Spring 2012 Wrap-Up

It is already time to wrap up this spring semester as we are down to our last week of classes here at SLU.  Are you curious to know what current Occupational Science undergraduates and Occupational Therapy master students think about the semester?

Here are responses from some of the students when asked to describe their semester in one word or more:

Have a good summer everyone!

Scholarships Available for SLU Asperger Summer Camp

Congratulations to the Connections Summer Camp Program in their award! 

See the article here: 

 SLU Asperger Summer Camp

April is Occupational Therapy Month AND National Autism Awareness Month

HAPPY OT MONTH!!

At SLU, many of us have been keeping busy, but enjoying different events to support and promote the wonderful field of Occupational Therapy!

Here are a couple of highlights from happenings within our department:

●   OT Month Awareness on campus- MOT I classmates designed slides to inform other Allied health professional students about Occupational Therapy

●   OT without Borders- Frank Kronenberg visits SLU!

Originally from the Netherlands, Kronenberg has traveled the world and came to SLU to share his stories as an Occupational Therapist without borders!  He challenged us, as future and current therapists, to go beyond the comfort of traditional OT practice and find ways to support meaningful occupations and well-being of all peoples, especially those who may be forgotten by society.  Kronenberg has inspired us to be OTs without borders, with endless possibilities!

April is also National Autism Awareness Month

   Autism is a disorder characterized as having complex impairments in social interaction and communication skills with restricted collection of activities of interest.  Autism is defined by the presence of stereotypical behaviors, which relate to poor eye contact, lack or delay of smiling, repetitive motor pattern, such as hand flapping.

○       The exact cause of autism is not known, but research shows it is caused by abnormalities in the brain structure or function, and is affected by both genetic and environmental factors.  The onset of autism typically occurs before the age of three.

○       It is estimated that autism occurs in 1 out of 110 births, with it affecting males 4 times more than in females.

Occupational Therapy can provide support and treatment for individuals with autism spectrum disorder to reduce some challenges that occur with the condition.  Interventions vary to meet the individualistic needs of persons with autism in order to support their health and participation of occupational engagement as well as their families.

Pediatrics Fieldwork

This Spring semester, we had an amazing opportunity to experience hands-on what it's like to work in Pediatrics and practice assessments.  As a pair, each of us either went to a preschool or a homeless shelter's developmental center to work with the little kids.  We are learning about different types of assessments in our MOT 541 Occupational Performance and Assessment for Infants and Childrens.  Our fieldwork this semester allows us to learn how to properly administer an assessment, become more comfortable in that environment and give us hands on experience with some adorable children.  

The three assessments we have administered this semester:

Social Skills Rating Scale (SSRS)

Preschool Play Scale (PPS) 

Denver II

After administering the assessment or observing the children during their natural play, we were able to write a paper on the experience and what we have gathered from the date.  This has made us feel more comfortable with assessments and has given us the chance to apply what we have learned in class!

OT Ranked # 7 by The Wall Stree Journal

Occupational Therapy Ranked #7 for the Best Job in 2012 according to The Wall Street Journal!!!  

As if we all did not already know this ;) 

Photo: Freshman class learns about music and how it can be related to occupational therapy.

HOW TO BECOME A SURVIVOR OF GROSS ANATOMY

Just when you thought you had finished all the necessary prerequisites... summer begins with a lovely course called Gross Anatomy.  This course is the last mountain needed to climb in order to begin the program.  You will need correct tools, clothing and a positive attitude in order to climb over this mountain and we have a few students that will give you all the information needed.  They include Jade Fox, Claire Winning, Nichole Whitmore and Lindsey Moore.  These four ladies took Gross Anatomy this past summer and have prepared an informational session.  They will give you an idea of what to expect this summer and answer any questions.  Another person you will want to know is Tanavi Raicar, who is also an OT student graduating in 2013.  She will be a tutor for Gross Anatomy this summer.  We took some time to talk to Tanavi and get to know her...

Us: What is your background and what made you interested in OT?
Tanavi:  I had my Bachelor's in Physiotherapy from India. I practiced as a licensed PT in India for a year after my graduation. However, as I worked, I found myself tieing my therapy to function. Since there were no OTs in the hospital I worked at, I had to do both PT and OT with my clients. I decided to get formal education in OT and therefore chose to come to the States to get my Masters.

