The Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine and Rehabilitation Medicine Student Association (RMSA) honoured instructors and students at their annual winter gala on Feb. 9 at Lister Hall. More than 200 people were in attendance to celebrate the achievements of the recipients. Spencer Beach, a burn victim with an inspiring story, was the guest speaker for the event.
Geoff Bostick, PhD, from the Department of Physical Therapy and Stuart Cleary, PhD, from the Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology (SPA) both received Faculty Teaching Awards. Bostick is known to be one of the 'go-to' teachers in the faculty. His education videos are said to be both entertaining and educational. Recently, he was quoted in the Edmonton Journal and on CTV as the lead for the Corbett Hall Student Physical Therapy Clinic.
Cleary is praised for making "intimidating" classes enjoyable and less frightening. He is known for being a skilled clinician and has also helped redevelop certain courses in the SPA curriculum.
The Sessional Teaching Award was awarded to Chris Zarski for his role in teaching and mentoring the first cohort of physical therapy students at Augustana Campus in Camrose. Students say he would help them understand theory by providing firsthand examples.
Alyson Kwok, from the Department of Physical Therapy, received the Graduate Student Teaching Assistant Award for her commitment to her many students at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital. Students have said that they can ask her anything and she can always provide an answer.
Erica Farrell from Functions First Pediatrics, Sarah Wharmby from Alberta Hospital and Cheryl McGee from the Vernan Fanning Centre all received the Clinical Awards.
Farrell's commitment to pediatrics is what made her stand out. In particular, she is committed to preparing new graduates so that they are able to work more confidently with children in their professional careers.
Wharmby is described as being a personable and organized leader. She has shown a commitment to developing the strengths of her students, all the while strengthening their weaknesses.
McGee was praised for her strong communications skills which not only helped her students understand the learning process; it also enabled them to work towards student independence.
RMSA Teaching Awards
Teresa Paslawski, PhD, Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology, received an RMSA Teaching Award from the students because of the way in which she fosters a positive and risk-free environment in her classes. She has shown an interest in her students both inside and outside the classroom.
Judy Chepeha, PhD, is from the Department of Physical Therapy. She is said to approach her classes, meetings and seminar with a unique sense of humour. Students praise her for the passion she shows for physical therapy and for the way in which she builds relationships that extend beyond the classroom.
Mary Roberts, PhD, received the RMSA Teaching Award for her ongoing support of students as a mentor and as a valuable resource within the Department of Occupational Therapy. She has been praised for her open-door policy, and has even been known to respond to her students' emails at midnight to ensure that they have the information they need.
RMSA Student AwardsThe recipients of the RMSA Student Awards were Brianna Manger from the Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology, Sonja Shouldice from the Department of Physical Therapy, and Annemarie Vandergriendt from the Department of Occupational Therapy. Each student received $1000 and an individualized plaque.
Congratulations to all the recipients!