Welcome to everyone reading this newsletter from the School of Rehabilitation Science (SRS), McMaster University.

Since the start of the new academic year on September 5, 2006, the SRS has been involved in various educational and research activities. The new Year 1 occupational therapy and physiotherapy professional master's students have settled in and will be completing their first semester by mid-December. We celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2006 professional master's students and 2 research master's students on November 17, 2006 at Hamilton Place. We were particularly pleased that the honorary degree at Convocation was awarded to Dr. Martha Piper, former President of the University of British Columbia and a physical therapist. At the convocation reception, respective graduates were acknowledged for their outstanding academic, research and practicum accomplishments. More information on the awards and recipients is available in the Awards section of the newsletter.

In June 2007, the SRS in collaboration with the Alumni Advancement Office will be hosting the Class Reunions for the classes of 1992, 1997 and 2002. Preparation for the 15-year, 10-year, and 5-year anniversaries is underway and we hope that many of the alumni will return to their alma mater to celebrate their respective anniversaries over a fun-filled reunion weekend. Read more about the plans for the tri-reunion in the Activities section.

Our research activities continue to expand with the addition of new research grants and the ongoing investigations of current research studies spearheaded by many of our faculty.

With the arrival of the holiday season, I would like to wish each and everyone of you Season's Greetings and a safe and happy New Year. Remember to stay connected and share your recent activities with us.

As always, we welcome your feedback and ... stories - send them to collinsh@mcmaster.ca

With warmest regards.

Mary Law, Associate Dean, School of Rehabilitation Science

ACTIVITIES

The 2006 Helen Saarinen Lectureship

The 8 th Annual Helen Saarinen Lectureship was held on Tuesday, October 10, 2006. The annual event was established in memory of Helen Saarinen, founding chair of the Physiotherapy program, School of Rehabilitation Science at McMaster University. Helen devoted her professional life to the advancement of rehabilitation practitioners and the development of caring and capable clinicians in Canada and internationally.

An Incredible Experience...Physiotherapy in Vietnam

She is a candidate in the MSc(RS) Program and a teaching assistant in the School of Rehabilitation Science at McMaster University, however, her busy schedule this past summer included a volunteering experience at the Danang Orthopedics and Rehabilitation Centre in Vietnam.

A Dynamic Community Partnership Project

The School of Rehabilitation Science entered into a partnership with the Catholic Family Counselling Centre (CFFC) in the Region of Waterloo in 2005-2006. Featured in the Annual Report of the CFFC was Natasha Annett-Lawrence and Andrea Oattes, OT'06, who worked on a key project of the CFCC's Outcomes Evaluation Program.

The article read, “Dynamic and innovative, Catholic Family Counselling Centre pioneered the development of a nationally acclaimed Outcomes Evaluation Program, a client-driven evaluation mechanism that demonstrates the positive impact of CFCC's work with clients, while also identifying areas for improvement and development. In 2005/2006, CFCC entered into a partnership with McMaster University to re-energize CFCC's outcomes work with a particular focus on employee assistance programs. Measurement is key for EAP business, providing a robust organizational health gage that assists in strengthening the resiliency and capability of workplaces. Under the leadership of Associate Professor Sue Baptiste, Masters students in Occupational Therapy, Natasha Annett-Lawrence and Andrea Oattes began work on this key project that will improve CFCC's ability to serve clients and their families, as well as workplaces and employers.”

Director of Employee Assistance Program Kathie Must (centre) with McMaster students (left-right) Natasha Annett-Lawrence and Andrea Oattes

Article and photo courtesy of Catholic Family Counselling Centre

UPCOMING EVENTS

1992/1997/2002 Class Reunions!! JUNE 9, 2007 !!

Mark this date Down now!...The SRS and FHS Alumni Advancement Office will be hosting the 15 year, 10 year and 5 year anniversaries of the Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy Classes of 1992, 1997 and 2002 respectively on June 9, 2007.

