets of a local boys’ hockey team along with cognitive and physical testing, and structural and functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) used to determine how youth respond to sport-related concussion. The BrainFit Lab’s research works towards helping youth return to sports and other occupations of importance and meaning following a concussion.
The Star Article - U of T study uses special hockey helmets to examine concussions in children
Genia Erenburg advances to the National Health Care Team Challenge
Posted Mar 3, 2011
Year 2 MSc(OT) student, Genia Erenburg is as part of an interprofessional student team that won the University of Toronto "Health Care Team Challenge" (HCTC). The HCTC is an interprofessional learning event in which a six-member team of students from various health professions collaboratively work through a clinical case, and then creatively present their client-centred action plan before a large audience and a panel of esteemed judges. Mentored by Isabella Cheng, status faculty in the Department of OS&OT, this team now prepares to represent the University of Toronto in the national competition against winning HCTC teams from 9 Universities across Canada. We wish Genia and Isabella good luck at the National HCTC on March 11.
For more information, see Feb 2011 IPE newsletter
Judith Friedland, Professor Emerita, is set to release new book: Restoring the Spirit: The Beginnings of Occupational Therapy in Canada, 1890-1930
Posted February 14th, 2011
We look forward with great anticipation to the publication of Judy Friedland’s book, just in time for the 85th Anniversary of OT at the University of Toronto in September 2011. Judy’s book will also be featured at the 90th anniversary of the Ontario Society of Occupational Therapy’s annual conference which also takes place in September.
More information will be posted regarding the release of the book once the information becomes available.
OS&OT Faculty Supports the Development of Occupational Therapy Education for China
Posted February 14th, 2011
In 2002 the national government of the People’s Republic of China called for rehabilitation for all by 2015. In response, rehabilitation education in China expanded exponentially over the last ten years; from 13 programs in 2001 to 41 bachelor programs for rehabilitation therapy (combining OT/PT/ST) in 2007. While this growth is impressive, the programs fall short of international standards for discipline specific occupational therapy education. At the National Congress on Rehabilitation in Nanjing (July 2010), the International Advisory Committee for Occupational Therapy Curriculum Development was established to support the development of occupational therapy specific education in China. Helene Polatajko, Sue Baptiste, Nils Erik Ness, and Kit Sinclair were named founding members of the Advisory Committee and will develop a nation-wide online teacher training program and a contextually-appropriate curriculum in occupational therapy for nation-wide implementation as soon as possible, as there will be a need for 100,000 new therapists in the next 10-20 years.
To learn more visit OT Education in China.
Introducing the “Aline Messier Diversity & Inclusion Lab” at 500 University
Posted February 14th, 2011
The Department is very pleased to announce that a generous gift from Carole Mirkolopoulos honouring the memory of her mother has allowed us to name the lab of Bonnie Kirsh the “Aline Messier Diversity & Inclusion Lab”. Carole wished to inspire others with the values of her mother who taught Carole the richness and beauty in diversity and inclusion. The Department and the Office of Advancement at the Faculty of Medicine held a reception for the Mirkopoulos Family on Tuesday, February 1st 2011 to celebrate the occasion and to thank Carole, a valued member of our Alumni, for her generosity and support to the Department and to the profession of OT. Bonnie Kirsh’s lab was chosen for this honour because of Bonnie’s work to eliminate stigma and promote the inclusion of individuals with mental health problems in all facets of society.
Congratulations to Helene Polatajko, New Editor-in-Chief of CJOT, and to Jane Davis, Qualitative Manuscript Editor
Posted February 14th, 2011
The Department is proud to announce that Helene Polatajko became the Editor-in-Chief of the Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy (CJOT) in February 2011 and will serve in this role for five years. Jane Davis has assumed the position of Qualitative Manuscript Editor for the journal. CJOT now ranks in the top 100 journals for more than 13,530 titles of full-text downloads, a major standing for a specialty journal dedicated to the profession of OT. Helene is past editor of OTJR: Occupation, Participation and Health, and currently serves on the editorial board of OT International and the international advisory board of the British Journal of Occupational Therapy.
