AHPA Lifetime Achievement Award

This award honours an AHPA member who has made a significant contribution during their work career in the areas of clinical practice, research, education, academics and/or administration. This award is given to an individual who has demonstrated excellence through such characteristics as mentorship, initiative, quality, innovation, leadership, enthusiasm, and ongoing commitment in Rheumatology.

Eligibility:
Only AHPA members are eligible

Governing Committee: 
AHPA membership and nominations committee chairs
Chaired by the AHPA president

Application:
Please consider submitting a nomination letter on behalf of a deserving colleague. A nomination letter should include the following information:

  • A description of the achievements that would warrant this candidate being given a lifetime achievement award.
  • Consideration of how the candidate has brought honour to the profession throughout his/her career lifetime.
  • How this candidate has modeled mentorship, innovation, enthusiasm, and ongoing commitment in arthritis care.
  • Why this candidate is deserving of an AHPA Lifetime Achievement Award
  • A copy of the candidate’s current CV.

Please forward your submission to: membership@ahpa.ca

Deadline for Applications:
December every year

Presentation:
This award is given out at the CRA Annual Scientific meeting

Award:
$500.00

 

2024 AHPA Lifetime Achievement Award Winner

Jennifer Burt

This award is given to a candidate who has brought honour to the profession throughout his or her career lifetime by modeling mentorship, innovation, enthusiasm, and ongoing commitment in Arthritis care. This year’s recipient is Jennifer Burt.

Jennifer Burt graduated from Dalhousie University in 1991 with a Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy. Her introduction to the field of rheumatology began in 1997 when she started working on the Rheumatic Disease Unit at St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital in St. John’s, Newfoundland (NL), and has continued to evolve as the service has transitioned to an outpatient-based program known as the Rheumatic Health Unit (RHU).

Jennifer has contributed to numerous organizations including shepherding the Arthritis Health Professions Association through the process of becoming a non-profit corporation, involvement in the Arthritis Alliance of Canada’s Models of Care Committee, and contributions to the Best Practices for Virtual Care consensus statement from the Canadian Rheumatology Association. 

Jennifer’s calmness under pressure, genuineness, humour, problem-solving, integrity, and respect for the perspectives of others allow her to provide strong leadership and connect with others. The wide range of organizations and initiatives she has been involved in attest to her belief in the importance of giving back to society.

Jennifer has mentored numerous students and trainees and supports general practice professionals in Newfoundland given her role as the sole adult rheumatology physiotherapist in the province. Jennifer has worked in rheumatology for 26 years and has maintained her commitment to keeping abreast of research advances as well as honing and expanding her own skill set through specialized training, particularly the ACPAC certification. This has allowed her to be involved in innovative pilot projects and role-expansion, particularly in the area of rheumatology triage.

For all these reasons and more, we are proud to award Jennifer Burt with the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award.

View Past Award Winners