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:
Monday December 15, 2025

Please note that you will receive a confirmation email upon receipt of your nomination. If you do not receive this confirmation within 48 hours, please contact connect@ahpa.ca

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

Award:
$500.00

 

(Seen here with AHPA President Michelle Bridge)

2026 AHPA Lifetime Achievement Award Winner

Jocelyne Murdoch

With over more than 30 years as an occupational therapist, Jocelyne has built an extraordinary career grounded in purpose and impact. She has been a pioneer in advancing arthritis care in Northern Ontario through her work with Arthritis Society Canada, helping to bring specialized care to communities where rheumatology access has been limited.  Through her leadership, creativity, and determination, she has helped bridge this gap in service and ensure that patients receive the care they need, closer to home.

As one of the inaugural graduates of the ACPAC program, Jocelyne was instrumental in shaping and defining this emerging role. She embraced innovation early—leveraging telemedicine and developing collaborative care models with rheumatologists that have transformed care delivery across vast and underserved regions.

Jocelyne is deeply respected for her clinical expertise, her collaborative spirit, and her commitment to health equity. She has built trusted relationships with colleagues, communities, and patients alike—including Indigenous and francophone communities—always leading with humility, compassion, and respect.

Beyond her clinical and system-level impact, Jocelyne is also an exceptional mentor, inspiring and guiding clinicians across the country.  Many have benefited from her generous investment of time and expertise in mentorship.

This award reflects the deep respect and admiration that Jocelyne has fostered across AHPA, Arthritis Society Canada, and beyond. It celebrates a legacy that has truly made a difference in the lives of patients, colleagues, and learners alike.

It is with great pride and gratitude that we celebrate Jocelyne Murdoch as the recipient of the 2026 AHPA Lifetime Achievement Award.  

View Past Award Winners