Educators can simulate some clinical experiences for physiotherapy and occupational therapy students at McMaster University, but they can't simulate real-life health care.

That's where local health care providers come in. Acting as preceptors, area clinicians welcome students into their practices, providing opportunities for students to apply the knowledge they've learned at university.

Dan McQueen and John Staresinic, Jr., own and operate Beamsville Physiotherapy and The Physiotherapy Edge in Grimsby. Between them, as clinical preceptors they have supervised more than 30 physiotherapy students in the past five years.

McQueen and Staresinic agree that the partnership is a win-win situation for both them and the students. “While we provide the opportunity and our expertise, the students provide a link to the most current research,” says Staresinic. “It's a way to continue learning.”

Preceptor Gord Hirano, with DMG Workable in Mississauga, agrees. He says students continue to keep him fresh. He picks up on their enthusiasm and being a preceptor allows him to contribute to the growth of his profession.

Hirano has supervised 12 occupational therapy students in the past five years. They are a significant resource, he says. “Students look at the capacity an injured person has and helps to transition them back to work.”

McQueen, Staresinic and Hirano are among more than 70 rehabilitation specialists who will be recognized for their excellence in education and training at an awards ceremony for clinical educators to be held at 4 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 18, 2005, at the Institute for Applied Health Sciences at McMaster University.

“Clinical preceptors are very conscientious about their professional responsibilities in training the next generation in their fields,” says Mary Law, associate dean of the School of Rehabilitation Sciences. “They provide a real-world learning environment, and give students helpful instruction and feedback on applying what they've learned academically.”

The need for preceptors in the physiotherapy and occupational therapy professions is increasing as rehabilitation health services broaden in scope and more clinical preceptors are being sought, says Law.

The school is also a beneficiary, as the professional clinicians also offer helpful feedback to the programs about what is being taught, she says.

The awards are sponsored by the School of Rehabilitation Science at McMaster University, the Ontario Council of University Programs in Rehabilitation Science and the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.

Prior to the awards ceremony there will be an educational session describing recent developments in balancing evidence-based practice with the realities in clinical life.