Two more OS&OT Students Receive Top Submission Recognition
Posted February 14th, 2011
Mira Etlin-Stein and Amanda Ferguson has also had their abstract recognized as a top student submission to the CAOT conference this year in June. Their abstract entitled "Understanding, Addressing, and Resolving Tensions in a Consumer Survivor Business" is a qualitative study exploring the employment experiences and perspectives of consumer-survivors employed at a Consumer-Survivor business in Toronto (this is a business completely staffed and run by consumer-survivors of the mental health system). The results will provide new insights into CSBs and offer occupational therapists knowledge about the experience of working at a CSB, which they can use to better meet consumer-survivors' employment needs.
Congratulation to Mira and Amanda on your achievement and to read their abstract visit CAOT Conference full abstracts listed under T96.
UofT OS&OT Students Receive National Award
Posted February 10th, 2011
Two current OS&OT students, Janice Liew and Arely Diaz, are the recipients of the 2011 CAOT Conference Student Award for the upcoming conference in Saskatoon. Their abstract entitled "'Is That Normal?' Executive Dysfunction and Everyday Behaviors" was ranked as one of the top two student abstracts submitted. Janice and Arely receive a small bursary, will be mentioned at the opening ceremonies, and will be invited to a dinner hosted by CAOT.
Congratulation to Janice and Arely on your achievement and to read their abstract visit CAOT Conference full abstracts listed under F92.
Dr. Jill Cameron is Published in Prestigious Stroke Journal
Posted January 26th, 2011
New paper entitled "Stroke Survivor Depressive Symptoms Are Associated With Family Caregiver Depression During the First 2 Years Poststroke"by Dr. Jill Cameron has been published in Stroke.
To read article visit Stroke.
Julia Rice from UofT OT Class 2009 Wins award
Posted December 6th, 2010
Julia Rice, MScOT, OT Reg. (Ont.), and a therapeutic recreationist colleague, Jackie, received a hospital-wide service award after being co-nominated by their 4 West team members on the Behavioural Neurology Unit at Baycrest. They were nominated for how their contributions have served to help transform 4 West and significantly enhance quality of life for their clients. Julia started at Baycrest in February 2010.
Congratulations Julia on your award!
Marie Eason Klatt Receives Best Scientific Abstract Award
Posted November 19th, 2010
On November 12th, 2010 St. Joseph Health Centre held its 55th Annual Clinical Day and Marie Eason Klatt was recognized for her work entitled “An Application of Constructivism Learning Theory to Large Group Teaching in Occupational Therapy Education”. Marie examined interactive teaching techniques and educational technologies that enhance learning for Masters Level Occupational Therapy students at the University of Toronto. She argued that “conscious application of constructivism learning theory in large group teaching may be especially useful in the development of clinical reasoning and higher order thinking required in healthcare professional education.” Marie would like to acknowledge the mentorship she has received over the years from Pat McKee, Associate Professor at the Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy at the University of Toronto, and the Department as a whole.
Marie Eason Klatt is a Status Faculty member with the Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy at the University of Toronto.
For more information read: An Application of Constructivism Learning Theory to Large Group Teaching in Occupational Therapy Education Abstract
Matthew Tsuda has been named the winner of the 2010 A. Ruth (Bostock) Fallis Scholarship
Posted November 18th, 2010
Matthew Tsuda, Year 2 student in the MScOT program, was selected from a highly competitive applicant pool for the A. Ruth (Bostock) Fallis Scholarship. In addition to strong academic performance, Matthew presented a research proposal that will involve immersing himself into a study of special populations, such as the homeless, who are involved in a quality of life change program. The Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy would like to congratulate Matthew on this commendable achievement!
Dr. Angela Colantonio is awarded the Brain Injury Association of Canada 2010 Research Award
Posted October 14th, 2010
The Department and Chair of OS&OT would like to congratulate Dr. Angela Colantonio on being selected for this prestigious award, “granted to an individual, group or organization for their outstanding contribution in research to advance the cause of acquired brain injury in Canada.”
Dr. Colantonio's work on long term outcomes of traumatic brain injuries is world renown. Last year, her research on construction-related brain injuries was translated into prevention policies. Other recent examples of Dr. Colantonio ’s prolific research career in brain injuries include her studies of the effects of brain injuries on women’s reproductive health, homelessness and traumatic brain injury, and her contributions to the very successful educational dramatic production “After the Crash”.
