The occupational therapy program formally recognized students at the OT Celebration Event for their achievement and dedication to the GW OT program and the field of occupational therapy on Thursday, May 2, 2024. Faculty nominated, voted and selected four students from each cohort to receive Curricular Theme Awards and a cash prize for their commitment to program ideals and for their positive contributions to the GW community.
The GW OT program strives to develop occupational therapy practitioners who deliver evidence-informed occupational therapy with a global reach, advocate for the profession and ensure occupational justice and inclusive engagement in society as well as influence diversity in the field of occupational therapy. Our Spiral, Clear, Star and JEDI curricular themes are threaded throughout the program and represent the values and attributes of our growing community. These themes are the core of our philosophy, and the faculty are committed to support students in becoming reflective leaders and advocates in the field.
The awards and their description include:
SPIRAL Award: Situated, Purposeful, Integrative, and Reflective Analysis of Learning
- In recognition of demonstrating reflexivity, adaptability, and servant leadership. This award signifies efforts to facilitate a community of learning, appreciating diverse vantage points and contexts, and displaying cultural humility when engaging with all members of the GW OT community and beyond.
- Pranathi Meda
- Natalie Harper
CLEAR Award: Clinical Learning and Listening for Engaged and Artful Reasoning
- In recognition of displaying excellence in clinical decision-making and knowledge translation. This award signifies efforts to demonstrate exemplary critical thinking skills, and abilities to critically appraise evidence from various sources, synthesize information, and adapt based on findings.
- Georgia Philbin
- Celia Accardi
STAR Award: Systems Thinking Across Realms
- In recognition of exemplifying a commitment to advocacy, systems thinking, strategic awareness, and community engagement. This award signifies abilities to connect personal, community, cultural, social, and political realms when considering one's life experiences.
- Amy Arellano
- Justine Williams
JEDI Award: Human Service Addressing Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
- In recognition of embodying a commitment to combating inequities and disparities in healthcare. This award signifies efforts to implement justice-based approaches to empower and positively impact the health of people, communities, and society.
- Fatima Koroma
- Jenny Kim
