Shared from the UBC OT Fieldwork Education blog. If you haven’t already, subscribe to the blog to receive updates on helpful topics and tips on working with OT students and hosting fieldwork placements.
Congratulations to Surb Atwal, Occupational Therapist with Fraser Health at Surrey Memorial Hospital in Outpatient Rehabilitation, who is this year’s winner of the Chris Courtney Excellence in Fieldwork Education Award. The UBC OT fieldwork team is very proud of you.
Background to the award
The award was established in 1996 in memory of occupational therapist Christine Courtney, who died in a wilderness accident. Chris was an OT who was passionate about continuing education and giving back to the profession. Her colleagues established this award in her memory and felt she would be most honoured if the award was to recognize someone for their direct contribution to student learning.
Criteria for nomination
Nominations are submitted by UBC OT students for an occupational therapist who:
- provides education to one or more students during a fieldwork placement in the 2 years prior to nomination;
- Creates an environment that fosters trust, respect and values learning;
- demonstrates enthusiasm for student education;
- has effective communication skills including giving feedback;
- utilizes effective teaching strategies;
- shows a willingness to educate students (educated more than 1 at a time; multiple placements per year; took students from other parts of Canada)
Surb Atwal’s nomination
Surb is a stellar occupational therapist and an even more inspiring preceptor. Surb continually takes two students at once, and she offers multiple placements each year. Surb demonstrates compassion and kindness for all people, not just her clients, but pays special attention to the individual learning needs of each and every student.
Surb fostered an environment of trust, kindness, value for learning and enthusiasm. She also readily presents opportunities to practice independently as an occupational therapist and instills confidence in her students!
Surb reminds students of what they have been able to achieve so far and provides comfort and support in exactly the right way.
Surb has a beautiful balance between positive and constructive feedback where learners feel validated but also know where they can improve. Providing such a positive atmosphere through her demonstration of her passion for her work encouraged camaraderie, laughs, easy flowing mentorship and the requisite provision of knowledge that facilitates students to become the best occupational therapists they can.
Congratulations Surb!