(Pronouns: she/her)
What year did you start the program?
Fall 2022
What are your prior degrees and at which institutions?
Master of Science in Occupational Therapy, University of New Hampshire, 2020
Bachelor of Science, University of New Hampshire, 2019
Minor: Interdisciplinary Disabilities Studies
What was your favorite course in the program?
It’s a tie between OH 882 Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in the Health Professions & OH 885 Leadership in Interprofessional Teams! Both courses encouraged me to analyze the structure and practices of my own workplace and identify applicable solutions to improve care.
What was your Innovation Project title?
More Than “Just A Little Confused”: An Education-Based Quality Improvement Initiative to Increase Provider Understanding and Confidence with Delirium Care
Tell us about your Innovation Project.
I often heard my interdisciplinary colleagues mislabel delirium as “just a little confused” due to a lack of general understanding of the negative impact delirium has on patient outcomes - which inspired this innovative solution. My project aims to increase interprofessional providers understanding and perceived self-efficacy by providing informed delirium care. Learning content was created and included recorded YouTube Mini Lessons, a monthly provider newsletter (updates from the literature, case studies and fast facts), and a provider Padlet website with printable resources.
What do you think is special about the Post-Professional OTD program here at the MGH Institute?
The PP-OTD program at MGH IHP tailors learning content to the dynamic demands of a post-professional, creating opportunities for clinical application and career growth all while completing a degree. This program creates a supportive environment of mentors and peers who want to see you succeed just as much as you do yourself.
Why did you choose to come to this program?
Completing a post-professional degree was always a plan of mine, however I had no immediate timeline. I immediately felt a sense of community within the PP-OTD department and knew this was the type of supportive environment I was looking for.
What are your goals for the future after you graduate?
My immediate goals are continuing to disseminate my innovation work through manuscript submission and conference presentation (both OT and Interprofessional conferences). In the future, I plan to transition to academia to educate the next generation of occupational therapists.