Dr. Colantonio has also contributed significantly to the development of capacity in brain injury research through her highly valued training and mentorship of many professional and doctoral students, as well as post-doctoral fellows. She is a Professor with the Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Senior Scientist with Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, and holder of the Saunderson Family Chair in Acquired Brain Injury.
Mallory Ryan starts a new dance class for children with special needs
Posted September 20th, 2010
Mallory Ryan, a Year 2 student, has been inspired to start a new dance initiative for children with special needs called Dance Ability. This program will be the first of its kind in Milton ON, and has attracted students from the surrounding area. The department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy would like to congratulate Mallory on such a wonderful achievement!
To read the full article visit Inside Halton
Dr. Bonnie Kirsh champions Workplace Mental Health at Government’s Roundtable Discussion in Toronto on August 9, 2010
Posted August 23, 2010
Mental health may be a determinant of individuals’ capacity to work, but recent evidence suggests that the workplace itself has an important influence on mental health. In Canada, 10% to 25% of workplaces are psychotoxic (mentally injurious), and between 3 and 11 billion dollars per year could be saved by modifying management styles, workplace structures and the organization of work (Shain, 2010). Loss of productivity due to mental health issues is a growing problem as 30% of disability claims are now attributable to mental illness (Dewa et al., 2004). Protecting workers’ mental health is increasingly being viewed as a corporate and social responsibility, and the topic is gaining momentum within occupational health and safety discourse.
On August 9th, Dr. Bonnie Kirsh, Associate Professor in the Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, attended a roundtable session on workplace safety in Toronto with the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Canada’s Minister of Labour, to review this issue. Representatives from the business, labour and academia sectors were invited to discuss challenges, best practices and future goals for promoting and protecting mental health in the workplace, and to reflect on how to prevent violence and increase productivity amongst the Canadian workforce. Workplace mental health was unanimously supported as a top policy and research priority.
Professor Kirsh’s research focuses on combating stigma towards mental illness within workplaces, examining policy and structural barriers to work for people with episodic mental health problems, and promoting best practices to enable work integration and return-to-work for people experiencing mental illnesses. Professor Kirsh is also a member of the Mental Health Commission of Canada’s Workforce Advisory Committee.
Dr. Alex Mihailidis holds the new Barbara Stymiest Chair in Rehabilitation Technology Research
Posted August 9th, 2010
The Barbara G. Stymiest Chair is a new endowed research chair at the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute created to foster development and evaluation of rehabilitation technologies. Dr. Alex Mihailidis has been appointed through a competitive process and will be in this role for a 5 year term.
Dr. Mihailidis has been has been conducting research in the field of pervasive computing and intelligent systems in health for the past 12 years, having published over 80 journal papers, conference papers, and abstracts in this field. He is recognized internationally for his development of intelligent home systems for elder care and wellness, technology for children with autism, and adaptive tools for clinical applications. To learn more about his research visit IATSL.
Dr. Alex Mihailidis has been elected as President of RESNA
Posted July 12, 2010
Dr. Alex Mihailidis has been elected by the membership to be the next President of Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA). Starting August 1, 2010 Dr. Mihailidis will be President-Elect, taking up his term as President on August 1, 2012.
Dr. Heather Carnahan is awarded the BMO Financial Chair in Health Professions Education Research of the Wilson Centre
Posted July 12, 2010
Dr. Heather Carnahan was awarded the BMO Financial Chair in Health Professions Education Research through University Health Network and the Faculty of Medicine. This Chair is for a 5 year term. For more information visit Wilson Centre.
Adult Daughters In the Care-Giving Role are Receiving Much Needed Attention
Posted July 9th, 2010
Dr. Jill Cameron, MSc Candidate Marina Bastawrous in GDRS and program advisory committee members Drs Monique Gignac and Moira Kapral have been awarded a grant from the Ontario Stroke System to support Marina’s MSc thesis research. The grant is entitled “Exploring the influence of the adult daughter to stroke survivor relationship on caregiver wellbeing” and is for $58,000. This research also received attention when Marina’s systematic review of the literature was presented at the Canadian Stroke Congress in June and profiled in press releases around the world. In addition, these press releases featured first year MScOT student Tali Dick where she shared her experiences of caring for her own father after he experienced a stroke.
For more information read press release
Comprehensive Study of Brain Injury on Women's Reproductive Health
Posted: July 6th, 2010
Dr. Angela Colantonio provides a comprehensive study that answers how brain injury will affect women's fertility, pregnancy and postpartum health. Read the article for more information.
