It is a joy to be able to celebrate our wonderful Clinical Faculty and reflect on the extraordinary feedback and positive experiences of our students. An inspiring fieldwork educator can have a profound and life-changing impact on a trainee, sharing learnings from experience, guidance from real life expertise, and meaningful support through the learning curve that accompanies the clinical setting.
The fieldwork component to the Master of Occupational Therapy program is invaluable for preparing and expanding the expertise and knowledge base of our trainee OTs, helping to develop preferences for specialisms, as well as cultivating networks in the sector.
Extending our heartfelt gratitude to all our Clinical Faculty members, and raising a toast to this year’s award-winning Fieldwork Educators.
Alexis Davis
Assistant Professor of Teaching and Academic Fieldwork Coordinator
Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT)
Fieldwork Educator Award
Sarah Mills
Fraser Health – Mental Health and Substance Use
The purpose of the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists Fieldwork Educator Award of Excellence is to acknowledge the contribution of a practice educator who demonstrates exceptional performance in student practice teaching and in student mentoring in the workplace, and who represents a gold standard in inspiring students to passionately pursue professional practice.
Sarah was recognized as the winner at the CAOT Conference in May 2024.
Sarah allowed students to find their own style as a therapist, to be in charge of our learning, and to not fall into systems. She got us to think and stand up for ourselves, and to change the narrative of substance use, weight stigma, and the recovery model.
Find out more about Sarah in our Clinical Faculty Spotlight
Chris Courtney Award for Excellence in Fieldwork Education
Megan Laurie
Vernon Jubilee Hospital
BCSOT established an award in 1996 in memory of Chris Courtney. Chris died suddenly and unexpectedly in 1996. Chris was an occupational therapist who was passionate about continuing education and giving back to her profession. She was a champion of student education and was described by occupational therapy students as an excellent fieldwork educator. This award will recognize those Occupational Therapists who demonstrate excellence in and commitment to the clinical education of Occupational Therapy students.
The award is presented annually to an Occupational Therapy fieldwork educator who has demonstrated excellence in fieldwork education.
Megan is invested deeply in the learning of her students. She is incredibly efficient and resourceful when working with clients and prioritizes effectively in a fast-paced acute environment. She enables growth of confidence and skills by allowing independence in her students, and she gave me the room to practice taking on a caseload appropriate to my abilities.
Regional Fieldwork Educator Awards
The Regional Fieldwork Educator Awards were established in 2022 to allow Occupational Therapy students to formally recognize fieldwork educators who have had a significantly positive impact on their fieldwork education.
BC has five regional health areas that deliver health services both in the public and private sectors.
The 2024 Regional Fieldwork Educator Awards go to:
Fraser Region:
Yubin Oh
Surrey Memorial Hospital
YuBin is a natural teacher whose knowledge was evident through her explanations to me and her clinical reasoning. Though she remained humble, every staff I encountered would sing her praises for her professionalism and knowledge. I haven’t stopped talking to my friends about what an amazing experience it was.
Sonia Swart
Langley Memorial Hospital
Sonja’s reciprocal teaching approach, communication, and passion for teaching make her an outstanding mentor! Learning from such an empowering preceptor was lifechanging. The superb learning environment Sonja fostered didn’t just make me a better OT, it inspired me to embody her qualities when I become a preceptor.
Interior Region:
Nikki Huber
Interior Health Primary Care Network
Nikki (and Brianna) truly helped me to navigate clinical challenges, develop my critical thinking skills, and refine my clinical reasoning. Their enthusiastic support and encouragement created a nurturing environment where I felt comfortable to explore new ideas and try new practice areas.
Brianna Viggiani
Interior Health Primary Care Network
Brianna (and Nikki) modelled excellent interdisciplinary communication and teamwork, emphasizing the importance of working closely with other healthcare professionals to provide client-centered and collaborative relational care. Together, they profoundly impacted my growth as a student occupational therapist.
Vancouver Island:
Christopher Welton
Victoria General Hospital
In the ICU where quick and informed decisions are crucial, Chris adeptly increased my responsibilities over time, ensuring I was consistently challenged but never overwhelmed. His clear communication boosted my confidence and competence in similar situations and allowed me to develop practical skills in a controlled, supportive environment.
Northern Region:
Valerie Pagdin
St. John’s Hospital
Valerie’s passion for students and fieldwork education goes beyond guiding them to achieve learning objectives and she gets to know students at a personal level. Her ability to communicate and develop relationships helps her find win-win solutions and she strongly advocates for clients in a kind and respectful way. She is also a great advocate for the north.
Vancouver Region:
Alexandra Lukac
Transitional Pain Clinic, Vancouver General Hospital/Private Practice
Alex provided clear expectations prior to the beginning of placement, and created space in our schedule to ensure teaching opportunities were offered consistently. Her dedication to my growth, creating an inclusive environment, and to my ongoing learning, demonstrates her outstanding contribution to my development personally and professionally.
Congratulations to the award winners and to all nominated!
Image credits: Trophy image (Giorgio Trovato/Unsplash). Portraits provided by individuals.