Every year, we invite RCOT members to nominate people to be recognised for their contributions to the occupational therapy profession, and we’re very happy to announce the recipients for 2023.
RCOT Fellowship Awards 2023
An RCOT Fellowship is the highest honour that we can give to recognise the exceptional contribution members have made to the profession, and RCOT over many years. This year, they’ve been awarded to:
- Dr Maria Avantaggiato-Quinn, Associate AHP Director CYP Services, Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear, NHS Foundation Trust. In recognition of their ground-breaking research and significant contribution to occupational therapy and AHP profession.
- Professor Katrina Bannigan, Professor of Occupational Therapy, Glasgow Caledonian University. In recognition of their commitment to and influence on the development of the occupational therapy profession through many papers, books and research, and their significant international collaborations.
- Dr Patricia McClure, Associate Head of School, School of Health Sciences, Ulster University. In recognition of their exceptional dedication and commitment to the occupational therapy profession, education and mentoring both in UK and internationally, and for their influence as a leader.
RCOT Merit Awards 2023
Our Merit Awards recognise a significant achievement someone has made in their sphere of work, at any point in their career. It’s a recognition by peers of excellence and their special contribution to the profession. This year, they’ve been awarded to:
- Musharrat Ahmed-Landeryou, Associate Professor in Occupational Therapy, London South Bank University, Co-founder BAMEOTUK
- Rachael Booth-Gardiner, Occupational Therapist, Co-founder AbleOTUK
- Louise Clark, Consultant Occupational Therapist – Stroke and Neuro Rehab
- Natalie Jones, Clinical Academic Occupational Therapist, Associate Lecturer Sheffield Hallam University, NIHR Clinical Doctoral Research Fellow
- Emma Linley, Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist and Team Lead, Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital
- Dr Fiona Maclean, Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy, Edinburgh Napier University
- Janice McClymont, Head of Occupational Therapy Services and Professional Lead, NHS Lanarkshire
- Jo Vallom-Smith, Independent Occupational Therapist
- Jenny Welford, Specialist Occupational Therapist
We'll be sharing more information about the winners in blogs over the coming weeks. Please join us in congratulating the winners by commenting on our social media posts.