Dr. Paula Kramer Named Among 100 Influential People in Occupational Therapy

Paula Kramer, PhD, OT, FAOTA, was named one of 100 influential people in occupational therapy by the American Occupational Therapy Association, which is celebrating the profession’s centennial birthday.

Dr. Kramer, director of the post professional doctor of occupational therapy program and professor of occupational therapy at USciences, was included on the list because of her role as an executive member of the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE), an independent accreditation agency for OT professionals. 

“I am so very pleased and excited about this honor, especially since many of my mentors are on this list,” said Dr. Kramer.  “Being included among such esteemed company is truly a dream come true.”

AOTA is the national professional association, established in 1917, to represent the interests and concerns of occupational therapy practitioners and students of occupational therapy and to improve the quality of occupational therapy services. The organization is marking 100 years as a profession by celebrating the past and advancing the future of occupational therapy.

The list of 100 influential people comprises a long line of occupational therapists and those who supported the profession including George Edward Barton, who organized the founding meeting of the National Society for the Promotion of Occupational Therapy, and Susan Tracy, founder of AOTA.

Dr. Kramer’s work as an accreditation evaluator, chair of ACOTE, and signature authority of the memorandum of understanding establishing an independent ACOTE together are one of the most important events in the maturation of occupational therapy.
 
Dr. Kramer has been honored previously for her scholarly contributions and service to the occupational therapy profession.
 
In 2012, she received the prestigious Award of Merit from AOTA, the A. Jean Ayres Award from the American Occupational Therapy Foundation in 2005, and was named a Fellow (FAOTA) of the AOTA in 1985 for her service and scholarly contributions to the profession in the area of pediatrics.  
 
Dr. Kramer assumes a worldwide presence having co-authored six widely-used textbooks, which have been translated into Korean and Chinese. An educator since 1981, Dr. Kramer has previously served as OT department chair at Kean University and USciences. Dr. Kramer’s scholarly work focuses on the analysis of the theories and assessment procedures in occupational therapy.
 
At USciences, Dr. Kramer supplements her research and teaching by directing the Genesis CARES program. The program aims to meet the growing need for training and resources that respond to the nation’s aging population.

Categories: News, Faculty, Awards and Honors, Samson College, Department of Occupational Therapy, Occupational Therapy