Katherine (Katie) Golden graduated from the IHP in 2021 with her Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree. After graduation, Golden completed a prestigious neurorehabilitation fellowship at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. In August 2022, she returned to the IHP to pursue a PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences. Read on to learn more about Golden’s research, why she decided to pursue her PhD at the IHP, and how to learn more about the PhD program.

1.    Tell us about the research you are conducting in your PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences Program.

My research interests are focused on bridging the gap between research and clinical practice to improve access to rehabilitation services for patients with disorders of consciousness. With the support of my research mentors, Dr. Joseph Giacino and Dr. Yelena Bodien, I have been learning a variety of skills in evaluating outcomes after brain injury, measurement theory, and implementation science.  

2.    What was the catalyst for you pursuing an additional degree?

I first learned about the PhD program in Rehabilitation Science while I was an OT student at the IHP. Early in my training, I came to understand clinical research as a powerful form of advocacy, aimed at enhancing patient access to rehabilitation. After graduating from the IHP in 2021, I pursued a Fellowship in Neurorehabilitation at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. This fellowship helped to advance my clinical skills, deepen my understanding of the importance of access to rehabilitation following severe brain injury, and provide a comprehensive perspective of the care continuum across different settings. During this time, I remained curious about my role as an OT and an advocate for my patients with severe brain injury. I was inspired to seek out opportunities to improve patient access to evidence-based rehabilitative care.

3.    What has been the most positive aspect of returning to the IHP?

I feel very fortunate to have this opportunity to return to the IHP community, where there are infinite opportunities to grow as a student, clinician, educator, and research scientist. Over the years, IHP has provided me with the best mentors, teachers, and friends.

4.    What do you bring from your OT degree into your PhD work?

Everything. My motivation to pursue this degree in Rehabilitation Science stems from my goal to be an informed and well-rounded healthcare provider and to gain the skills necessary to advocate for my patients on a larger scale. At the end of the day, I love being an OT, and I see this degree as a direct extension of that role.

5.    What are your future goals?

I would love to be able to teach future OT students and empower others to be curious about ways to advance our profession. I have been inspired by my mentors to seek out new challenges and to find creative solutions to fill gaps in evidence-based care for the patients we serve. I hope to make research more accessible and directly applicable for healthcare professionals and patients to ensure that our efforts are collaborative and interdisciplinary.

6.    What advice do you have for other alums who are thinking of furthering their education at the IHP?

Find a great mentor who will both challenge and support you in meeting your goals. If you are lucky, you might find two!