"Equipping our students with strong research knowledge and skills is essential for cultivating physical therapy leaders and educators,” said Dr. Musselman.
Physical therapist and KITE senior scientist Dr. Kristin Musselman won the 2025 Contribution to a University/College Program through Education/Research Involvement Award.
The award is given to staff members at Toronto Rehab or West Park who have made an important contribution to a university or college program. Students, residents, fellows and faculty make the nomination. One of the people nominating Dr. Musselman described her as both an exceptional educator and an exceptional leader, whose “kindness, accessibility, and genuine investment in student growth make her an inspiring educator who instills confidence, curiosity, and a love of learning in every student she mentors.”
Musselman said she appreciated the recognition and the opportunity to help shape the next generation of physical therapists through research internships. “Research forms the foundation of evidence-based healthcare professions, like physical therapy, and equipping our students with strong research knowledge and skills is essential for cultivating physical therapy leaders and educators,” she said.
This is the 21st year UHN has given out the awards, which recognize outstanding educators in rehab and complex care. This year, they cover both Toronto Rehab and West Park, which support 1,243 learners between them.
That also led to an unprecedented number of nominees, at 105 for 2025. That number is a testament to the quality of teaching and learning at UHN, Elizabeth McLaney, senior director of clinical education at UHN, said at the awards ceremony. “We can all think back on a special moment when a great teacher impacted our lives,” she said. “Our winners today, as well as our nominees, are creating these lasting memories our learners will carry forward with them, as they join teams, as they care for patients, clients and families. Our best educators are not only teaching skills, they are changing lives.”