The Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine recognized clinicians and students from around the province at the annual Alberta Rehabilitation Awards (ARA), which took place on May 3 at Lister Hall. The CTV's Carmen Leibel, guest speaker and recipient of the Excellence in Media Award, shared some of the year's most inspirational stories following the dinner. Twelve awards were presented to individuals who have had a significant impact over the past year in rehabilitation medicine: physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology and audiology.
Angela Chiu - Clinical Excellence Award (Urban Therapist)
Angela has been a physiotherapist at Alberta Children's Hospital for 32 years and she is the coordinator of the Brachial Plexus Program. Fifteen years ago, she identified the need for this program, and since then, has taken a pivotal role in developing it into the success it is today. Her calm and approachable demeanour resonated with the thousands of children and families she has worked with over the years. In addition to her dedicated service, she has proven to be an excellent mentor to numerous students. Her commitment to development sets a wonderful example for all the members of her team.
Niki Cameron - Clinical Excellence Award (Rural Therapist)
Niki is a diligent, forward thinking and skillful speech-language pathologist, and co-creator of the "Key Decision Making Speech Program". She is a master of new technology and for years has been developing her own apps and electronic tools. Her creativity astounds her colleagues on a regular basis, especially when she comes out with her latest 'invention'. When confronted with a challenging clinical case, Niki is willing to persist and investigate new approaches in order to build capacity with the child, their family and their school team. She thinks on the spot and can turn any simple interaction into a teaching opportunity.
Audrey Labbé - Clinical Excellence Award (Urban Assistant)
Audrey is a speech-language pathologist assistant with Alberta Health Services. Audrey follows a family-centred approach which allows her to maximize the full scope of her role. Audrey works with a full range of speech and language disorders in both English and French. Because of her bilingualism, she is able to offer the francophone community a niche experience, not often found in Alberta. She also possesses a background in behaviour therapy which compliments her speech-language therapy work. She is a dedicated learner and is committed to continuing her professional growth.
Shirley Randell - Clinical Excellence Award (Rural Assistant)
Shirley is a physiotherapist assistant at the Northern Lights Regional Health Centre in Fort McMurray. As a PTA, OTA and LPN, she has proven to be a huge asset to her team. Furthermore, this unique interdisciplinary perspective enables her to assess medical situations from different angles. Shirley has a particular calling to the geriatric population and is very in-tune with their needs. She demonstrates an effortless ability to form meaningful relationships with the seniors she cares for and her 'special techniques' encourage them to participate more in therapy. Shirley personifies wisdom and empathy, and as a result, is an invaluable member of her team.
Anne Dobson - Rehabilitation Student Supervisor Award (Urban)
Anne has been a physical therapist at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital for over 30 years. She is most passionate about the clinical education of students as proven by her tireless work organizing all the clinical placements at the Glenrose. Every year she helps place over 50 students from around the world. In addition to being the coordinator, she takes on students of her own and mentors them in her areas of expertise: amputee and burn cases. Anne goes above and beyond to ensure that every student has a smooth transition from the classroom to the clinic.
Staci Cooper - Rehabilitation Student Supervisor Award (Urban)
Staci is a speech-language pathologist with the Palliser Health Region. Not only has she served every age group in both the rural and urban settings, she has also specialized as their first mid-tech authorizer in Southeast Alberta for augmentative communication devices. What makes Staci a great mentor is the way in which she responds to her student's questions. Rather than just answer them, she guides her students to discover the answers on their own, which makes for a lasting and meaningful learning experience. Her focus and exceptional skills set a strong example for her students to emulate.
Bernadette Martin - Jim Vargo Leadership and Mentoring Award
Throughout the past 10 years at the University of Alberta, Department of Physical Therapy, Berni has shown true passion and exuberance for her work. Over the past six years, she has facilitated and led a number of significant changes with the PT department to ensure that it is responsive to the needs of the physical therapy practice in Alberta. She is one of the visionaries behind "Campus Alberta" and as a result, U of A students are being trained not only in Edmonton, but in Camrose and in Calgary as well. She is a charismatic leader and can always be counted on to come up with the next 'big idea'.
Mayank Rehani - Innovation in Rehabilitation Award (Student)
Mayank has made original contributions to research, most notably in how the brain functions in association to stuttering by using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). This approach is novel in his field. He discovered a way to improve signal quality by reducing the amount of ambient light that interacts with the NIRS probes. He also increased efficiency of data analysis by incorporating the use of new software. In 2012, he successfully defended his thesis and now plans to pursue a doctoral degree. Mayank is not only hardworking and dedicated, but truly innovative.
Carmen Leibel - Excellence in Media Award
Over the past year, Carmen's stories have made a significant contribution to the dissemination of information on the importance of the occupational therapy, speech-language pathology and physical therapy. This is significant, because traditionally, these three disciplines have been largely underrepresented in the mass media. In contrast, Carmen has been very successful in reporting on how rehabilitation medicine is rapidly changing the provision of health services. Her stories for the CTV have included: PT student clinic for the community; audiologist creates buzz through ear song; pain after accidents; and new technology at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital, among others.
Markus Besemann - Friends of Rehab Award
Lieutenant-Colonel Markus Besemann is the head of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation for the Canadian Forces Health Services Group. He has worked to the fullest extent to better the health of the Canadian soldiers, sailors and air personnel. Lieutenant-Colonel Bresemann is both a mentor and a visionary, having championed for the role of physiotherapy in combat missions as well as for occupational therapy on military bases. Overall, he is an outstanding advocate for the delivery of standardized and inter-professional rehabilitation service, and is truly a 'friend of rehab'.
Meagan Hudson - Sunrise Award
Despite her young age, Meagan is seen as a mentor by therapists who are many years her senior. At the Rockyview General Hospital, she consistently demonstrates an extraordinary set of skills and a passion for rehabilitation. She has been instrumental in the development of the early mobilization component of the hospital's Delirium Management Protocol. Moreover, Megan works in the ICU with the some of the hospital's most vulnerable patients. Yet, no matter how poor the prognosis, Megan enters each room with intention of delivering the best possible care. Often she can be heard saying "I think we can do more," and often she finds a way.
Knowledge Mobilization Network - Intra-Alberta - Spinal Treatment Centre Society (SCITCS) Award
The Knowledge Mobilization Network - Intra-Alberta team has contributed significantly in the pan-Canadian innovation to standardize and improve best practices related to the treatment of spinal cord injuries (SCI). They are also addressing three secondary complications of Spinal Cord Injury: pressure ulcers, pain and bladder management, which will significantly impact the quality of life of individuals with SCI. A 'community of practice' has emerged as a result of the intra-Alberta group, which is an exciting development for all involved. This group continues to raise the bar for outstanding service and they have developed the necessary expertise to be leaders in their field.
Photo (left to right): Mayank Rehani, Angela Chiu, Barb Stoesz (Knowledge Mobilization Network - Intra-Alberta), Berni Martin, Carmen Leibel, Meagan Hudson, and Staci Cooper.