Brianna Brim, PhD ‘22, MOT, OTR/L, CPAM, CLIPP, has been heavily involved and has had a lot of different roles at the Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association (POTA), including as the POTA Legislation and Advocacy Chair, the Vision Task Force Liaison, the Practice Compact Act Liaison, and the Legislation and Advocacy Committee member.
Dr. Brim has also held additional roles to support POTA conferences, including proposal reviewer, conference speaker, administrative reporter, and local conference programming committee as a member and co-chair.
And, because of her contributions to the group over the past nine years, POTA has recognized Brim with the Dr. Stephen L. Heater Outstanding Achievement Award, given to the member for longstanding, significant contributions to the profession in the areas of clinical practice, research, education, administration, communication, and services to POTA. She was presented the award Nov. 6, 2024, by Jeanne Coviello, president-elect of POTA, at the Salus at Drexel University Elkins Park, Pennsylvania, campus.
“I’m very flattered and humbled. Being in a helping profession, there isn’t a lot of opportunities for thanks, gratitude or recognition and that comes with the territory. But every once in a while it’s nice to have someone give you an atta girl,” said Dr. Brim, an associate professor in the Occupational Therapy department, Salus/Drexel.
One of Dr. Brim’s significant contributions to POTA has been her work on the Practice Compact Act, legislation that allows occupational therapists (OT) to apply for initial licensure and company privileges to practice in numerous states. Essentially it allows OTs the access to practice across state lines in other compact states. The House legislation has been passed in Pennsylvania and is now in the regulatory stage, but is currently not operational.
Her nominator for the award wrote that Dr. Brim has been “a powerful advocate for our state’s OT organizations” and the profession in general. “We don't know where she finds the time; we don’t think she sleeps. Her passion and drive are remarkable, and she is an asset to our profession,” the nominator wrote.
