Research Awards

The AHPA offers 4 abstract awards. All Abstracts which are accepted at the CRA Annual Scientific Meeting will automatically be entered into the Abstract Awards Competition. Award winners will be announced at the AHPA Annual General Meeting

Barbara Hanes Memorial Award

The Barbara Hanes Memorial Award was established in honour of her work as an Occupational Therapy Director at the Arthritis Society, Ontario Division, and her contributions as a teacher and a contributing author to the rheumatology textbook Physical Therapy in Arthritis. This award recognizes the best scientific abstract submitted by an occupational therapist.

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2026 Barbara Hanes Memorial Award

Mahta Rafieinia

The recipient of the 2026 Barbara Hanes Memorial Award is Mahta Rafieinia for her research entitled:  “A Systematic Review of Approaches to Manage Mental Health Symptoms Among Children and Youth with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis".

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Carolyn Thomas Award

The Carolyn Thomas Award was established in honour of Carolyn Thomas, a founding member of AHPA who supported research. It is given to the first author of the year’s best scientific abstract.  The recipient of this award will also be presented with an opportunity to present their work as a podium presentation at the annual Canadian Rheumatology Association Annual Scientific Meeting.

 

2026 Carolyn Thomas Award

Marie Westby

The recipient of the 2026 Carolyn Thomas Award is Marie Westby for her project entitled: “Feasibility Study to Implement Quality Indicator Toolkits for Rehabilitation After Total Hip and Knee Replacement: Patient and Clinician Toolkit User Metrics”.

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Trainee Abstract Award

The Trainee Abstract Award was established to recognize research being done by allied health in summer studentships, graduate programs or post-doctoral fellowships. This award is given for the best scientific abstract submitted by a trainee. 

 

2026 Best Trainee Abstract Award

Sophia Popescu

The recipient of the 2026 Best Trainee Abstract Award is Sophia Popescu for her project entitled: “Exploring Decisional Factors to Include Approaches in a Patient Decision Aid for Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Symptom Management”.

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ACPAC SIG Abstract Award

The ACPAC SIG Abstract Award is given for the best abstract submitted by an ACPAC SIG member.

 

2026 ACPAC SIG Abstract Award

Laura Passalent

The recipient of the 2026 ACPAC SIG Abstract Award is Laura Passalent for her project entitled: “Number Needed to Screen for Axial Spondyloarthritis: Preliminary Results from the FASTRAX Cohort”.

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