Susan Wehry, M.D., chief of the Division of Geriatric Medicine at UNE's College of Osteopathic Medicine, is being recognized for her work to promote the field of occupational therapy (OT) with the 2020 OT Advocate Award, presented by the Maine Occupational Therapy Association (MeOTA), an organization actively working to advance the profession of OT in Maine.
Wehry was nominated for the award by Regi Robnett, Ph.D., OTR/L, professor of occupational therapy and associate director of the UNE Center for Excellence in Aging and Health (CEAH).
"Susan is a natural advocate for our profession and deserves to be honored for her commitment to older adults, interprofessional practice, and especially, her love of OT," Robnett said. "I joke with her that in my view she is an 'honorary OT.'"
Wehry and Robnett worked together on a research project using technology for people with early stage dementia. They worked with several OT graduate students and one medical student to share various digital technology devices with people living with dementia and their caregivers.
"While Susan endorses interprofessional practice, she seems to especially value what OTs bring to the table," Robnett stated.
Wehry was the distinguished guest speaker for the Morocco OT Association's second annual conference, where OTs from Morocco, Europe, and the United States gathered to learn about transforming dementia care.
She will be presented the award at the MeOTA Fall Conference, which will be held virtually via Zoom on November 7.