Student Awards announced at CAOT Conference
Posted: June 16th, 2010
One current OS&OT student and one recent OS&OT graduate were announced as the recipients of two CAOT awards at the national conference in Halifax in May. Jennifer Kennedy (2010) received a busary for travel to the CAOT conference for ranking second out of the student conference submissions for her abstract entitled "Clarifying Occupational Engagement: A First Step in Measurement Development". Julia Rice (2009) was announced as the winner of the CAOT's 2009 Future Scholar Award for UofT which she received in November 2009.
Dr. Angela Colantonio wins the 2010 Alumni Achievement Award for Occupational Therapy
Posted: June 11th, 2010
The Alumni Achievement Award acknowledges graduates who have made an exceptional contribution as a member of the Physical Therapy or Occupational Therapy professions. Congratulations to Dr. Angela Colantonio on winning the Alumni Achievement Award for Occupational Therapy. This award was presented at the Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Alumni Association Spring Reunion on May 29th, 2010.
“Dr. Angela Colantonio is on the leading edge of research and knowledge dissemination related to acquired brain injury and aging. Angela is consistently described as a gifted and generous researcher and scholar whose work is characterized by rigour, insight and passion. She has successfully secured well over 48 million dollars in funding for research resulting in direct and tangible impacts on research capacity in the rehabilitation sciences. Her scholarly leadership and her commitment to innovation in the area of knowledge translation are truly exemplary. Her mentorship of future clinicians and researchers has contributed immensely toward the achievement of our department’s vision toward ‘Creating Leaders in Occupational Therapy’. Finally, by embracing creative and collaborative knowledge mobilization methods, Dr. Colantonio is working to ensure that research findings are shared broadly in powerful new ways that will continue to impact the lives of those living with ABI.”
Dr. Jill Cameron interviewed by Dr. Karl Kabasele on CP24
Posted: June 7th, 2010
Dr. Jill Cameron was on CP24 on May 31st along with Dr. Mark Bayley from Toronto Rehab to speak about the effects of individuals suffering from a stroke and strategies family and friends can use when caring for a stroke survivor. Dr. Jill Cameron specifically speaks towards the continuity of care and the importance of caregivers receiving support when dealing with the various healthcare settings that are associated with patient rehabilitation. She also provides a synopsis of her current research on the development of a caregiver support program, which is being evaluated in 7 cities across the country.
Visit On Call with Dr. Karl to watch Dr. Jill Cameron’s interview.
Students off to RESNA design competition
Posted: May 20, 2010
Melissa Hyland, Nancy van Loenen, Andrea Shin and Shu-Hyun Jang 2nd year students, submitted their design project from OCT1100 to the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) Design Competition, and have been named one of the top 5 finalists. They are the only Canadian team to be selected. They will be joining Professor Alex Mihailidis from June 27-29, 2010 in Las Vegas to present their manual page-turning device.
Shu-Hyun Jang, Andrea Shin, Melissa Hyland and Nancy van Loenen
Dr. Jill Cameron wins 2010 Faculty of Medicine Graduate Teaching Award for Excellence in Graduate Teaching (Early Career)
Posted: April 30, 2010
The University of Toronto's Faculty of Medicine Graduate Teaching Award for Excellence in Graduate Teaching consists of three annual graduate faculty teaching awards to honour and celebrate outstanding contributions to graduate education. Candidates are nominated by their Graduate Department through a student- or recent graduate-initiated process. The awards are adjudicated by the Faculty of Medicine Graduate Awards Committee, consisting of faculty and graduate students. Congratulations to Dr. Cameron for receiving this prestigious award!
Sara McEwen and Helene Polatajko recipients of Henry Stonnington Award
Posted: April 28, 2010
Congratulations to Sara and Helene, co-recipients of the Henry Stonnington Award for their article "Cognitive Strategy Use to Enhance Motor Skills Acquisition Post-Stroke: A Critical Review". The Henry Stonnington Award is given to the the best review article published in Brain Injury in 2009.
- Article citation: Sara E. McEwen, Maria P.J. Huijbregts, Jennifer D. Ryan and Helene J. Polatajko. (2009). Cognitive strategy use to enhance motor skill acquisition post-stroke: A critical review. Brain Injury, 23(4), 263-277.
