Janet Poole, PhD, OTR/L

Vice Chair

Dr. Janet Poole is Professor and Division Chief of the Occupational Therapy Graduate Program at the University of New Mexico. Dr. Poole’s research has primarily focused on the impact of systemic sclerosis (SSc, scleroderma) on participation in daily life. She and a colleague developed TOSS (Taking Charge Of Systemic Sclerosis), the only comprehensive self-management program for people with systemic sclerosis. The development and evaluation of the effectiveness of this internet program was funded by the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI). This program has received much acclaim nationally and internationally, leading to collaborations with other health professionals in Europe to develop similar culturally relevant programs for people with SSc. Dr. Poole also created a brochure with hand and face exercises for people with SSc that is available on the Scleroderma Foundation website; she was honored with the Foundation’s Volunteer of the Year award in 2011. Dr. Poole just concluded her term as President of the Association of Rheumatology Professionals (ARP), and currently, as Immediate Past President, is the Chair of the ARP Membership and Nominations Committee. The ARP honored Dr. Poole with the Distinguished Lecturer Award in 2018; the Master Clinician Award in 2012 and the Distinguished Educator Award in 2011. Dr. Poole is a Fellow of the American Occupational Therapy Association and was elected to the AOTF Academy of Research in 2008.