Transforming health care: The leadership power of occupational therapists (October 20, 2026)

Presented by: Mary Lattas, erg.

Occupational therapists play a vital role in today’s health care system and are well positioned to lead across clinical, clinico-administrative and senior leadership roles. As health systems evolve through ongoing reform, occupational therapists are increasingly called upon to act as transformational leaders. 

This webinar explores how you can strengthen and apply your leadership influence across practice and organizational contexts. Occupational therapy competencies will be highlighted in link with the LEADS framework (ACOTRO et al., 2021/2024; Canadian College of Health Leaders, 2021). This webinar explores approaches to developing visionary, transformational, and coaching-oriented leadership within occupational therapy and rehabilitation services, with an emphasis on empowerment, reflective practice, and professional development. Through three practical examples, Mary Lattas will present of how occupational therapy leadership has contributed to innovation, service and program redesign, advocacy, and the advancement of the teaching mission. 

You'll learn to:

• Describe the leadership journey of an occupational therapist in executive and multidisciplinary rehabilitation roles, including the role of mentorship and professional development.
• Apply core occupational therapy competencies and values to healthcare priorities, outlining impact on quality improvement initiatives, education, research and advocacy to support innovation and positive organizational culture.
• Reflect on leadership capacity, resilience, and emotional intelligence to support sustainable leadership in a dynamic health network. 

Target audience and language

Areas of practice Leadership, All areas of practice

Client age groups All client age groups

Level  Advanced (6+ years of experience)

Language English

Presenter

Mary Lattas, erg.

Mary Lattas is an occupational therapy leader with extensive experience in rehabilitation and senior manager healthcare leadership roles, currently serving as Director of Rehabilitation and Multidisciplinary Services at the Integrated Health and Social Services University Network for West-Central Montreal. Known for advancing innovative, high-quality models of care across the rehabilitation continuum, Mary has a strong commitment to teaching, research, and professional development. Previously, Mary Lattas served as Assistant Dean, Health Professions Education, FMHS, at McGill University. In addition to executive leadership role, Mary is a board member of Children’s Healthcare Canada and a recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal.