MGH Institute contributed 20% of conference presentations and posters

It was hard to miss the impact that the MGH Institute of Health Professions has on the field of occupational therapy during the recent conference organized by the professional networks for occupational therapy practitioners and students. The Massachusetts Occupational Therapy Association (MAOT) and Rhode Island Occupational Therapy Association (RIOTA) conference titled, 'Adapting for Excellence: Innovation in Occupational Therapy, highlighted the work of more than 20 people who are connected to the MGH Institute.

Presentations and posters from faculty, alumni, and students of the MGH Institute accounted for 20% of the sessions at the conference. That includes a presentation by Tara Mansour, an assistant professor who has presented the work she has done around generative AI at several conferences recently. In the presentation “Harnessing AI in OT: ChatGPT & Intervention Planning,” Mansour shared how ChatGPT can have an effect on intervention planning and cognitive load reduction in OT education.

Alumni from both doctoral programs at the Institute were involved in presentations.  Nikki Beatrice, a 2023 graduate of the Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy program, helped to give two presentations. “Harmony in Crisis: Collaborative Care in Emergency Medicine,” delved into the integrated approach of OT practitioners and child life specialists in emergency mental health. “Navigating Mental Health Challenges Across Acute Inpatient Settings,” Beatrice shared strategies to incorporate interprofessional colleagues in shared patient-centered and population-focused problem solving. 

Loren McMahon, a 2020 graduate of the Entry-Level Doctor of Occupational Therapy program, was part of the presentation on “AT to Enable Occupations: Gaming and Social Media Participation,” which looked at barriers and enablers that people with complex communication need experience when participating in activities such as video gaming and engaging in social media.

Mary Beth Kadlec, an assistant professor, presented with two current students in the EL-OTD program, Jane Lam and Kelly Moran, on “Improving Pediatric Outcomes through Video Analysis of Treatment,” highlighting the research development of the Occupational Performance Coding Scheme and how to identify specific interactional and types of assistance that can be used to improve successful engagement in therapeutic activities. 

“It was a great celebration to support colleagues and future colleagues in disseminating their innovations," said Kevin Berner, an assistant professor in the Occupational Therapy Program. 

One of those future OT colleagues was Alexandria Lembo, a student that Berner mentored during her time in the Institute’s entry-level OTD program. Lembo presented a poster that showcased the findings from her doctoral capstone project on using digital voice assistants as cognitive aids for people with multiple sclerosis. 

“I am grateful that Lexie had the opportunity to present at a professional conference so early in what is certain to be a promising career as an occupational therapist," said Berner.

MAOT honored the careers of two other OTs from the MGH Institute with awards. The Herbert J. Hall Award for Outstanding Service to the Occupational Therapy Profession went to Sarah McKinnon, the interim chair of the OT Department. She is the Chair-Elect of the OT Academy at the National Academies of Practice and has driven initiatives that empower OT practitioners and promote health policy nationwide as a co-founder of the MAOT Advocacy Special Interest Group, a leader in maternal, pediatric and professional advocacy, and a former board member of American Occupational Therapy Political Action Committee. 

Rachel Carpenter, OT, OTD, OTR, CNT, received the MAOT Outstanding Practitioner for Clinical Excellence Award, recognizing her transformative contributions to pediatric occupational therapy. A Clinical Specialist in Neonatal Therapy at Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Carpenter is known for her pioneering program, Strong Foundations, supporting mothers of NICU infants, and for her work as co-founder of the Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Task Force. Her expertise includes neonatal therapy certification, and she actively shares best practices through presentations, publications, and mentoring the next generation of OTs.

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