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Elspeth Pearson Award 2023 winners
The Elspeth Pearson Award enables recipients to advance their clinical skills and expertise through professional development opportunities. This award has been made possible through the generosity of Elspeth Pearson's family and the Elspeth Pearson Estate. It is awarded to recently qualified occupational therapists (qualified for up to three years) and final year occupational therapy students to broaden their education and experience within the profession.
Congratulations to 2023 winners Emiliana Guerra, Betty Lin and Ferris Wong! Read on to hear about their early career practice and how they plan to use the award funds.
Emiliana Guerra
What did it feel like to receive the Elspeth Pearson Award?
I was overjoyed when I learned I was a recipient of the Elspeth Pearson Award. It is a great privilege to be recognised by the Pearson family and Occupational Therapy Australia with such a fantastic award.
How are you planning to use the funds from the award?
I plan to use the award funds to advance my clinical skills and expertise in mental health through a Graduate Certificate in Mental Health at La Trobe University. I am looking forward to gaining a deeper understanding of mental health theory and clinical practice to improve the mental health of individuals and communities through meaningful occupations.
How have your first years of practice been going and what practice area have you been working in?
My first years of practice have been an exciting and fulfilling experience. I have been working in the public mental health sector, primarily in a community-based residential psychosocial rehabilitation setting.
What are the benefits of being an OTA member you enjoy most and that have helped your early career most?
The OTA member benefits I have enjoyed most are discounted CPD and events. I recently attended the OTA 30th National Conference in Cairns, Queensland, and my OTA membership enabled me to access discounted registration for this event. The Early Career Launchpad also has a great range of online modules to develop professional skills that I can access freely through my membership.
Betty Lin
What did it feel like to receive the Elspeth Pearson Award?
Honestly, I was so surprised and couldn't believe my eyes. I am deeply humbled and grateful for receiving this award. This is a moment I will cherish forever.
How are you planning to use the funds from the award?
I am planning to use the funds to attend a three-day Upper Limb Retraining workshop in New Zealand later this year. I'm super excited because this will be my first time in New Zealand, and I've been on the waitlist for this workshop since the start of this year.
How have your first years of practice been going and what practice area have you been working in?
My first two years of practice have been super challenging and rewarding at the same time. I have mostly worked in inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation. As my supervisor once said to me, "Every day is a new day in rehab! You never know what you are going to see next!"
What are the benefits of being an OTA member you enjoy most and that have helped your early career most?
Definitely the CPD and interest groups. I have recently attended a lymphoedema workshop recommended by OTA. Not only was the course affordable, but the content was also extremely interesting. I also loved how knowledgeable and inspiring the presenter was! I cannot wait to attend more workshops in future.
Ferris Wong
What did it feel like to receive the Elspeth Pearson Award?
Getting the Elspeth Pearson Award is such an amazing experience for me. It really makes me feel appreciated and validated for all the hard work and dedication I've put into being an occupational therapist.
How are you planning to use the funds from the award?
I'm excited and planning to use the funds for courses related to Ayres Sensory Integration, which I believe will be beneficial to the population I am working with. I am looking forward to attending the courses, which will help me enhance my skills and knowledge.
How have your first years of practice been going and what practice area have you been working in?
The first years of my practice have been both challenging and rewarding. I've learned so much about addressing the unique needs of children with disabilities and developmental challenges, seeing how occupational therapy interventions positively impact these kids and their families. I am delighted to see how the activities and recommendations provided to the families have supported the growth of all the children I have been working with.
What are the benefits of being an OTA member you enjoy most and that have helped your early career most?
All the benefits of being an OTA member further consolidate my clinical reasoning and skill development, and I feel more inclusive as part of the OT group in Australia, knowing there will always be someone and resources available to support my career.
