MGH Institute faculty members in the Department of Occupational Therapy have been recognized by the school for their contributions to teaching excellence, the scholarship of teaching and learning, and mentorship.

Named as 2024 Fellows of the Teaching Excellence Academy for Learning (TEAL) of the MGH Institute are Dr. Midge Hobbs, assistant dean for interprofessional education and an assistant professor of occupational therapy; and Dr. John Wong, an associate professor of occupational therapy who also has an appointment in the School of Nursing.

Hobbs, according to faculty who reviewed her application, “excels in curriculum development, particularly in virtual learning environments, and demonstrates strong mentorship skills, guiding students, colleagues, and peers through academic projects and clinical reasoning. Recognized as an expert in interprofessional practice at IHP, her impactful contributions are evident through peer-reviewed conferences and scholarly work, complemented by an instructive and inspirational teaching philosophy emphasizing collaboration and creativity.”

Wong, according to faculty who reviewed his application, “excels in teaching across disciplines, contributing to interprofessional education, and demonstrates versatility by effectively teaching both beginner and advanced learners. He has a commitment to continuous personal development, pursuit of teaching excellence, and engagement in interprofessional scholarship.”

They will receive professional development funds for three years and the title of distinguished teaching professor.

TEAL is an honorary society for IHP faculty members who demonstrate sustained contributions to the teaching mission of the Institute and capacity for mentorship. Its objectives are to promote the scholarship of teaching and learning, honor Institute faculty who demonstrate sustained contributions to teaching excellence, spread promising practices in health professions education, and provide mentorship for early career faculty members

Dr. Jason Lucey, an assistant professor of nursing, also was named a 2024 TEAL Fellow.

Previous TEAL recipients are:

  • 2023–2026: Dr. Bobbie Ann Adair White, an associate professor of health professions education
  • 2022–2025: Lesley Maxwell, associate chair and an associate professor of communication sciences and disorders; Josh Merson, chair of the department of physician assistant studies; and Dr. Keshrie Naidoo, interim chair of the department of physical therapy
  • 2021–2024: Dr. Suellen Breakey, associate director of the Center for Climate Change, Climate Justice, and Health and an associate nursing; Dr. Eleonor Pusey-Reid, an associate professor of nursing; and Dr. Kathy Simmonds, an associate professor of nursing
  • 2020–2023: Dr. Anne McCarthy Jacobson, an assistant professor of physical therapy; and Dr. Kaveri Roy, an assistant professor of nursing
  • 2019–2022: Dr. Patrice Nicholas, director of the Institute’s Center for Climate Care, Climate Justice, and Health and a professor of nursing; and Dr. Caitlin Fitzgerald, associate director of PT clinical education and an assistant professor of physical therapy