McGill is a second home for Prof. Annette Majnemer. After earning three degrees at the University she has spent 35 years as a professor at the School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, becoming a globally recognized leader in child health, rehabilitation education and patient-oriented research.
On Oct. 14, Majnemer was bestowed with McGill’s Lifetime Achievement Award for Leadership in Learning for sustained excellence in leadership, innovation and learning.
Among her accomplishments: She supported the first PhD program in rehabilitation sciences in Canada and later served as the School of Physical and Occupational Therapy’s Director and Associate Dean, helping to transform it into the research-intensive institution it is today.
“Working one-on-one with my PhD students is what I enjoy most,” said Majnemer, who has seen some go on to become McGill faculty members and Canada Research Chairs. “It’s really rewarding to see them succeed.”
Student-focused approach
Majnemer has always worked to provide education that is inclusive, learning-centred and collaborative.
“Engaging students is critical,” she said. “We have to capture their interests and make it real. I often invite parents, children and clinicians into the classroom so students can understand the challenges of working within the health-care system; that’s not something you can easily understand by looking it up on Google.”
Her student-focused approach has influenced learners significantly.
“Her impact on my development as a clinician, researcher and educator has been profound and enduring,” said one former student.
“Her mentorship has shaped me into the researchers, educator and mentor I am today,” said another.
Academic accolades
Majnemer’s research interests focus primarily on the developmental, functional and quality-of-life outcomes of children with disabilities.
She has served on expert panels at the World Health Organization and UNICEF, holds research positions at the McGill University Health Centre and the Montreal Children’s Hospital and, since 2016, has led the CHILD-BRIGHT Network, a national research network that partners researchers, clinicians and policymakers with families dealing with developmental disabilities.
“I’m very proud of the work we do,” she said. “We’ve learned a lot, through trial and error, about what parents and youth need, how researchers can bring them into their research teams, and how to improve health practices and policies.”
Her contributions have earned her accolades from the American Occupational Therapy Foundation Academy of Research and the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists.
“They’re important to me because they represent my contributions to the profession and the advancement of knowledge of occupational therapy.”
Visionary leadership
Majnemer has also been honoured by McGill’s Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. In 2016 she was appointed the Faculty’s inaugural Vice-Dean of Education, and earlier this year she was named to the Faculty Honour List for Educational Excellence.
“Professor Annette Majnemer’s unwavering dedication to education has left an indelible mark on generations of learners and educators,” said Lesley Fellows, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. “As Vice-Dean of Education she championed excellence, innovation, and inclusion across the health professions. Her visionary leadership, collaborative spirit, and deep commitment to mentorship have helped transform the academic culture at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.”
Majnemer remains a leader in the Faculty, actively coaching academic chairs, mentoring junior faculty members and encouraging the next generation of rehabilitation clinicians.
“This lifetime achievement award is a fitting tribute to a career devoted to shaping the future of health sciences education,” said Fellows.