(Pronouns: she/her)

View Student Padlet

 

What year did you start the program?

August 2020

What are your prior degrees and at which institutions?

Bachelor of Health Science- University of Florida (2004) Master of Occupational Therapy- University of Florida (2005)

What was your favorite course in the program?

I really enjoyed OH 886, Teaching and Learning in the Health Professions with Tony Sindelar as this class provided me insight into how to prepare for a career in academia and ways to make learning “stick”. Also, OH 882 Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in the Health Professions touched on poignant and important topics that proved enlightening and cathartic for me.

What was your Innovation Project title?

Building Knowledge and Bridges to Enhance Interprofessional Collaboration

Tell us about your Innovation Project.

The aim of my project is to increase nurses’ knowledge and awareness about the role and scope of the occupational therapy practitioner to enhance interprofessional collaboration through the use of continuing interprofessional education. Continued development of interprofessional education and collaboration within the academic curricula is a critical step in promoting its future use in the practice setting. However, the research and literature addressing the continuing interprofessional education gaps that exist among practicing clinicians and subsequent attempts to mitigate the problem is limited. As it stands, there is a need to create innovative educational opportunities to clarify the role of the occupational therapy practitioner in the acute care setting, that not only promotes learning but embeds the importance of interprofessional collaboration. The proposed innovative solution that I developed to address the educational gaps and facilitate workplace learning is the development and implementation of an interprofessional workshop, guided and informed by the explicit use of andragogic and organizational theories.

What do you think is special about the Post-Professional OTD program here at the MGH Institute?

When comparing this program to others, this program is well-rounded. To start, the faculty goes above and beyond to support you in this journey and cares about your success just as much as you do. In this program we have tackled relevant topics that are currently affecting health care and the world as a whole. Also, we were guided through the steps of developing a research project and how to write and submit scholarly work, educated on how to embed evidence-based practices into our teaching to facilitate true learning, AND we were provided opportunities to teach doctorate level classes. This is just a taste of the opportunities that IHP has provided within this program.

Why did you choose to come to this program?

Quite frankly, I felt that my money and time would be well spent. Between the faculty and the curriculum, this was the best fit for me.

What are your goals for the future after you graduate?

My plan is to pursue a full-time career in academia; however, I do intend to keep a PRN position in a clinic/hospital to keep my clinical skills fresh.