The Reunion Planning Committee is planning an exciting day to make your reunion celebration very special and memorable! The proposed events on June 9^th will include the annual Helen Saarinen Fun Run, kids' activities, family picnics, and culminate with a formal dinner/dance in the evening at the University Club. Following this first announcement, the Alumni office will send you an initial invitation, including a proposed activity list. We hope that you will review the activity list and send your responses to the Alumni office in early January so that we may finalize the events and cost for the day. The Alumni Office will gladly assist with any planning and preparation of activities that individual classes may hold on Friday, June 8 and Sunday, June 10.

Your Reunion Planning Committee include the following alumni, staff and student representatives:

Lissa Kuzych-Berezowsky - OT'92
Nadine Graham, Kathy McNorgan and Karen Simpson - PT'92
Lori Burton and Shirley Rodrigues - OT'97
Ali Faghani - PT'97
Brianna McGuire - OT'02
Melanie Stevens - PT'02
Carrie Solomon - OT'07
Swapnil Rege - PT'07
Ross Baker - PT'08
Jenny Thomson - Alumni Advancement Officer
Helena Collins - OT/PT Program Administrator

We hope that you will attend this fun-filled weekend that will undoubtedly be filled with much laughter and reminiscing, renewal of old friendships and reconnecting with faculty and staff.

We would enjoy hearing from you! Please feel free to email Jenny Thomson at mailto:thomsj@mcmaster.caor Helena Collins at mailto:collinsh@mcmaster.cashould you wish to receive further information.

The World Physical Therapy Congress 2007 will be held in Vancouver, B.C. from June 2 - 6, 2007 at the Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre. Many of the SRS Physiotherapy faculty plan to attend this international event. There will be a total of 10 symposia and 14 workshops. Full details of all these sessions can be found on the Congress website:

Symposia: http://www.wcpt.org/congress/programme/symposia/index.php

Workshops: www.wcpt.org/congress/programme/workshops/index.php

Internationally respected speakers from many areas of practice, research, education and management will deliver stimulating and thought provoking programs.

Individuals who submitted abstracts will be notified whether their presentation has been accepted by January 31, 2007. The Early Bird Registration fee is now available. Participants may register and pay their fees before February 28, 2007. Full details of all registration fees, plus online registration and hotel booking are available at www.wcpt.org/congress.

Registration and accommodation contact: Candice Velasco, email: mailto:wcpt@seatoskymeetings.com

AWARDS

Congratulations and Best wishes to the respective recipients on their achievements!

The 2006 Occupational Therapy Academic Awards. The following awards were awarded to recipients in the 2006 graduating class. 

The Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists Student Award. Presented to Astrid Scholte for obtaining the highest academic standing in occupational therapy coursework throughout the entire Occupational Therapy Program.

The Ontario Society of Occupational Therapists Prize. Presented to Alisson White for achieving the highest overall average throughout the Occupational Therapy Program.

The Professional Practica Prize established by Muriel Westmorland. Presented to Shannon Grant for demonstrating excellence in clinical practica throughout the course of the Occupational Therapy Program.

The Shari Lowe Book Award. Presented to Laura Motherwell for demonstrating excellence in occupational therapy skills and has specific interest in the health of the older adult and/or has applied this to the area of case management based on clinical and/or academic performance in the area of caring for the older adult.

The Northern Studies Stream Book Award. Presented to Stacey Anderson for demonstrating exemplary interest and effort in understanding and incorporating the healthcare issues of northern, rural and remote practice in their Northern Studies Stream academic experience, and knowledge base unique to the health care concerns of First National people and their communities.

The COTF Roulston Innovation Award. Presented to Elizabeth Buhler, for demonstrating innovation in one of the following areas: best design project, most innovative idea developed during course work, most innovative research project, best fieldwork placement in private practice and most innovative program development.

OSOT Barbara Fernie McMaster Nomination. McMaster Nominee - Elizabeth Buhler. This provincial award recognizes one graduating student among the Ontario schools, who has demonstrated academic excellence and outstanding clinical performance and aptitude in the psychiatric field.

