Congratulations to Prof. Shone Joos on receiving a 2023 Temerty Award for Excellence in Professional Values.

These professional values are exemplified in many ways, including (but not limited to): dealing fairly and ethically with colleagues and others; actively facilitating psychologically-, culturally- and physically-safe learning and work environments; demonstrating kindness, respect, civility, humility, integrity and self-reflection; and committing to anti-oppressive and anti-racist practices, consistent advocacy and inclusion for equity deserving groups and allyship.

Prof. Joos is an assistant professor, teaching stream, in the Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy. Nominators lauded Prof. Joos for always thinking of others and for her enthusiastic efforts to make the department, its work culture and the learning environment more fun, inclusive and high in integrity. A much sought-after faculty advisor, she actively participates in multiple departmental committees and serves as a member of the U of T Governing Council’s Academic Board and the Association of Canadian Occupational Therapy University Programs’ Community of Practice for Research on Education. Prof. Joos has pursued training in the area of anti-oppressive practices, including engagement in the Building the Foundations for Anti-Oppressive Healthcare Program at the Centre for Faculty Development, and strives to incorporate the principles she has learned into her teaching. In the classroom, Prof. Joos is dedicated to presenting material in a way that fosters engagement and prepares students to navigate ethical decision-making in real-world situations. She places a special emphasis on recognizing the strengths of clients and their families, adopting a neurodiverse-affirming approach and providing care considering an anti-oppressive lens.

First established in 2021, these awards were launched to recognize these exceptional community members. All faculty and learners from across Temerty Medicine’s clinical, fundamental science and rehabilitation science sectors are eligible to be nominated by one or more peers, supervisors, colleagues, staff members or program leaders.

This story is an excerpt from an announcement from Temerty Medicine.