Yuqing (Mary) Zhao, an Occupational Therapist based at CLSC de Parc-Extension, has been honoured with an Award of Excellence from the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT).
Ms. Zhao earned the accolade in the Fieldwork Educator category for her work with occupational therapy students from McGill University who do internships at our CIUSSS. The prize recognizes educators for their “exceptional performance in student practice teaching and in student mentoring in the workplace.”
Ms. Zhao, who is part of the SAPA Home Care team, is praised for her extensive knowledge of frontline care.
“She excels at teaching, transmitting her knowledge and adjusting the level of challenge of each internship,” says Thao Dang, Coordinator in Physical Health in our CIUSSS’s Directorate of Rehabilitation and Multidisciplinary Services. “Each student completes their internship feeling more confident and better equipped for the next step in their journey to becoming a professional.”
Ms. Zhao says she was honoured by the award, which honours educators “who represent a gold standard in inspiring students to passionately pursue professional practice.” She says she views the supervision of students as a way to “give back to future generations of occupational therapists.”
“It’s very rewarding. I’m learning a lot from the students, too.”
Ms. Zhao received the prize at the 2025 CAOT Conference in Edmonton, Alberta, which was held May 7 to 9.