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- Dance is for everyone: Emma’s new inclusive, adaptive dance program
Emma Fok is currently in the second year of our MOT program, and is also the founder of a new non-profit offering free, inclusive, adaptive dance classes for people of all abilities. - Recruiting: Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTA) for Academic Year 2026-2027
Applications are now open for Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) positions (CUPE LOCAL 2278) for the Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) program. - Scholar of the Month: Dr. Jill Zwicker
Meet Dr. Jill Zwicker and discover why her research into Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is vital to improve pediatric clinical care. - Research Highlights: June 2026
Read about the experiences of Indigenous healthcare providers, disabled cyclists experiences of urban cycle lanes, accessibility of childcare services, and findings on diagnostic assessments for autism spectrum disorder. - Student Stories: Emma’s placement with the Comox Valley School District
Learn about the graded fine motor activity program that Emma created for students in the Comox Valley School District during her fieldwork placement, and how it is now being used. - Upcoming PIE-OT Info Sessions: June 24 and July 27
Register now for June 24, 9am-10am or July 27, 5pm-6pm and find out more about how our Program for Internationally-Educated OTs (PIE-OT) can help your transition to Canada. - Clinical Associate Professor Jeff Boniface on his experience as an OT during the international mpox emergency response in Sierra Leone
Read about his inspirational experience as part of an expert team who provided specialized surgical care and rehabilitation. - Scholar of the Month: Dr. Brodie Sakakibara
Meet Dr. Brodie Sakakibara and learn why stroke should be seen as a chronic condition, and how virtual and self-managed rehabilitation could be key to better recovery. - Register now: UBC Capstone Conference 2026 ‘Rising Together Through Occupation’
Tuesday July 28, 8am–4:30pm. Join us to hear findings from the MOT Class of 2026 Capstone Projects, along with esteemed keynote speakers. Free to attend, all are welcome. Register now. - Research Highlights: May 2026
Catch up with our busy month of conferences, new publications, keynotes, and visiting scholars! - Unscripting Age with Dr. Julia Henderson
Dr. Julia Henderson was recognized as the Stephen Katz Distinguished Visiting Scholar in Interdisciplinary Aging Studies in 2025. Read about her lecture “Unscripting Age: Challenging Cultural Ageism Through Theatre and Performance”. - “A lot of people have things they want to get done before they die”: The emerging role of occupational therapy at May’s Place Hospice
A reflection written by Leah Harrison and Nicole Arsenault, second-year Master of Occupational Therapy students (Class of 2026), on their recent fieldwork placement at May’s Place Hospice in Vancouver. - Students and faculty present an incredible range of research at the 2026 CAOT Centennial Conference
Explore the research presented by students, faculty and clinical faculty at the extra special 2026 Canadian Association of Occupational Therapy annual conference. - Scholar of the Month: Dr. Justin Turner
This month, meet Dr. Justin Turner, whose research, and approach to teaching, is centred on strength and resilience, and exploring the many ways these factors intersect with identity and healthcare. - Research Highlights: April 2026
Read about funding announcements for three collaborative projects with Indigenous and 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, reflections on reconciliation and OT, interprofessional training on sustainability, and a student award for work on the rights of Indigenous children. - Rehabilitation Research Showcase at INCREASE BC
Highlights from the collaborative annual conference dedicated to improving research in rehabilitation by bringing together research trainees, patient partners and clinicians. - New Collaborative Research Projects: Exploring brain injury care in Indigenous communities, and co-designing inclusive aquatic programs
New funding awarded to Dr. Julia Schmidt and Dr. Tal Jarus (and their teams) for two collaborative, community-based research projects. - Scholar of the Month: Dr. Megan MacPherson
This month, meet Dr. Megan MacPherson, whose research is centred on how to translate research evidence, lived experience, and community knowledge into real-world healthcare decisions. - Research Highlights: March 2026
Read about how to implement low carbon occupational therapy in your practice, about accessibility in air travel, and on the uneven access to prosthetics. - Capstone Project Spotlight: Vancouver Cycling Without Age
