Our 2023 Capstone Conference, the theme of which was Re-Engaging in Occupation: Paving the Path Forward, was a grand success. The conference featured a keynote address by the esteemed Dr. Deirdre Dawson, a Professor Emeritus in the Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy and a Senior Scientist Emeritus with the Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest Health Sciences, Toronto.
The conference highlighted the year-long research projects of our graduating MOT students on topics ranging from the use of AI for cognitive assessments to metro Vancouver’s gig economy. Explore the full program to see the range and breadth of student research. A total of 12 exceptional students were also awarded funding from the MOT program in the form of scholarships, awards, and bursaries. The total of amount of funding adjudicated was: $34,355.
Anna Braunizer, an occupational therapist currently working in community-based Private Practice with CBI Health, delivered this year’s community address, an inspiring speech during which she shared her reflections and learnings from her own work as an OT. Darien Merrick, an OT and clinical instructor based out of UBC Hospital, received the prestigious Chris Courtney Award for Excellence in Fieldwork for extensive contributions to the clinical education of UBC MOT students.
This year’s faculty address and closing address were given, respectively, by OSOT Professor Dr. Suzanne Huot and graduating students Leeza Pertsev and Joshua Ferreira, who co-chaired the conference. The conference ended with OSOT Department Head Dr. Susan Forwell’s final comments.
Each year, the Capstone Conference is followed immediately by the traditional pinning ceremony, in which graduating students are officially welcomed to the profession as colleagues. The transition into professional practice is a momentous event.
We are tremendously proud of all that our graduating students and new colleagues have achieved, and we can’t wait to see their impact as they set out on their professional journeys as OTs.
Learn more about this year’s Capstone Conference and look forward to our 2024 Capstone Conference next July.