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ACOTUP/ACPUE is a national organization that promotes and develops occupational therapy education and research with an understanding

of issues in a global context.

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his year marks the 50th year anniversary of the School of Rehabilitation Sciences within the Faculty of Medicine at UBC. The department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy (OS&OT) formerly existed as a division within the school but became a separate entity in 2007. In celebration of the Golden Anniversary, a number of special events have been held to acknowledge this milestone and to showcase our strong educational and research programs.

Celebrating Research Week (March 5-11, 2011)

In conjunction with UBC Celebrate Research Week and in recognition of 50 years of educating OTs at UBC, OS&OT presented an interactive research colloquium on Health and Occupation. Six short talks from both our new and experienced researchers provided a glimpse into the contemporary research underway which help to advance occupational therapy scholarship and the science of occupation. Each talk inspired active audience participation, showcased the breadth and depth of work currently in progress, and definitely celebrated research.

Celebrating Our History at the Golden Gala (May 28, 2011)

The Golden Gala, celebrating the 50th anniversary of Rehabilitation Sciences, was held in the Whistler Ballroom at the River Rock Hotel and Casino in Richmond, B.C. on Saturday May 28, 2011, hosted jointly by OS&OT and the Department of Physical Therapy. The event was open to all friends of UBC rehabilitation sciences, including alumni, clinical faculty, clinician educators, and past and present faculty and staff which resulted in a wonderful turn out of close to 170 people enjoying the celebratory evening together. From the first graduating class of 1964 to recent alumni of 2010, attendees mixed and mingled while enjoying gourmet food, speeches, and entertainment. Overall, the night was a huge success.

OS&OT at UBC celebrate their Golden Anniversary!

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wide array of subjects and material was covered during the most recent NFPS Joint Committee meeting held on July 7, which followed the CUFE meeting held in Saskatoon. It was attended by chair and CUFE representative Susanne Mak, CUFE representative Lorie Shimmell, and Megram Consulting Services vice-president Meghan Howard. ACOTUP representative Susan Rappolt sent her regrets. A review of completed action items was conducted which included several new documents posted on the NFPS website, for example a new fillable PDF Student Application Form and the

NFPS Student Applications Prioritization Policy . A synopsis on how placements are conducted in each catchment university, many of which are unique to each other, is also being created.

Coming out of the May meeting was the idea to inform site preceptors and supervisors that placements over the summer months could be more flexible with minor variations in dates, and with placements split between two preceptors to accommodate vacations. It was reported at the July meeting, this approach was very successful with a summer placement rate of approximately 80 per cent.

The final significant area of discussion focused on term lengths for members of the NFPS Joint Committee. It was agreed that the NFPS would use a similar structure to that of CUFE chair terms. The two current CUFE representatives on the NFPS Joint Committee will begin their new terms in November 2011. One current CUFE representative will stay for a one-year term until November 2012; the other for a two-year term until November 2013. When each of these co-chairs completes their respective term, they will be replaced by a CUFE representative for a two-year term, so there is always a new CUFE representative, along with a more experienced CUFE representative on the committee.

The next meeting of the NFPS Joint Committee is scheduled for this September.

What’s new

with the NFPS Joint Committee?

Golden Anniversary con’t on page 2...

by Robb Dunfield