Several occupational therapy faculty, students, and alumni from the MGH Institute presented on a global stage when they traveled to Bangkok last week for the 19th World Federation of Occupational Therapist Conference. 

Assistant Professor Colleen Muse and third-year Entry Level OTD student Erin MacDevette were two of the presenters, discussing “International and interprofessional healthcare collaboration in country to support mental health and mental wellness in low resourced rural Ghana” based on the MGH Institute service trip to Ghana last year. 

“What an inspiring week - global awareness and connection has been awakened in a new and impactful way,” said Assistant Professor Colleen Muse, who was involved with two presentations based on her work in Ghana. “This week reaffirmed the importance of context and perspective sharing to all we do as OTs.”  

In addition to presenting on the Ghana trip, MacDevette was able to learn from being around OTs from around the world.

"It was inspiring to be in a place with OTs from all around the world and learn about their unique perspectives,” said MacDevette. “I gained a deeper understanding of an OT’s role and impact globally and how OT education must go beyond the classroom. As a student, I was inspired to see the difference I can make in the classroom and when I start practicing. I will focus on participation in meaningful activities, creating global partnerships, and collaborating with local communities." 

Other MGH Institute presenters at the conference included:

Professor Emerita Susan Fasoli, - (with Susan H. Lin, Leanna W. Katz)
•    Inspiring change: Using an innovative interdisciplinary framework to uncover the fine print of OT treatments by systematically describing interventions and enhancing professional reasoning
OT Department Chair Sarah McKinnon, Associate Professor John Wong, alumna Kelsey Sullivan, (with Kate Barlow)
•    The Efficacy of an International Online Mentorship Program for Occupational Therapists
Professor Emerita Diane Smith, alumna Alesia Ford - (with Danielle Hitch and Tamara Wanklyn)
•    Experiences of occupational therapy students and practitioners from under-represented and diverse backgrounds: A scoping review
Aluma Nicole Bartlebaugh OTD, OTR/L, EL-OTD
•    Prevalence of Cognitive Impairment Among Adults with Low Vision Receiving Home Health Services
Aluma Loren Fields McMahon OTD, OTRL, ATP, EL-OTD
•    The Power of Occupational Therapy in Adaptive Gaming
Aluma Loren Fields McMahon OTD, OTRL, ATP, EL-OTD  
•    Gaming on mobile technology using alternative access strategies: Clinical resources and implementation