Learn more about this exciting research project from David and Jacob, MOT Class of 2026. - Clinical Instructor Jayme Peel featured in a moving article in UBC Medicine’s ‘Pathways’
Learn about the impact of clinical teaching across disciplines, and scroll to 5:15pm to read about Jayme’s work with OT students at the student-led, team-based PRISM clinic in Prince Rupert. - Event: PIE-OT Online Information Session (Apr 14, 10-11am PDT)
Another chance to catch an online info session to learn about how our program to support internationally-educated OTs could help you in your transition to Canada. - Event: PIE-OT Online Information Session (Mar 26, 9-10pm PDT)
Join this online session to find out more about our program to support internationally-educated OTs who are moving to Canada - Reuniting after 20 years: Celebrating with the Class of 2005
From ‘Who Did What’ bingo to a bespoke UBC OSOT themed cake, the Class of 2005 were reunited at last. - Scholar of the Month: Dr. Elly Park
Meet Dr. Elly Park, whose passion for interprofessional education, narrative methods of research, and social justice is evident in Prince George and across the MOT program. - Research Highlights: February 2026
Read about accessibility in fieldwork and in childcare services, love in health professions education, the benefits of visual notetaking, and a training program for shared control powered wheelchairs. - A Day in the Life: Danielle (MOT-North)
From coffee, to going to class, to a reflection on the importance and privilege of working as an occupational therapist… Join Danielle on a day in her life as a second-year student in the Northern cohort of the UBC Master of Occupational Therapy program. - Tough Old Broads: Advocacy Has No Expiry Date
Dr. Julia Henderson was event host and talkback panel moderator for a screening of the brand new documentary, ‘Tough Old Broads’. - AI, Climate Change, Assistive Technology, Social Justice: OSOT Research at the WFOT 2026 congress
Highlights from our researchers who presented at this year’s World Federation of Occupational Therapy (WFOT) congress in Bangkok. - Scholar of the Month: Dr. Stefanie Blain-Moraes
Meet new faculty member Dr. Stefanie Blain-Moraes, whose interdisciplinary research into consciousness combines expertise in biomedical engineering, neuroscience, and rehabilitation. - Recruiting: Program Coordinator for PIE-OT (0.5 FTE)
Join the PIE-OT team to support program operations. Apply by February 8, 2026. - Research Highlights: January 2026
Read about our new research on pediatric assessments, para athletes in leadership, aging in performance, and challenges in intersectional research. - In Memoriam: Dr. Tali Alborz Conine
Read about the legacy of Dr. Tali Alborz Conine, the Professor Emeritus and former Director of UBC’s School of Rehabilitation Medicine. - Event: PIE-OT Online Information Session (Jan 28, 5-6pm PST)
Join this session to find out more about our program to support internationally-educated OTs who are moving to Canada. - Scholar of the Month: Donna Drynan
This month, meet Donna, who leaves a long legacy of important work in OT education, and supporting teaching and learning in clinical practice. - Recruiting: Occupational Therapist Preceptor (0.8 FTE), Gateway Team-Based Care Teaching Clinic
Join this new, exciting team-based clinic in Vancouver. Apply by January 15, 2026. - Convocation: Celebrating the MOT Class of 2025
On Friday November 28, the Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) Class of 2025 were able to mark the end of a chapter, and have their degrees officially conferred. - “Nothing about us without us”: People with lived experience of disability as co-researchers for positive change
In recognition of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (Dec 3), learn how people with lived experience of disability are vital as co-researchers in OSOT projects. - Student Stories: Rachel Smith
MOT student Rachel Smith describes the interplay between her burgeoning career in rugby and her passion for OT. - Dr. Kenneth Noguchi’s Award-Winning Study on the Effects of Power Training
Dr. Kenneth Noguchi has received three postdoctoral fellowships for his study of power training in people living with stroke. - Bite-sized research insights at our #OTMonth Cafe Scientifique
We celebrated the start of #OTMonth with a special ‘Cafe Scientifique’ event, to connect clinicians and the wider community with current research questions and findings. - Apply now for our Master of Occupational Therapy program
The application process for the September 2026 intake is open now, and will close on January 15, 2026. - Info Session 2025: Find out more about the MOT program and whether it’s right for you
Join an online info session on Oct 15 or Oct 24 to find out more about our Master of Occupational Therapy program. - DCD is as common as ADHD. Why haven’t you heard about it?
