Rehab Med celebrates 2012 teaching awards

Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine students, faculty and staff dressed in their finest and gathered for an evening of food, dancing and celebration at the Rehabilitation Medicine Students? Association (RMSA) Winter Gala on January 28. During a special awards ceremony, both the 2012 Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine Teaching Awards and the 2012 RMSA Teaching Awards were presented to instructors who demonstrate excellence in teaching.

Holly Gray - 09 February 2012

Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine students, faculty and staff dressed in their finest and gathered for an evening of food, dancing and celebration at the Rehabilitation Medicine Students' Association (RMSA) Winter Gala on January 28.

During a special awards ceremony, both the 2012 Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine Teaching Awards and the 2012 RMSA Teaching Awards were presented to instructors who demonstrate excellence in teaching.

"Innovative teaching and clinical education are at the crux of the student experience. Our faculty boast some of the world's renowned professors in physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech-language pathology, and it's important to recognize and celebrate the positive impact they have on our students," says Martin Ferguson-Pell, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine dean.

The six Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine Teaching Award winners were nominated by both faculty and students. The six RMSA Teaching Award winners were student-nominated, with three awards going to faculty and three to fellow students.

"The RMSA Excellence in Teaching Awards are a key part of the gala because they allow students to recognize staff members who are making a difference in their education," says Réal Chenard, RMSA President. "The RMSA scholarships, handed out to one student in each department, follow in the same vein as they allow students to recognize their peers for their commitment to the faculty and the profession of rehabilitation medicine."

2012 Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine Teaching Awards

Each year, faculty and students submit nominations recognizing innovative and excellent teaching that stands out. The recipients of this year's awards are:

Faculty Teaching Award
Mark Hall, Assistant Professor and Academic Coordinator of Clinical Education, Physical
Therapy

Excerpt from nomination: Mark has a passion and energy for teaching that is infectious. He is an educational leader in the integration of teaching technologies, particularly the use of simulation. Collaboration comes naturally to Mark and he is generous with his knowledge; he is always willing to help others with their instructional design. Mark's teaching accomplishments are numerous; he embraces innovation and is not afraid to try new things.

Graduate Teaching Assistant Award
Jorge Fuentes, PhD candidate in Rehabilitation Science
Excerpt from nomination: Jorge brings a wealth of experience to the classroom, which he freely shares with students and other instructors. In the classroom, Jorge has a natural ability to stay calm, listen to students and assist their learning in a variety of subject areas. He is often in demand as a TA and graciously takes on new TA roles.

Sessional Teaching Award
Kim Dao, Sessional Instructor, Physical Therapy
Excerpt from nomination: Kim's area of interest and expertise is in neurology, but she has proven that she can teach in many different content areas, from movement analysis to vestibular rehabilitation. Kim is a competent clinician and has been able to translate her skills into the classroom, creating an excellent learning environment. Kim modifies her teaching style to meet the needs of students and they truly appreciate the time she takes to ensure they comprehend content and master skills.

Clinical Educator of the Year Award (Physical Therapy)
Jon Gabbai, Foothills Medical Centre
Excerpt from nomination: Jon has a definite passion for student learning. He has made a concerted effort to enhance the student learning experience at the Foothills Medical Centre by developing in-service education sessions and shadowing opportunities on other units. Jon has gone above and beyond to ensure students get the most out of their clinical placements with him.

Clinical Educator of the Year Award (Occupational Therapy)
David Liu, Grey Nuns Community Hospital
Excerpt from nomination: David is a clinical educator committed to the growth and development of his student therapists. He is well-organized and emphasizes reflection, treating trainees as co-workers rather than students. David's teaching ability and effectiveness have sparked students' passion for occupational therapy practice in mental health.

Clinical Educator of the Year Award (Speech Pathology and Audiology)
Melissa Skoczylas, Tevie Miller Heritage School, Edmonton Public Schools

Excerpt from nomination: Melissa demonstrates strong communication skills and honest, clear, kind and supportive interactions with her students and colleagues. She models and encourages planning, flexibility and self-evaluation. She is a role model for clinical effectiveness, identifying the "big picture" of client service and acknowledging the importance of self-care in the provision of high quality service.

2012 Rehabilitation Medicine Students' Association (RMSA) Teaching Awards

Each year, students nominate one instructor and one student from each department, recognizing innovative teaching, dedication and community leadership.

RMSA Excellence in Teaching Award (Physical Therapy)
Barb Norton, Clinical Assistant Professor
Excerpt from nomination: Barb shows respect, encouragement and genuine concern for student learning. She is an invaluable resource and is able to effectively share knowledge from the field with her students. Her positive attitude and warm smile is appreciated by all.

RMSA Excellence in Teaching Award (Occupational Therapy)
Anita Hamilton, Assistant Professor

Excerpt from nomination: Anita is dedicated to bringing interesting lecture material to each class and uses cutting-edge technology to deliver her presentations. She brings material to life with her dynamic teaching style and challenges students to think critically about their ideas.

RMSA Excellence in Teaching Award (Speech Pathology and Audiology)
Tammy Hopper, PhD, Associate Professor

Tammy's personality and instructional techniques make the content relevant and readily applicable to real-world practice. Tammy has a wealth of knowledge which she is always willing to share. Her infectious enthusiasm keep students engaged in the classroom, and many students have described her as "the best teacher I have ever had."

RMSA Student Scholarships
Colleen Sharp, Physical Therapy
Ann Boyd, Occupational Therapy
Christina Semonick, Speech Pathology and Audiology
Excerpt from nomination: This award allows students to recognize their peers who promote rehabilitation in the faculty and the community, demonstrate leadership and enrich the experience of their fellow students. Colleen Sharp, Ann Boyd and Christina Semonick were three star students recognized with the award.

About the University of Alberta Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine
As the only free standing faculty of rehabilitation in Canada, the University of Alberta Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine balances its activities among learning, discovery and citizenship (including clinical practice). A research leader in musculoskeletal health, spinal cord injuries and common spinal disorders (back pain), the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine aims to improve the quality of life of citizens in our community. The three departments, Occupational Therapy (OT), Physical Therapy (PT) and Speech Pathology and Audiology (SPA) offer professional entry programs. The Faculty offers thesis-based MSc and PhD programs in Rehabilitation Science, attracting students from a variety of disciplines including OT, PT, SLP, psychology, physical education, medicine and engineering.