International Service Award
Established in 2015, this award recognizes occupational therapy practitioners who have demonstrated a sustained and outstanding commitment to international occupational therapy service. Recipients have advanced occupational therapy’s reach, impact, and equity in underserved countries and communities — promoting a globally connected profession and contributing to the resolution of global health challenges.
Spirit of the Award
This award honors sustained outstanding commitment to international occupational therapy service. Recipients build lasting local capacity and advance occupational therapy's reach, equity, and impact abroad well beyond their own direct involvement.
Description and Purpose
- To recognize occupational therapy practitioners who have made a sustained, documented contribution to international occupational therapy service.
- To honor practitioners who promote and advance occupational therapy abroad in areas of occupational health and/or occupational justice in under-resourced countries.
- To provide an incentive for occupational therapy practitioners to extend international relationships and address global health issues.
Criteria
The nominee must be an OT or OTA who is a current AOTA and WFOT member in good standing. Nominations must demonstrate sustained international work (minimum of three years) in at least one area below. All activities cited must have a clear international component; domestic work does not fulfill this requirement. International service must demonstrate sustained contribution, documented impact, and influence that builds local capacity or advances occupational therapy beyond the nominee’s direct participation.
Areas of International Practice
- Development of international occupational therapy professionalism.
- Advancing cultural competence specific to international practice contexts.
- Environmental sustainability for the support of human well-being in global contexts.
- Global health as it informs and shapes occupational therapy practice.
- International collaborative research.
- Addressing the occupational needs of displaced people.
- Occupational therapy in disaster preparedness and response.
- Protection of human rights in international contexts.
- Recruiting and developing occupational therapists from international communities.
- Development and enhancement of occupational therapy education programs in under-resourced countries to build capacity for sustainable practice.
Impact on an International Level
The nominee demonstrates notable impact through at least one of the following:
- Positively influencing health, welfare, education, or vocational needs internationally.
- Advocating for occupational therapy in international contexts.
- Serving as a liaison or collaborator with international organizations.
- Holding a leadership position within WFOT or another international organization.
- Disseminating experiences or knowledge via presentations or publications at national or international forums.
- Evidence of increased local capacity, sustainability of services, or knowledge transfer beyond the nominee’s involvement.
What Does Not Qualify Alone
Domestic work that mirrors international categories without a clear international component does not meet the criteria for this award. A single international experience or short-term trip without evidence of sustained engagement (minimum three years) does not qualify.