Recognising excellence in the occupational therapy community
We are delighted to announce that six Fellowships have been given out this year , to Jo Adams , Dee Christie , Paul Devlin MBE , Julia Scott , Samantha Shann and Kate Sheehan .
As the highest honour that RCOT can bestow on one of its professional members , Fellowships are awarded in recognition of the exceptional contribution members have made to the profession and to RCOT / BAOT over many years .
Jo Adams , Emeritus Professor of Musculoskeletal Health at the University of Southampton , accepted her Fellowship on behalf of all the teams who have worked to improve the lives of people living with musculoskeletal conditions .
‘ The body of work acknowledged by this award has been made possible by the long-standing collaborative work of committed colleagues across education , research and clinical / social practice . The award is testament to the contributions of many others and to the benefits of collaborative practice across sectors ,’ she told OTnews .
Dee Christie , Chair of the Elizabeth Casson Trust , feels it is an ‘ honour … to be joining the prestigious RCOT Fellows group ’. She said : ‘ I have been very fortunate to have many opportunities in my long career , to have worked with many brilliant people , and to have had their support .
‘ I hope that all I ’ ve done has made a difference and helped occupational therapy move forward … I am just delighted .’
Paul Devlin MBE , Occupational Therapy Service Lead at South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust , added : ‘ It is a huge honour and privilege for me to have my contribution to the profession and RCOT recognised in this way .
‘ I could not have achieved this without the support of many colleagues and friends , some sadly no longer with us , who I have been so fortunate to have had with me along the way .’
Julia Scott , who stepped down as RCOT Chief Executive at the beginning of 2021 , reflected on the ‘ honour and privilege ’ it was to be in that role for so many years .
‘ I feel very fortunate to have enjoyed a wonderful career in occupational therapy and being awarded a Fellowship by my peers is something I am immensely proud of ,’ she said . ‘ I am thrilled to be included amongst a cadre of outstanding colleagues who have contributed so much to the profession over many years .’
Samantha Shann , Director and Occupational Therapist at The OT Service UK , and President of the World Federation of Occupational Therapists , said that ‘ to be recognised by my professional body and peers is one of the most significant events of my professional career ’.
She added : ‘ I ’ ve been privileged to have been mentored by and continue to work with many exceptional occupational therapists , both nationally and internationally , thank you for believing in me and inspiring me to do better .’
And finally , Kate Sheehan , Director of The OT Service and Independent Occupational Therapist , reflected : ‘ On receiving the award letter , I was completely stunned , amazed and incredibly proud .
‘ As an independent practitioner working outside the traditional roles of the profession it was warming to see the recognition of working with industry , events and construction being recognised .
‘ As a profession we have so many more opportunities to push the boundaries to use our skills to impact on all our day to day lives , I just wish I was 30 years younger and could do it all again .’
Regrettably , we didn ’ t receive nominations for the Merit Awards 2022 , but start considering the amazing colleagues you could nominate for a Fellowship or Merit Award for the 2023 awards now . Nomination forms will be available in June .
Jo Adams
Dee Christie
Paul Devlin
Julia Scott
Samantha Shann
Kate Sheehan
I hope that all I ’ ve done has made a difference and helped occupational therapy move forward … I am just delighted .”
14 OTnews February 2022