Vanderkooi Endowed Lectureship

32nd Annual Lectureship

The TWU School of Occupational Therapy presents the 2025 Vanderkooi Endowed Lectureship on Friday, Feb. 7, 2025 at the TWU Dallas Campus. This year's speaker is Michael Iwama, PhD, MSc, BScOT. He is widely recognized for having developed the “Kawa Model” (‘Kawa’ is Japanese for ‘River’), the first substantial model of practice in the rehabilitation sciences developed outside the English- speaking world. 

• Expert Insights - Dr. Iwama will share his cutting-edge research and innovative perspectives that can enhance your practice and impact your community
• Engaging Panel Discussion - Listen to thought-provoking discussions by a panel of OT experts 
• Networking Opportunities - Connect with fellow OT practitioners and students to expand your professional circle and foster collaborations that can elevate your career
• Professional Growth - Gain valuable knowledge and skills that will empower you to lead in your field and make a difference in the lives of those you serve

Included

Admission is free. You just need to register to save your spot. Free parking is located in the garage next to the TWU T. Boone Pickens Institute of Health Sciences - Dallas Center. Light refreshments will be served at the reception following the event.

Time and Schedule coming soon!

Speaker

Michael Iwama, PhD, MSc, BScOT 

Michael Iwama, PhD, MSc, BScOT, is professor in the new occupational therapy doctorate division in the School of Medicine at Duke University. Prior to his appointment at Duke, he served as Dean of the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, and Professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy, at MGH Institute of Health Professions.

Iwama is widely recognized for having developed the “Kawa Model” (‘Kawa’ is Japanese for ‘River’), the first substantial model of practice in the rehabilitation sciences developed outside the English-speaking world. The Kawa Model is now taught in over 700 health professions education programs internationally and used in practice across six continents. He has emerged as a very important and progressive thinker in the fields of occupational therapy and rehabilitation sciences worldwide.

About the Lectureship

The Vanderkooi Endowed Lectureship was established in 1994 to honor the first program director of occupational therapy at Texas Woman’s University, Fanny B. Vanderkooi. It celebrates the School of Occupational Therapy’s legacy of commitment to vision, professional values, and leadership development in occupational therapy education, practice and research. The event is typically attended by more than 250 occupational therapy professionals, inclusive of students. 

TWU does not provide CEU for this lecture. Licensees are responsible for documenting their continuing education. Be sure to check the OT Rules in Texas to verify that the activity falls under one of the categories of education in §367.2, Categories of Education.  Licensees are responsible for choosing CE that meets requirements as per Chapter 367. [ptot.texas.gov/OT-Decision-tree-for-CE]. Attendees may be able to use the program and/or email confirmation as partial evidence of attendance—a signature from another on-site attendee is often helpful, or perhaps a screenshot if attending online.