The University of Washington Department of Rehabilitation Medicine is proud to announce that Ramona Okumura, who earned a bachelor’s degree in 1981, has been awarded the 2024 Alumni Humanitarian Award by the UW Medicine Alumni Association. This award is a testament to her unwavering commitment to humanitarian efforts and her exceptional contributions to the field of pediatric prosthetics.
Each year, the UW School of Medicine Alumni Association recognizes alumni who have demonstrated outstanding service and commitment to the ideals of UW Medicine. This year’s awards were presented during the UW School of Medicine Reunion Weekend 2024, from Friday, May 31, to Sunday, June 2, in Seattle.
After graduating from UW, Okumura was a prosthetics and orthotics practitioner for decades, including 27 years as an instructor in the master’s program for Prosthetics & Orthotics at UW, shaping the careers of generations of students. Her commitment to education has left a lasting legacy, inspiring future clinicians and advancing the field.
During her time as a faculty member at UW, Okumura practiced clinically at Seattle Children’s Hospital and with UW Medicine at the University of Washington Medical Center and at Harborview Medical Center.
In retirement, she dedicated herself to humanitarian work. Through the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund, she traveled periodically to Gaza to build prosthetics for children who had lost limbs and train local prosthetic technicians. This past year, she traveled to Gaza on Sept. 22. She had been scheduled to return home on Oct. 10, just after her 71st birthday. Instead, amid the conflict following the events of Oct. 7, she was unable to leave for several weeks. Finally, at the end of October, she crossed safely into Egypt and returned to Seattle soon after. Okumura is now continuing her humanitarian work through HEAL Palestine. Her work in pediatric prosthetics, both as a practitioner and a teacher, has profoundly impacted the lives of countless children.
Her dedication extends beyond her physical presence in Gaza. Okumura collects donated prosthetic components and provides virtual consultations, ensuring continuous support for children in need. She holds leadership roles in organizations such as the Association of Children’s Prosthetic-Orthotic Clinics and works with the Gaza Amputee Projects. Through her dedication and commitment as a humanitarian and educator, she has touched countless lives.
Okumura embodies the ideals of UW Medicine, serving others with compassion, skill, and relentless dedication.
Please join us in congratulating Ramona Okumura on this well-deserved honor and celebrating her remarkable contributions to medicine and humanity.