2024 Exceptional Achievement and Recognition Awards
Exceptional Achievement Recipients
Valerie McWhinnie – Practitioner
Meredith Smith – Education
Meredith Smith is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy, an Academic Co-Lead for Clinical Education, and an Academic Co-Lead for Unit 4 which focuses on neurological physical therapy practice. She is a graduate of the MScPT program at the University of Toronto, holds a Bachelors from Michigan State University, and recently completed a Master of Education with a concentration in Health Professions Education from the University of Ottawa.
Meredith continues to occasionally practice clinically in private practice with a focus on clients living with neurological conditions. She is also involved in research and committed to work that advances equity and anti-oppression practice in healthcare and health professions education.
Sharon Gabison - Research
Dr. Sharon Gabison is a Physical Therapist and an Affiliate Scientist in pressure injury and home care research at KITE, Toronto Rehab – University Health Network. She leads the Wound Research Lab at the KITE Research Institute. Her research is focused on the development and evaluation of tools and technologies to support individuals at risk of developing secondary complications of immobility including pressure injuries and ICU acquired weakness and the caregivers who support them. This interdisciplinary research combines engineering, computer science and healthcare and takes place in the community, in rehabilitation settings and in complex continuing care environments. Dr. Gabison uses both quantitative and qualitative methods and approaches while engaging patients, families, caregivers and the community throughout the research cycle. Through this research, the hope is to equip individuals at risk of developing secondary complications with tools and technologies in order to reduce unnecessary pain and suffering.
Courtney Bean - Professional Development
Courtney Bean, a graduate of U of T’s department of PT and an adjunct lecturer within the department, is VHA Home HealthCare’s Vice President, Strategic Solutions and Partnerships. With a clinical background in both neuro and orthopaedics, he has completed an orthopaedic manual therapy residency with the Ola Grimsby Institute in California where he is currently completing a clinical doctorate.
Courtney is the President of the Ontario Physiotherapy Association, one of the founding members of the Black Physiotherapists Association and sits on the Health Working Group of the national Black Opportunity Fund. In addition, Courtney is a graduate of the executive healthcare innovation fellowship with Healthcare Excellence Canada.
As President of OPA, Courtney’s focus is the ability for PTs to work to full scope of practice and the continued augmentation of the role of PTs in healthcare in Ontario.