Peggy Boineau, MOT, OTR, CHT, hand therapy fellowship coordinator at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, has been elected president-elect of the International Federation of Societies for Hand Therapy (IFSHT), a worldwide organization that works to develop and enhance the practice of hand therapy.
Boineau previously served as treasurer of the global organization for six years, and her three-year term as president-elect began in June.
“I am honored and thrilled to have the opportunity to play an integral role in promoting hand therapy worldwide,” Boineau said. “There has been a flood of new knowledge and awareness around hand therapy in recent years, and I hope we can continue to provide avenues for sharing that information with occupational and physical therapists around the world.”
At the end of her three-year term, Boineau will assume the role of IFSHT president for three years.
As president-elect, Boineau will serve on the IFSHT executive council and help plan the organization’s triennial congress, which brings together hand therapists from around the world for in-depth continuing education and networking. IFSHT currently has members from 55 countries and represents about 8,500 therapists worldwide.
“My primary goal is to help bring a more structured approach to the organization, and strengthen our procedures and processes,” Boineau said. “It can be challenging working with a global organization that is run entirely by volunteers, and I want to create more consistency in how we approach our core mission of education and support of hand therapy around the world.”
Houston Methodist Sugar Land was one of the first hospitals in the country to have its hand therapy fellowship program credentialed by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). The hospital currently trains one fellow per year, who receives extensive experience and education in evidence-based care.
“The fellowship program actually provides significant benefits to our existing staff because it requires us to stay up-to-date on new techniques and advancements in hand therapy,” Boineau said. “We also open up lectures and training to therapists from across all of Houston Methodist so that everyone can learn and expand their skills. It’s a great program.”
Boineau said representing Houston Methodist Sugar Land in a global organization is an honor.
“I am incredibly grateful to everyone at Houston Methodist Sugar Land for their support of my volunteer roles,” she said. “The hospital has always been supportive of physicians and employees who strive to expand health care knowledge and expertise. Supporting my efforts to serve in IFSHT is a perfect example of that commitment.”
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