Two OS&OT Students Recipients of the Cressy Award!
Posted: April 19, 2010
The Department is very proud to announce that two Year 2 MScOT students, Carol Aiga and Denise Dubois are recipients of the 2010 Gordon Cressy Student Leadership Awards. The "Cressys," created by the University of Toronto Alumni Association and named for the former U of T vice-president who inspired them, recognize students for their contributions to improving the world around them and for inspiring others to do the same.
Both Carol and Denise have demonstrated outstanding student leadership within and beyond the MScOT program. Here are a few examples of what they do: Carol is on the executive committee of IMAGINE, an inter-professional student initiative promoting health and providing health services to the homeless and aboriginal population; Denise is vice-president of student council, and is co-founder of the student-led community involvement club, which coordinates a variety of OT student volunteer activities across the GTA.
Second Year OT student Kathleen Patton and her preceptor, Lori Burton publish "Tummy Time" brochure for SickKids
Posted: March 10, 2010
Lori Burton, Occupational Therapist and second year OT student, Kathleen Patton have created a brochure called“Tummy Time”. This brochure was developed at the Hospital for Sick Children as an educational tool for parents to encourage placing their child on his/her stomach in order to promote healthy development and prevent positional plagiocephaly (baby flat-head). The brochure provides rationale for tummy time as well as activities and strategies.
Heather Moyse and Kallie Humphries win gold in Women's Bobsleigh at the Vancouver Olympics
Posted February 25, 2010
The Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy congratulates Heather Moyse and Kallie Humphries on their gold medal in Women's Bobsleigh at the Vancouver Olympics! Heather is a 2007 graduate from our programme. She began the OT M.Sc. programme in 2004, destined to graduate with the class of 2006, but took off one year to train for and compete in the 2006 Olympics. She returned in 2006 to graduate in 2007.
Heather and Kallie on the podium (Photo copyright Sharon Moyse)
Heather and Kallie with their gold medals (Photo copyright Walter Moyse)
U of T OT 2009 graduates perform brilliantly on the November CAOT Certification Exam!
Posted February 4, 2010
We are delighted to report that our OT students scored very highly across all categories of basic knowledge and professional content on the recent CAOT Certification Exam. Congratulations to the Graduating Class of 2009 on these excellent results!
Dr. Keightley's research featured in the Globe and Mail
Posted January 18, 2010
Toronto doctor proposes brain bank to study hockey concussions; Canadian researchers are asking players to donate their brains after their deaths in order to gain a better understanding about head trauma.
An Article on Dr. Dawson and student Alicia Tough was published in the Baycrest Bulletin
Posted November 31, 2009
Each year, Dr. Dawson, a senior scientist at the Baycrest's Kunin-Lunenfeld Applied Research Unit, takes several OT masters students under her wing and supervises the research project they are required to complete. Dr. Dawson's research focuses on traumatic brain injury and stroke as well as brain changes that come with normal aging.
Dr. Colantonio's paper on brain injury published in the bulletin
Posted November 31, 2009
Over the last 15 years, Angela Colantonio, a professor in the Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, has studied the effects of aging and injury on the human brain. Dr. Colantonio holds the Saunderson Family Chair in Acquired Brain Injury Research and is lead author of a new study on brain injury among construction workers, published in September in the journal Brain Injury. The new study used data from the Ontario Workplace Safety and Insurance Board.
Awards presented to Andrea Shin and Julie Famewo
Posted October 29, 2009
At the Year II Welcome Back Breakfast held on October 20, 2009, awards were presented to mark the accomplishments of two distinguished students.
The Toronto Cathay Lions Club Scholarship in OT was presented to Andrea Shin, recognizing her achievement in obtaining the highest academic standing in the first year of the program. The Isobel Robinson Award was presented to Julie Famewo, who demonstrated high academic standing in the first year of the program along with excellent fieldwork evaluations.
Congratulations, Andrea and Julie!”
DR. Mihailidis quoted in the Globe and Mail
Posted October 27, 2009
Dr. Mihailidis provided the Globe and Mail with his insight on the benefits of technology for elder care and wellness.
Occupational Therapist - one of the least stressful jobs
Posted October 21, 2009
Occupational Therapist ranked 9th least stressful job by Money and PayScale.com's list of America's best jobs.
