Summer 2015 (Volume 25, Number 2)

AHPA in Quebec City

By Leslie Soever, BScPT, MSc, ACPAC

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The Arthritis Health Professions Association (AHPA) was pleased to join the CRA for the Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) in Quebec City, Quebec. This year featured our 7^th annual pre-course for arthritis health professionals with 86 attendees. An excellent slate of speakers included Dr. Boulos Haraoui (Biologics and Small Molecules: 2014 in Review), Dr. Annette Wagner (Kidney Involvement in Different Rheumatic Diseases), Dr. Heather McDonald-Blumer (Osteoporosis: Overview of the Latest Evidence), Dr. Dharini Mahendira (Safety of Pharmacotherapy of Rheumatic Disease in Pregnancy – Update), occupational therapist Karine Toupin April (Complementary and Alternative Therapy [CAM] – Evidence in Inflammatory Arthritis), pharmacist Carolyn Whiskin (Review: Drug/Therapies Utilized in Inflammatory Arthritis and Side Effect Profiles/Interactions), and physiotherapist Chandra Farrer (Osteoarthritis – Review of Updated Published Guidelines).

This meeting also saw the introduction of an Interprofessional Role Play enacting an inflammatory arthritis case. Dr. Andy Thompson played the role of the rheumatologist; Jane Cottrell, the nurse; Karen Gordon, the physiotherapist; Carolyn Whiskin, the pharmacist; and Marlene Thompson, the patient.

Leslie Soever presenting Jennifer Burt with Extraordinary Service Award.

Jennifer Burt received the Extraordinary Service Award, which recognizes contributions by an AHPA Board Member in advancing the mission, vision, and goals of our association. Jennifer has served on the Board of Directors of AHPA since 2007, initially as Provincial Representative for Newfoundland and Labrador, then as President (2011-2013), and more recently as Past-President. Her many achievements include her capable leadership of AHPA through the process of incorporation, representation on the Arthritis Alliance of Canada (AAC), and overall advocacy of our organization to the broader arthritis community.

Mr. Sameer Chunara presenting Dr. Katie Lundon with Clinical Innovation Award.

The AHPA Clinical Innovation Award recognizes members who have designed and implemented an innovative clinical project or related initiative that benefits the lives of Canadians living with arthritis. This year’s winner was Dr. Katie Lundon for her project "Advanced Clinician Practitioner in Arthritis Care (ACPAC) Program"; The Arthritis Society Research Award was presented to
Dr. Lucie Brosseau for her work, "Development and Dissemination of Ottawa Panel Clinical Practice Guidelines on Self-Management and Rehabilitation Interventions for Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA)”.

Ms. Janet Yale presenting Dr. Lucie Brosseau with TAS Research Award.

The Carolyn Thomas Award was established in honour of a founding member of AHPA who supported research; it is given to the first author of the year’s best scientific abstract. Carol Kennedy received it for her research “Effectiveness of a Telemedicine Education Program for Adults with Inflammatory Arthritis Living in Rural and Remote Communities in Ontario”. The Barbara Hanes Memorial Award was established in honour of her work as an Occupational Therapy Director at TAS and her contributions as a teacher and a contributing author of the rheumatology textbook Physical Therapy in Arthritis. This award was presented to Lorna Bain for her research entitled “Identifying and Addressing Real and Perceived Barriers to Therapeutic Education Programs to Inform a New Model of Care”.

Congratulations to all award winners and thank you for your excellent work that contributes to improved care for individuals with arthritis! I would also like to thank all members of the AHPA Board of Directors for their dedication and efforts in the ongoing work of AHPA.

Leslie Soever, BScPT, MSc, ACPAC
President,
Arthritis Health Professions Association
Bolton, Ontario