The 2006 Physiotherapy Academic Awards. The following awards were awarded to recipients in the 2006 graduating class.

The Canadian Physiotherapy Association Award. Presented to Alison Mills for attaining the highest cumulative average in the Physiotherapy Program.

The Hamilton District Ontario Physiotherapy Association Book Prize. Presented to Tamara David for her active involvement in the OPA/CPA and contribution to the involvement of others in the OPA/CPA, while maintaining a good academic standing.

The Canadian Respiratory Health Professionals/Canadian Physiotherapy Association Student Excellence Award. Presented to co-recipients Anastasia Newman and Leanna Lee for showing the highest level of academic and clinical excellence in cardiorespirology during the course of their physical therapy studies within the program. The intent of the award is to recognize and nurture continued excellence in cardiorespirology. The award is to be ideally used for the purchase of a cardio-respiratory book related to physiotherapy.

The HHS Eleanor Lees Prize. Presented to Alison Mills for demonstrating academic achievement and excellence in clinical fieldwork related to neurology.

The Northern Studies Stream Book Award. Presented to Shona McLaren for demonstrating exemplary interest and effort in understanding and incorporating the healthcare issues of northern, rural and remote practice in the Northern Studies Stream academic experience, and knowledge base unique to the health care concerns of First National people and their communities.

The Canadian Physiotherapy Association - Paediatric Division Award. Presented to Ryanne Spencer for demonstrating a keen interest and clinical and academic strength in the area of Paediatric Physiotherapy.

The Physiotherapy Foundation of Canada Entry Level Student Research Award. Presented to a team of students, comprising Tiffany Brockwell, Mindy Broersma, Francesca Romeo, Lindsay Ropeleski and Shawn Williams for achieving the highest grade in the Research Evidence-Based Practice Project in Unit 6 of the Physiotherapy Program.

The Physiotherapy Foundation of Canada Ann Collins Whitmore Student Research Award. McMaster Nominees - Andriy Pivtoran, Leanna Lee, Luka Senk and Win Ng. Each Physiotherapy school is invited to submit the top research paper from an entry-level student or group of students. These papers will be reviewed and ranked by the Physiotherapy Foundation of Canada's Scientific Awards Committee. One representative from each of the first 3 top-ranked papers will receive a travel award to present his/her research by platform or poster at World Congress 2007 in Vancouver, June 2 -7, 2007. The winner will be announced at World Congress and receive a grant.

The 2006 Rehabilitation Science Student Association Awards. These peer awards were awarded to students in the graduating class and respective course instructors.

The Student Leadership Award. Presented to Magda Mouneimne (OT) and Michelle Bergeron (PT) for excellence in planning and coordinating events.

The Athleticism Award. Presented to Alison Bentham-Rudge (OT) and Katie Fedwick (PT) for excellence in promoting and coordinating athletic events.

The Humanitarian Award. Presented to Alison Henderson (OT), Kim Hewitt (OT) and Shona McLaren (PT) for excellence in volunteering and coordinating charitable causes.

The Innovation Award. Presented to Kim Hewitt (OT) and Tamara David (PT) for excellence in contribution to development of novel programs related to rehabilitation.

The Class Spirit Award. Presented to Andrea Wolfrey-Oattes (OT) and Shawn Williams (PT) for excellence in promoting and participation in academic, social and professional events.

OT and PT Faculty Teaching Awards. Presented to Deb Stewart (OT) and Liliana Coman (PT) for significant educational contributions to the respective graduating class over the past two years.

2006 School of Rehabilitation Science Awards

Contribution to the School Award. Presented to Julia Lockhart, Barb Miller, Mary Pomfret and Pamela Sniderman for demonstrating consistent, significant, long standing contribution to the SRS in the form of research, administration and/or education.

Unsung Hero Award. Presented to Helena Collins and Nancy Plews for going above and beyond the call of duty in areas of research, administration and/or education.