From October 6-12, wear teal or blue to raise awareness of Developmental Coordination Disorder, and learn more about this under-recognized condition. - EVENT: Cafe Scientifique – Occupational Therapy Edition (Oct 8)
Free, open to all. Join us for an informal gathering and listen to 3×15-minute talks on the latest research. Wednesday October 8, 4-6pm at Juliet’s Cafe, Kitsilano. - Dr. Laura Nimmon’s exploration of the dynamics of provider-patient power in cancer treatment
Dr. Nimmon’s new article was selected as an editor’s pick in the 25th anniversary issue of the ‘Lancet Oncology’ journal. - It was D’HoPE this summer: Diversifying health-related education
Photo highlights from the week-long program, which offers an exciting mix of sample activities from across UBC’s health-related disciplines. - Celebrating our Fieldwork Educators – 2025 Awards Announced
An inspiring fieldwork educator can have a profound and life-changing impact. Read about the educators who were recognized this year. - Recruiting: Graduate Teaching Assistant (RSOP)
Assist with grading learners’ assignments from Sep-Dec for our Rehabilitation Science Online Program. - ‘Bridging Ways of Knowing’ at our 2025 Capstone Conference
The highlight of the year! The MOT Class of 2025 presented their year-long research projects in our annual student-run conference. - “Migration touches on so many daily occupations”: Dr. Suzanne Huot on her new role at the UBC Centre for Migration Studies
Dr. Huot shares her thoughts on her new role at the Centre, and how migration and occupational therapy are powerfully intertwined. - International OT Placements: Cultural Humility in India, Sri Lanka and Japan
MOT graduates reflect on the profound journeys of growth, reflection, and cultural connection from their recent international fieldwork placements. - The mission to enhance support for recovery after stroke in Dr. Brodie Sakakibara’s new study
Dr. Brodie Sakakibara’s ENHANCE Study aims to refine programs of self-management for people living with stroke. - Team collaboration and a major new grant strengthen Foundry’s evidence-informed services for young people
The team behind a major grant to study integrated youth services shared how their collaboration emerged and how they hope to transform services for youth. - Doctoral researchers Avneet Dhillon, Janna Griffioen and Astou Thiam receive prestigious Canada Graduate Scholarships
Three high-callibre doctoral researchers from OSOT faculty research labs received these competitive national scholarships. Read the full article from our Graduate Programs in Rehabilitation Sciences website. - Apply now: Program for Internationally-Educated OTs
Join our next cohort and start the program in September 2025! - Making Music To Save The Planet Together: Dr. Julia Henderson’s Intergenerational Collaboration
Over the summer, Dr. Julia Henderson has been collaborating with a wide variety of community members for her Intergenerational Arts for Climate Action Study. - Recruiting: Part-time Program Facilitator(s) (PIE-OT)Responsibilities involve co-leading tutorials, guiding reflective case development, providing feedback and conducting mock interviews.
- Dr. Julia Schmidt promoted to Associate Professor with tenure
Dr. Julia Schmidt reflects on her academic journey in this short interview. - Registration now open for our undergraduate course, OSOT 301: Introduction to Human Occupation
“I loved this class and it is by far one of the best courses I’ve taken at UBC.” - Dr. Brodie Sakakibara Named UBCO’s Health Researcher of the YearOSOT Associate Professor Dr. Brodie Sakakibara has been named UBC Okanagan’s 2025 Health Researcher of the Year.
- Bringing KidsAction to Prince Rupert
Dr. Stephanie Glegg is partnering with colleagues from G’aahlandee Xaadee, the School of Nursing, and Gitmaxmak’ay Nisga’a to implement a program supporting physical activity in Prince Rupert. - The OSOT Indigenous Strategic Plan Self-Assessment and Action Planning Retreat
As part of our commitment to Truth and Reconciliation, we held the OSOT Indigenous Strategic Plan Self-Assessment and Action Planning Retreat this spring. - OSOT’s Participation in the 2025 CAOT Conference
The Department of OSOT delivered twenty-eight presentations and made countless connections at this year’s CAOT Conference. - Extending Clinical Partnerships at Building Bridges
For the second straight year, the Department of OSOT took part in Building Bridges (Bridges), an annual event to connect OTs from Vancouver Coastal… Read more: Extending Clinical Partnerships at Building Bridges - Building Consensus on Brain Injury, Mental Health and Addictions in Haida Gwaii
Assistant Professor Dr. Julia Schmidt recently took a trip to Haida Gwaii to meet with her partners in the BC Consensus project. The mandate… Read more: Building Consensus on Brain Injury, Mental Health and Addictions in Haida Gwaii - Jeff Boniface receives the 2025 CAOT-BC Outstanding Occupational Therapist of the Year Award!
