Understanding rural practice: implications for occupational therapy education in Canada

A/Prof Patricia Wielandt

qualifications: PhD

contribution: original concept, designed the project, devised survey tool, literature review, statistical analysis, wrote the first draft, contributed to drafts

position: Associate professor

Australia

Trish is the Head of Academic Group for Occupational Therapy and Speech Pathology Disciplines at James Cook University based in Townsville. Currently she is also the coordinator for the Allied Health Rural Generalist Program. Prior to this appointment she was Head of Program -Health Professionals & Human Services at CQU in Rockhampton. Trish spent several years working as an associate professor and curriculum chair in the Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine at the University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada. Her research interests include: understanding the human perspective of assistive technology use; wheelchair use in First Nations communities; midlife transitions for women with MS; rural and remote workforce recruitment and retention issues and the preparation of graduates for the diversity of rural practice.

Elizabeth Taylor

qualifications: PhD

position: Associate professor

Canada

Elizabeth is an Associate Professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy at the University of Alberta, Edmonton Canada. She holds a Doctorate in Education - her research was entitled "Siblings Growing up with a Sibling with Schizophrenia". A community advocate, she has developed programs for those who live with mental illness; woman and children leaving abusive situations, and "Streetworks" a Harm Reduction Program. She is the Chairman of The House Next Door Society, a program that provides housing and support for those living with severe persistent mental illness. Awards have included: the Alan Blizzard Teaching Award for Interprofessional work; the Dr. Helen P. LeVesconte Award for professional service; a Fellowship in the Canadian Association for her work in developing the current national educational accreditation program. She is a consultant in education for the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing, Canadian Physical Therapy Association and the Ontario Government Graduate School Council. She is President of the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists