RCOT is thrilled to announce Dr Anita Atwal, Associate Professor of Interprofessional Working at London South Bank University, has been selected to deliver the 2021 Elizabeth Casson Memorial Lecture in November.
Established in 1971 and celebrating its fiftieth anniversary this year, the Elizabeth Casson Memorial Lecture was created in memory of Dr Elizabeth Casson who died, aged 73 years, in 1954. As the first woman to be awarded a medical degree from the University of Bristol in 1919, Dr Casson introduced occupational therapy to England and in 1929, established the first occupational therapy school, Dorset House in Bristol.
In recognition of Dr Casson’s commitment to further occupational therapy, the lectureship is awarded to a RCOT member who is considered by their peers to have made and be making significant contributions to the profession’s development.
Dr Atwal, who is an Elizabeth Casson mentor, a mentor to BAME occupational therapists, and part of the NIHR Clinical Lecturer Programme, says, “Elizabeth Casson was an innovator who has been described as eccentric and typically direct. In other words, she was not afraid to speak out, push the boundaries and pioneer innovative occupational therapy practice.”
“Speaking out is a core value of occupational therapy and the focus of this lecture will be to do just that - under the heading 'No barriers to Brilliance'. In relation to eccentricity, this lecture will highlight why it is time to deviate from the conventional norms of the profession and implement the principles of belonging.”
With a particular interest in promoting interprofessional working alongside researching active ageing and long-term conditions, Dr Atwal is committed to the principles of equality and diversity in the occupational therapy workforce after finding her voice during the #BlackLivesMatter movement.
Actively involved within the BAME OT network, her current focus is on workforce issues in the profession and the need to action to move the profession forward to serve all citizens.
Previous Elizabeth Casson Memorial lecturers have included Dr Jenny Preston MBE, Thérèse Jackson OBE, Dr Nick Pollard and Dr Wendy Bryant, Honorary Professor.
More details about the event will be shared soon.