Preceptor of the Year Award. Presented to Peter Dilworth, Catherine Brock and Linda Kallio for commitment to excellence and outstanding contributions to the educational development of future OT's and PT's.

Basmajian Travel Award. Presented to Vickie Galea and Ron Wharton to support their respective presentations accepted at scientific meetings.

Catherine Smith Spirit Award. Presented to Carrie Solomon (OT) and Marianne Stevens (PT) for exemplifying honesty, integrity and a commitment to hard work and perseverance.

McMaster Athletics Hall of Fame  

Alan Nolet, PT'98 was nominated to the 2006 McMaster Athletics Hall of Fame. According to the McMaster Times, Fall ‘06, Alan was a balanced gymnast proficient in all disciplines. Between 1992-94, he displayed exceptional athletic talent and his dedication and commitment to varsity Gymnastics resulted in recognition as OUA All-star 1992-93, and three-time Athlete of the Week in 1993-94. In addition to his career as a McMaster Marauder, Alan competed on a National level for six years and was a member of the Canadian Olympic Gymnastics Team in 1988, 1992 and 1996.

RESEARCH SPOTLIGHTS!

Congratulations to the following investigators:

C. Missiuna and team members, D. Cameron, H. Polatajko and H. Schwellnus on receiving a grant of $82,845, effective 2006-2008 from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research/Hospital for Sick Children Foundation for a pilot RCT entitled “Cognitive Orientation to Occupational Performance (CO-OP): A New Approach for Children with Cerebral Palsy” that will investigate the use of a cognitive approach to intervention with school-aged children who have cerebral palsy.

J. MacDermid and colleagues, Richard Holtby, Helen Razmjou, Dianne Bryant, Nicholas Mohtadi, Robert Balyk, Jordan Leith, Ian King, Yeung Lo, Peter MacDonald, Robert Gordon McCormack, Kenneth Jordon Faber, Corinne Dyke, Richard Walker, Jaydeep Moro and Tulay Koru-Sengulon on receiving a CIHR grant of $608,555, from January 2007 - March 2011, entitled “All-Arthroscopic or Mini-open Repair of a Rotator Cuff Tear.” This randomized, multi-centre, national trial will determine whether an arthroscopic or mini-open repair provides better outcomes and quality of life for persons with rotator cuff tear.

MEET OUR COMMUNITY PARTNER

Anne Newman

Her pleasant smile and cheerful demeanor is well known to many past and current students in her tutorial group. Anne Newman was raised in Hamilton and graduated from the University of Toronto in 1980. She worked initially in long-term care and acute neurology, the MS Clinic and Stroke units at McMaster Medical Centre. Following the birth of her son, Mathew, she began working in pediatrics at the McMaster Children's Hospital where she has remained ever since. She began working in the School Health Support Services Program with children with DCD, learning and school performance difficulties and moved into the area of Acute Pediatrics specializing in acquired brain injury, feeding and swallowing and critical care.

Anne has always enjoyed working with OT students both in the clinical setting, as a tutor and in research activities. She began tutoring in the former Mohawk- McMaster Diploma Program and Degree Completion Program in the early 80's. She is currently a part-time clinical lecturer in the School of Rehabilitation Science, participating as a tutor and clinical preceptor. Anne notes that her involvement with the students and the SRS has benefits on both sides. Contributing to a wide variety of activities that include interviewing, clinical lecturing, tutoring, clinical teaching and evaluation processes provides her with an opportunity to engage in ongoing learning, keeping current with academic skills and evidence based practice, and sharing her knowledge and clinical expertise.

Anne's research encompasses many areas. She is currently working with colleagues on the Acquired Brain Injury Team and CanChild on two studies; one funded by CIHR, Trajectories and Consequences: The Long Term Follow-up on Children and Youth with Acquired Brain Injury, and the other funded by the Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation on Developing a Classification System for children with Mild traumatic Brain Injury. She has also been a study investigator on the Acquired Brain Injury Transitions study, examining return to home, school, activity transitions that children experience following an ABI with the same colleagues.

