Prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, Master of Occupational Therapy and Doctor of Occupational Therapy students at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences St. Augustine campus were completing their level II fieldwork rotations. “These fieldwork experiences provide a bridge between academics and clinical practice,” Academic Fieldwork Coordinator and OT instructor Dr. Patricia Palomar, OTD,
April is Occupational Therapy Month. As we celebrate the OT profession and its vital role in health care, Occupational Therapists are responding to the COVID-19 pandemic with valuable tips and advice to people and families, with an emphasis on self-care in times of stress. They are using telehealth to continue to provide their services in
USAHS now has a Double 3 telepresence robot from Double Robotics on each of our five campuses. Faculty across programs can begin using this cutting-edge technology in their simulation classes in our Centers for Innovative Clinical Learning (CICPs), as well as other learning contexts. The Double 3 telepresence robot is a recent advancement in
USAHS faculty and staff led a robust schedule of presentations at the International Meeting on Simulation in Healthcare (IMSH) 2020. Sixteen of our faculty and staff members participated in eight presentations at this renowned annual simulation conference in San Diego, which took place January 18–22. Faculty presented about the variety of ways they are using
Brings OT expertise to the International Surfing Organization Our very own Maureen “Mo” Johnson, PhD, MS, OT/L, assistant professor of OT on USAHS’ San Marcos campus, is a leader in the world of adaptive surfing. As Head of Classification for the International Surfing Association (ISA), she sets standards for how adaptive surfers with varying
According to the U.S. Department of State, 27 million people are trafficked each year worldwide. Approximately 18,000 of those victims are in the U.S. The University of San Diego and Point Loma Nazarene University released a study in 2016 showing that there are at least 3,000 trafficking victims per year in San Diego County. Today,
As an occupational therapist (OT), you will have the opportunity to specialize in one or more areas over the course of your career. Adding a specialty demonstrates your knowledge of an area you’re passionate about, enhances your credentials, and opens doors to grant funding and new job possibilities. Typically, OTs add a specialty after they
Occupational therapy students often say they are drawn to the career because OTs make such a tremendous impact in the lives of their patients. That’s the case for Sarah Brooks. “I’m very passionate about recognizing the dignity in every person, and I really saw that when I observed an OT working with a client during
When Cheryl Sheffield, an occupational therapist with 26 years of experience in the field, moved from her native Canada to the United States, she needed to update her credentials. She earned her Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy (PPOTD) from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) in 2018, which opened the door to
If you have experienced an injury or suffer from pain during the winter months, you are not alone. A new survey by the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) found that half (50%) of Americans experience pain during the holidays. Of those who responded, more than two thirds (71%) say pain makes it
Learning how to manage your time and stay organized in graduate school is imperative to your success. Graduate level coursework tends to be very involved, requiring extensive reading and homework. You will be expected to work independently, stay motivated, and monitor your progress on your own. Cramming the night before will not cut it when
At the pro bono pediatric clinic on the USAHS Austin campus, occupational therapy students have the chance to help children with learning and physical differences develop their skills. It’s a program with benefits for students, children, and families. Gina Benavente, DHSc, MPH, OTR, an assistant professor in the Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) program in