Rehab Med faculty and staff remember Moyna Parker as a mentor and role model

Former physical therapy instructor Moyna Parker passed away on February 7, 2012, at the age of 84 after a lengthy illness, and she is being remembered fondly by her former colleagues and students.

"Moyna was one of my teachers at University of Alberta. I had the privilege of working with her starting in 1975 as I taught two of her courses when she was on a study leave," recalls Joan Loomis, Clinical Professor Emeritus. "Moyna became a mentor to me and was the one that gave me the opportunity to begin my teaching career. She demanded the best from everyone but was always supportive."

Moyna Parker was a life-long learner, both personally and professionally, and always had stories to share with her colleagues over lunch of her latest adventures. She was a passionate instructor who was seen by many as role model because of her vision and commitment to the profession.

"I was honoured to work under Moyna on several committees - one was an early version of the committee that worked towards obtaining professional self-regulation and another on continuing education," says Brenda Bissell, a retired Clinical Associate Professor in the Physical Therapy Department. "I have very fond memories of Moyna. She was an amazing teacher and mentor."

During her time at Corbett Hall, Moyna Parker was instrumental in helping shape many of the faculty's programs and served as acting dean several times. She took her passion for the field overseas, where she spent time helping establish a physical therapy program in India.

"Moyna started out as my teacher, and it was a privilege the day we became colleagues," says Dr. David Magee, Professor of Physical Therapy. "She was highly-respected in the faculty and within the university and rehabilitation communities. Having a book prize created in her name and having the University honour her with professor emeritus status are two examples of just how respected she was."

Born in England, Moyna Parker trained in physical therapy and came to Canada in the early 1950s where she obtained her teaching qualifications in Physical Therapy and later became an instructor in the School of Rehabilitation Medicine at the University of Alberta, where she served until her retirement in 1992.

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.