The ACR/ARHP Honors ARHP Members for Contributions to Rheumatology

Q: People are so busy these days. Why have you taken the time to serve on ARHP committees and task forces? What do you get out of that?

A: I’ve gained so much from being a member of the ARHP over the years, and I love the work they do. So it is only natural to want to be part of that, to provide the perspective of a physical therapist in some of the committees and task forces, as well as ensure the needs of Canadian members of the ARHP are represented. But probably the biggest draw for me is the people—both the ARHP staff and fellow committee members.

ARHP Distinguished Educator Award

Janet Poole, PhD, OTR/L

Professor, Occupational Therapy Graduate Program, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque

Background: Compassionate and dedicated mentors steered Dr. Poole to an occupational therapy career with a focus on rheumatology. She’s been helping rheumatology patients, and most notably those afflicted with scleroderma, for more than 30 years. It was at her first faculty position, at the University of Pittsburgh, where she developed her interest in scleroderma.

“Drs. Thomas Medsger and Virginia Steen at the [University of Pittsburgh] were instrumental in developing my interest in scleroderma,” she says. “As an occupational therapist, I was asked to come to scleroderma clinic and evaluate people’s hand function and follow them over time. Drs. Medsger and Steen and their patients taught me about scleroderma and how the disease affected the patients. They helped me see the role of occupational therapy. They encouraged me to join ARHP and were supportive of my clinical and research ideas.”

Dr. Poole received her bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Colorado State University, her Master’s degree from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and her PhD from the University of Pittsburgh. At UNM, she teaches the rheumatology content to undergraduate and graduate occupational therapy students.

She has designed hand and face exercise programs and self-management programs for people with scleroderma delivered in person, and by telephone and Internet.

An active member of ARHP since 1984 and past board member, she was recognized in 2011 with the National Volunteer of the Year Award by the Scleroderma Foundation for her “accessibility as an educator and resource for persons with scleroderma and health professionals.”

Q: What is the most fulfilling part of your job?

A: I get to do everything: teach occupational therapy students, do research and provide service to professional and patient organizations.

Q: Your award is for a career dedicated to teaching. What does that mean to you?