It is with great honor and respect that the AKOTA Board presents the inaugural Aurora Borealis Award to a truly transformative figure in the field of occupational therapy in the State of Alaska, Dr. Alfred Bracciano. His dedication, innovation, and unwavering commitment have truly illuminated the path toward progress and excellence in our field.
Dr. Bracciano has been a fierce advocate for the Alaska Pathway in the Creighton University/University of Alaska Anchorage Doctoral Program for Occupational Therapy. In fact, it was his tireless advocacy and leadership that made this program possible. Since its inception in 2008, Dr. Bracciano has served as the Coordinator for the Alaska Pathway, a program that has since become a cornerstone of our state’s ability to produce qualified and competent occupational therapy professionals. This hybrid entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) pathway was created in direct response to the critical shortage of occupational therapists in Alaska, and through Dr. Bracciano’s visionary leadership, it has successfully graduated over 200 occupational therapy students. Many of these graduates have remained in Alaska, strengthening our healthcare system and ensuring that individuals across the state have access to the therapy services they need.
The impact of this program cannot be overstated. It has directly contributed to reducing the long waitlists for pediatric services, which, at one point, could be as long as three years. Thanks to the increased availability of qualified therapists, these waitlists have significantly decreased, expanding access to services across the state. From an inpatient rehabilitation perspective, the number of available therapy beds in Alaska has quadrupled, and the required occupational therapy services are now accessible. This expansion of services has not only improved the quality of care, but has also been supported by regulatory and funding advancements, making a critical difference in the lives of Alaskans.
Dr. Bracciano’s work has truly been transformative. He has not only shaped the future of occupational therapy education in Alaska, but he has also directly contributed to the improvement of healthcare access for countless individuals, particularly in underserved and rural communities. His legacy will be felt for years to come, as more and more occupational therapists continue to graduate from the Alaska Pathway and provide essential services to Alaskans. Dr. Bracciano’s passion for improving the practice of occupational therapy, dedication to his students, and unwavering commitment to the state of Alaska have made an indelible mark on the profession. We are grateful for the work he has done and continues to do. It is with great pleasure that we presented him with the Aurora Borealis Award in recognition of his profound and transformative impact on the practice of Occupational Therapy in the State of Alaska. Dr. Bracciano’s work has illuminated the way for progress and excellence, and we are proud to honor him.