Greensville is home to Anne, her husband, Chris, and their two children, Mathew and Jennifer. The family enjoys the hiking trails that Greensville offers. Chris works for the Hamilton Wentworth District School Board as the Sports and Athletics convenor. Mathew is in his second year at the University of Windsor in Environmental Studies and Jennifer is currently in grade 12. Anne notes that Jen is more than ready to launch into university life. Socially, Anne enjoys spending time at the family cottage, traveling and dining out with the “Baltimore Girls”, reading and family time.

An advocate of lifelong learning, Anne says that “Working in a teaching environment makes us all life long learners.” Over the years, she has developed and maintained many professional relationships and friendships that have added immensely to her professional and personal life. She feels that it has always been a challenge as a clinician to be involved in education and research activities “but as an OT it is very important to find the balance.”

A huge thank you to Anne for her many years of contribution to the SRS and OT program. We hope that she will continue to inspire future student occupational therapists and provide them with the appropriate tools to balance professional, educational and personal life.

GOOD AND WELFARE

Best wishes and congratulations to…..

Shaminder Dhillon, BHSc(OT)'2000 on the successful defence of her MSc(RS) thesis entitled “Occupational Therapists Advocating With/For People with Disabilities” on September 7, 2006. Shaminder has accepted a part-time contract position in the School of Rehabilitation Science to teach in the Professional Master's Program in Occupational Therapy. She will continue her clinical work in the auto sector and her involvement in research, and will be tutoring in the Mohawk College Occupational Therapy Assistants Program and the Physiotherapy Assistants Program.

Beverley Clarke on her recent retirement from the Department of Neurology at the McMaster Medical Centre. We wish Bev much happiness as she begins this new phase in her life whilst continuing her faculty appointment as Associate Professor in the SRS, where she continues to be involved in a tutoring role.

Brenda Vrkljian, OT faculty on the successful defence of her PhD dissertation at the University of Western Ontario. Brenda's thesis focused on understanding the experiences and collaboration of older drivers and their passengers (co-pilots) in using in-vehicle technology to provide directional guidance.

Paul Stratford, on his recent appointment as Editor of Physiotherapy Canada effective March 1, 2007. This appointment acknowledges Paul's talents and contributions to academic writing in Canada and globally.

MEET OUR FACULTY

Life after an Assistant Deanship.... a personal reflection by Sue Baptiste .

“For some reason, it has been quite difficult for me to write my profile for this newsletter. Since I stepped down from being Assistant Dean, OT in 2005 I have really reveled in the luxury of being able to teach, read, write and “be”. The thought of actually putting pen to paper to try to let folks know what I am doing these days, was rather daunting. So, what would I like to know about someone if I were reading this column?

Well, let's see…….My teaching is concentrated now in Terms 1 and 6 of the Masters entry program and this suits me very well. My interests in professional competence and professionalism continue to be front and centre; in fact, I have had the amazing opportunity to work with Cathy Risdon, a colleague in Family Medicine, to create, launch and manage a Professional Competency curriculum for the undergraduate medical program. This has been an incredible period of learning, and has really reinforced for me the importance of inter-professional learning and collaborative practice models. Consequently, I have focused quite a bit of my research time and energy in those areas, as well as pursuing my longstanding commitment to helping our internationally trained colleagues become integrated into Canadian OT practice. I continue to feel very fortunate in the chances I have to work with colleagues overseas – and will have visited Israel, Australia, England and Korea by the end of 2006. All of these visits are centred around helping OT colleagues in their search for occupation-centred practice models that are culturally relevant and other health professional teachers and practitioners in developing problem-based, learner-centred educational programs. I constantly feel blessed by the support offered here at the SRS – as well as the tolerance for my various eccentricities. When asked when I am going to retire, I have yet to come up with a specific answer – I guess, when it isn't fun anymore!”

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