Congratulations to Professor Bonnie Kirsh on receiving the Temerty Faculty of Medicine’s 2022 Dean’s Alumni Lifetime Achievement – National Impact Award.  As noted in the announcement,

Professor Bonnie Kirsh’s contributions throughout her career have had a major impact on our knowledge and understanding of mental health from an occupational perspective. Her research on workplace mental health, student mental health and the elimination of stigma has had an important impact on policy and practice. Through her work, she has demonstrated new employment possibilities for people with mental health disorders and promoted the creation of working and learning environments that address stigma and support mental health.

Bonnie is an alumna (BSc OT ’77, MEd OISE ’83, PhD OISE ’99) who has demonstrated a lifetime of exceptional professionalism through her leadership, research, teaching and administration. Bonnie joined the Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy as a full-time Tutor in 1992, was appointed to a tenure stream appointment in 1999, received tenure in 2006 and achieved the rank of Full Professor in 2017.  Bonnie’s research in the areas of workplace mental health and stigma are noted above; her work examining postsecondary students’ mental health offers much needed insight into the crisis on today’s post-secondary campuses across the country.  Not only has Bonnie’s leadership in mental health and wellness had tremendous impact within the MScOT program, the Department and the University, and as an invited member of the Mental Health Commission of Canada’s Workforce Advisory Committee and Opening Minds Team, Bonnie has contributed substantially to Canada’s mental health policy and programming.

Congratulations, Bonnie, on this incredible accomplishment!