Us:   Are you new to Saint Louis University or a previous student?
Tanavi: I am a new student to SLU and joined the Masters program as a post baccalaureate.

Us:   How would you describe your gross anatomy experience? Did you work? How often did you study?
Tanavi:  I loved gross anatomy! It was a wonderful journey of exploring the intricate details of the human body. I did not work during gross anatomy because my visa type did not permit me to work. I studied everyday during gross anatomy, probably at least 5 hours a day. I spent a lot of time studying with my friends in the lab and I think that helped a lot, especially because I am a visual learner.

Us:  What made you want to become a tutor for gross anatomy? And what will make you a good tutor?
Tanavi:  Tutoring for gross anatomy is yet another opportunity for me to learn. Anatomy stays with you forever and you will need it throughout your career as a therapist. Tutoring will not only help me help other students, but it will prepare me well to be a good future therapist. I have been tutoring various subjects for two semesters now. I believe that a good tutor is one who listens to his/her students' concerns and constantly challenges their knowledge. I feel I have these qualities and will make a good tutor.

Us:  What would be your advice for the incoming gross anatomy students?
Tanavi:  Read before class, review after class and spend a lot of time with the cadavers! It is like building a relationship. The more you get to know them, the more comfortable you will feel! And most importantly.. DON'T PANIC! We have all been in your shoes and have walked that road. We made it through.. so can you!

Don’t Just Like, But LOVE The SLU OT Facebook Page!!!

As we have been posting on the Blog Spot, our classmates Lindsey Wiemers and Brittany Field have been updating everyone via Facebook.  The Blog Spot and the SLU OT Facebook page are allowing us to put occupational therapy in high definition and more importantly invite you into the life of an OT student!  In order for you to access the page, you need to search for it as Saint Louis University Dept. of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy Facebook page.

Lindsey and Brittany are constantly updating it and we encourage you to like the page if you LOVE OT!!!

SLU OT on Facebook 

Spring in OSOT

Spring has arrived and with it comes new adventures!  This semester we are entering the world of fieldwork!  You might be wondering what fieldwork is....  Fieldwork is the opportunity to follow Occupational Therapists in their respective settings where we are encouraged to apply the knowledge we have acquired in the program.  This opportunity allows us to further investigate prospective settings that we may be interesting in practicing.  As first year Masters students, this fieldwork assignment is more of an introduction into field of practice.  However, I know we are all excited to be more hands on.

Now what would school be without classes?  Not only are we introduced to fieldwork, but we are also introduced to Neuroscience, Pediatrics, Mental Health and Occupational Therapy in Rehabiliation.  As I type these words, neurons are firing at lighting rates.  Needless to say, once you take Neuroscience you will never think about the brain the same way!   In our Occupational Performance and Assessment of Infants, Children and Adolescents class, we inspect pediatric assessment tools and discover ways to develop interventions and treatment goals using theories and models of practice in Pediatric Occupational Therapy.  Our Mental Health class explores the building of a healthy therapeutic relationship, the various degrees of mental health and helps us understand different psychological diseases that can be accompanied with our patients.  Occupational therapy in Rehabiliation examines the various interventions and assessments that we use as Occupational Therapist in a Rehabiliation setting.  This class utilizes hands on experience within the lab to help create a sense of capability.  

This semester is another chapter in the book of our careers as occupational therapists.  We are starting to  develop and utilize our professional reasoning skills.  We look forward to the challenges, expectations and most importantly.... the fun!  

Here are a few things to look forward to later this semester:  Disability Awareness Week (March 19th-23rd), April is Occupational Therapy Month, the AOTA Annual Conference is in Indianapolis this year April 26th-29th and SOTA (Student Occupational Therapy Association) at SLU has already starting planning for the road trip to the conference.

Remember, if you have any questions about the program, don’t hesitate to e-mail us!
E-mails can be found below on the previous blog.

And check out  St. Louis University Dept of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy NOW on Facebook! 
Facebook: SLU Occupational Therapy