Celebrating the Class of 2024 Graduation
The class was very busy leading up to their graduation event last month. They finished their second internship opportunity and gained more valuable workplace experience. One learner was able to complete her internship close to home in Nova Scotia! What a priviledge to train in your own community! Once back onsite, closing program activities included transition to workplace, mock interviews and employer panel discussions. On their last day, they celebrated with a delicious potluck lunch, reflected and shared stories and looked forward to seeing each other again at their virtual graduation event.
On May 28th, a graduation ceremony was held in honour of the Class of 2024, shared with family, friends, faculty and community clinical partners. Many graduates joined the celebration from around the globe – Brazil, Ireland, the UK, Eastern and Western Canada and Ontario.
Dr. Sharon Switzer McIntyre, OIEPB Director and Martine Quesnel, OIEPB Associate Director, Director of Clinical Education and Mentorship were hosts for the evening. Honoured guest speakers included Prof. Lynn Wilson, Vice Dean, Clinical and Faculty Affairs, Faculty of Medicine, Dr. Kara Patterson, Interim Chair, Department of Physical Therapy and Mo. Ismail Abdelkadar, Co-President, OIEPB Alumni Association. Other special guests included OIEPB Faculty Mentors, Alana Tintse and Hari Nair, numerous community clinicians and Denis Bourguignon, Chief Administrative Officer, Temerty Faculty of Medicine. Heartfelt speeches were delivered, sharing their admiration for the graduates’ dedication to the program and all they have to offer being internationally trained physiotherapists. Warm congratulations were extended to all the graduates.
Next, Martine Quesnel presented the Awards of Excellence for Academics and Clinical Education. Congratulations to David (Dave) Lowry earning the highest marks and received the Academic Award of Excellence. Congratulations for your outstanding achievement Dave!
This year there was a tie for the Clinical Education Award of Excellence so two awards were handed out. Congratulations to America (Mel) Keddy and David Lowry for both demonstrating exceptional performance in the clinical environment. Bravo Mel and Dave!
Class President Chandrashekar (Chandra) Yaduvanshi showed great leadership and advocacy throughout the program to ensure his classmates would have an exceptional experience. Chandra shared his thoughts and experiencesi over the past year followed by each graduate speaking in turn. They agreed time flew by and proud they made it through and enjoyed all aspects of the program! A video was shared of snapshots from Day 1 to their last day together.
It was a wonderful year and we wish our graduates continued success! We look forward to hearing about their future impact in the physiotherapy profession across Canada.
Congratulations Class of 2024!
From the OIEPB Team
by Mae Kwan, June 14, 2024