Associate Academic Fieldwork Coordinator and Clinical Associate Professor Jeff Boniface’s contributions to OT have been recognized with the prestigious CAOT-BC Outstanding Occupational Therapist of the Year Award. - Associate Professor of Teaching Katie Lee Bunting receives Killam Teaching Prize
Associate Professor of Teaching Katie Lee Bunting was recently honoured with a Killam Teaching Prize from UBC. - International Conference on Youth Mental Health 2025: Reflections from a PhD student
PhD student Avneet Dhillon shared her experiences as the youth co-chair of the 7th International Conference on Youth Mental Health. - A truly RAD partnership: OSOT working with UBC Recreation to provide access to Recreational Adaptive Devices
OSOT faculty Drs. Ben Mortenson and Bill Miller’s collaboration with UBC Recreation and the RAD Society is gaining momentum. - Recruitment for our new Lecturer – Vancouver site
To join our dynamic teaching team, apply to be a Lecturer at our Vancouver site. Applications accepted from April 15, 2025 until the position is filled. - Michael Lee: Diving into Health Professions Education (HPE)
Professor of Teaching Michael Lee’s research in health professions education is changing how we think about students’ mental health needs and supervisor-student relationships. - Going with the flow: Learning about the Kawa model outside of the classroom
The Kawa model, which shows the relationship between the environment and the self, is an integral part of our MOT curriculum. - Student Stories: Julia Donohue
Master of Occupational Therapy graduate Julia Donohue (MOT 2024) joined us recently to discuss her transition from the program into practice. In our interview,… Read more: Student Stories: Julia Donohue - Winter Weather Disruptions: How to prepare
With the possibility of snowfall this winter, please review the protocol for travel to classes. - Student Stories: Leeza Pertsev
Leeza Pertsev, a 2023 graduate of our MOT program, took the time to share her recent journey into clinical practice. - Our new Strategic Action Plan (2025–2032)
We are pleased to share our new Strategic Action Plan, a living document that will aid decision-making and guide our priorities for the next seven years. - Dr. Skye Barbic receives a Canada Research Chair in Integrated Youth Services
Associate Professor Dr. Skye Barbic has received a prestigious Canada Research Chair (Tier 2) for her research in youth mental health. - Introducing our new Strategic Action Plan (2025-2032)
Join us for the virtual launch of our new plan on Friday, Nov 22 (12-1pm). - World OT Day 2024: WhOT a wonderful day to be an OT ❤
October 27 is World Occupational Therapy Day! Connect with colleagues across the world with #WorldOTDay and consider your own answer to an important question… - Applications for our Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) program are now open
Find out admission requirements, understand the application process and submit your application before January 15. - Dr. Jon Breen’s workshops change attitudes and reframe disabilities in the workplace
Drs. Jon Breen and Susan Forwell collaborated on a series of virtual workshops to reframe disabilities in the workplace. - Celebrating the life and work of Dr. Mike Prescott
The OSOT community was saddened by the loss of Dr. Mike Prescott. Take a moment to commemorate Dr. Prescott’s life and significant achievements in rehabilitation sciences and so much more. - Research that will transform access to services for young people who use substances
Dr. Kirsten Marchand’s youth-centred research into services for youth who use substances was featured in UBC’s IMH Showcase. - Collaborative social media project by Dr. Julia Henderson and Western Gold Theatre reclaims the phrase #HaveASeniorMoment
Take a peek at the reels under #HaveASeniorMoment, and be sure to celebrate having a senior moment more often! - 2024 Paralympics raise the need for better provision of prosthetics
Learn how current policies limit accessibility to prosthetic technologies and how we can promote equitable access. - Changing Public Perceptions of People with Traumatic Brain Injury through UBC’s Public Scholars Initiative
PhD Student Rinni Mamman has been named a UBC Public Scholar for her study of perceptions of traumatic brain injury. - Improve your client outcomes with funds from the Mentored Clinician Partnership Program
Apply for support from a faculty mentor and up to $5,000 for release time to research or develop an idea - Dr. Ben Mortenson’s research on the impact of climate change on people with disabilities
Occupational therapists (OTs) are in a good position to help people with disabilities adapt to climate change. - Dr. Suzanne Huot awarded funding for new community-based research: 2SLGBTQ+ Indigenous peoples’ experiences of knowing, being and doing
Dr. Suzanne Huot is the Principal Investigator for a 2-year, $73,000 SSHRC Insight Development Grant. - Progress update: Our new Strategic Action Plan
Get a sense of development in the Department’s new Strategic Plan and see how each element has evolved based on your feedback. - Extend Student Loan forgiveness to OTs: CAOT needs your voice!
Use the letter template to lobby your local MP and support the campaign to include student loan forgiveness for OTs - CEDAR Brain Injury Lab’s influence on creating a national strategy for brain injury
Read about the impact of Dr. Julia Schmidt’s research on the BC Consensus on Brain Injury and resulting national policy vote. - Celebrating our Fieldwork Educators – 2024 Awards Announced
Recognizing the stellar contributions and dedication of our fieldwork educators. - PIE-OT: A new program for internationally-trained OTs
Find out more about our new online program, designed to support internationally-educated OTs to successfully qualify in Canada. - Vancouver site benefits from upgrades
We have been busy with several upgrades to the interior spaces of our Vancouver site. - Unity Through Diversity: The Class of 2024 present an incredible Capstone Conference of their research
Read more about the presentations and research projects at this year’s conference. - Call for Participants – Intergenerational Climate Study
Join this study and use eco-conscious, collaborative art-making to explore ways generations can work together to address climate change. - Recreational Adaptive Devices (RAD) Gearbox planned for UBC Point Grey Campus
What is a GearBox? And how will it provide adaptive gear to those who want to be active outdoors? - Michael Lee’s ‘Rock the Boat’ graduate supervision resource recognized by Innovation Award
Graduate supervision can be rife with challenges – this new resource hopes to improve these important relationships.