Now is the time to recognize and celebrate the exceptional individuals who have shaped the field of hand and upper extremity therapy through their dedication, innovation and leadership. Whether through clinical excellence, groundbreaking research, impactful teaching, advocacy or mentorship, these leaders have inspired many of us and helped guide our own careers. The call for ASHT awards nominations is an opportunity to say “thank you” to those who have made a lasting impact on our profession. Please consider nominating a deserving individual for one of the following ASHT awards:
- The Nathalie Barr Lectureship Award is among ASHT’s highest honors, recognizing and honoring a member of ASHT who has made significant original contributions to hand rehabilitation. The nominee must have shared their knowledge and skill through publications and speaking presentations.
- The Paul Brand Award recognizes individuals who have exemplified humanitarianism in their work as a hand therapist in addition to providing clinical and professional excellence in several facets of practice.
- The MacDermid Lifetime Scientific Award in Hand Therapy recognizes an ASHT member who has made effective contributions through research to the science and practice of hand rehabilitation.
- Lifetime Fellowship status is an honor awarded to individuals in recognition of career-long contributions to the society and the field of hand rehabilitation.
- The Hall of Fame Award was established to recognize hand therapists who have reached the pinnacle of excellence in all areas of hand and upper extremity therapy. The areas identified for excellence include clinical practice, research, advocacy, education, international involvement and innovation.
- Honorary Membership status recognizes individuals other than Certified Hand Therapists for their long-term professional interest and interaction with the ASHT.
- The Emerging Hand Therapist Award addresses the issues and achievements faced by Certified Hand Therapists within the first five years of initial HTCC certification as they begin in their specialty careers.
- The Best Grassroots Effort Award recognizes an ASHT member or group’s (e.g., state association, hospital system, academic institution, etc.) passionate and consistent involvement in governmental affairs at the national, state, and/or local level during that calendar year.
Do you know someone who represents one of these awards? Now is the time to recognize their contributions to our profession. The ASHT Call for Awards is now open, and we invite you to submit a nomination! The award recipients will be announced and celebrated at the ASHT Annual Meeting in Salt Lake City, Utah on October 23-25, 2025.
For full details on these awards and the nomination process, please visit the ASHT Awards page. The submission deadline for nominations is August 20, 2025. On behalf of the ASHT Awards Committee, thank you in advance for your nomination and commitment in acknowledging our colleagues who are advancing the hand and upper extremity specialty.
Sharon Montgomery, OTD, OTR/L, CHT, CEAS
2025 Awards Committee Chair