New Rady grads encouraged to stay curious, inspire others
New graduates from the College of Rehabilitation Sciences and Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) program at the Max Rady College of Medicine celebrated at fall convocation Nov. 6 at Bannatyne campus.
In total, 127 Rady Faculty of Health Sciences students graduated, including 47 in the Master of Occupational Therapy program, 46 in the Master of Physical Therapy program, 18 in the Bachelor of Respiratory Therapy program and 15 in the MPAS program.
It was the last convocation ceremony to be held at Bannatyne due to growing class sizes. Next year, all Rady students will convocate at Fort Garry campus. View a video retrospective of convocations at Bannatyne campus below.
The ceremony included greetings from Elder Charlotte Nolin, of Ongomiizwin – Indigenous Institute of Health and Healing, UM president Dr. Michael Benarroch and UM Chancellor Dave Angus, who encouraged the graduates to be curious and seek inspiration as they enter the next chapter of their lives.
“When you are curious, that comes with empathy, that comes with understanding and innovative new thinking and ideas,” Angus said. “There is inspiration all around us. Seek it out, because those who are inspired are the ones who inspire others.”
Respiratory therapy graduate Rachel Donelly received the UM’s Gold Medal, which is awarded to the student with the highest standing in an undergraduate faculty, college or school. Donnelly worked as a respiratory therapy assistant at St. Boniface Hospital while in the program, and now works there as a full-time RT.
“I’m super grateful,” she said. “Our class was very competitive, so it’s an honour to get this award.”
Praise Okafor
Praise Okafor graduated with a Master of Science (Rehabilitation) degree. Her thesis was on the impact of post-COVID symptoms among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Okafor has a physiotherapy degree from Nigeria and moved to Manitoba to study at UM in 2022. She plans to work as a physiotherapist in Canada and bridge clinical practice with research.
“I am so grateful,” she said. “One thing I really learned from my program was to appreciate evidence-based practice, and also the importance of an individualized holistic approach with individuals and their own symptoms.”
MPAS students feel pride
MPAS graduate Anna Zrinyi has already started working in pediatric general surgery at Health Sciences Centre. She said it was a proud moment crossing the stage.
(L to R) Hailee Morisseau and Anna Zrinyi
“I felt proud to be a UM alum. I felt proud to be a physician assistant entering the health-care field. It was honestly a moment of gratitude,” said Zrinyi, who grew up in Winnipeg.
Hailee Morisseau, also an MPAS graduate, has also started work in general surgery but in Brandon, Man. She said her rural rotations were a highlight of the program because she got to spend time in a few different communities, work alongside great mentors and be involved in patient care.
“It was really special to finish this off with all my classmates. It’s been a really long journey, but it’s also gone by really fast. It was really special to wrap it up with them today and celebrate and just recognize all the accomplishments of everyone here,” said Morisseau, who grew up in Portage la Prairie, Man.
Students awarded at luncheon
Prior to the convocation, the College of Rehabilitation Sciences held its annual convocation award luncheon at Canad Inns at Health Sciences Centre. Twenty-one students received awards, with a total value of over $10,000 – including medals and professional association memberships.
Kiera Martin-Shimoji and instructor Lisa Diamond-Burchuk.
“Being able to be recognized for the hard work that we’ve done throughout the program, it just feels great,” said occupational therapy graduate Kiera Martin-Shimoji, who won three awards.
Martin-Shimoji is currently working in transitional care at Misericordia Health Centre. She said she’d also like to one day work in stroke rehabilitation or pediatrics.
“I really love the holistic nature of the profession and the values that it holds when it comes to care for individuals,” she said.
Among the other winners was Karanveer Multani, who won the Marjorie Spence Physical Therapy Achievement Prize for his community involvement and leadership qualities.
Multani, who grew up in Winnipeg, is now working at a private physiotherapy clinic in the city.
“I’m focused on continuing to grow my skills as a physiotherapist and pursue further education so I can better serve my clients. I’m excited to learn to see where this journey takes me,” he said.
Watch a social media reel from the convocation.