HealthMatters

Join us for an interesting conversation with Dr. Tami Atkins to hear about how the integration of responsible artificial intelligence into occupational therapy curricula can remove barriers to evidence-based practice and equip students with essential skills for today’s technology-driven healthcare landscape.

Join us for an engaging conversation with Dr. Samantha Brown to learn about simulation rooms in academia. Through Samantha Brown's years of expertise in healthcare as both a clinician and educator, specifically in physical therapy, she demonstrates the importance of a simulation room. This conversation also delves into what a simulation room is and how students utalize it! To get in contact wi...

Join us for a conversation with Carolyn Ferrer, a seasoned occupational therapist with over 16 years of experience, as she wraps up her Post-Professional OTD at Boston University’s Sargent College. Carolyn spent 13 years working in inpatient rehab in Detroit, where she supported individuals with spinal cord injuries, strokes, limb loss, and other complex medical conditions. Her time there, especia...

Join us for an exciting new episode featuring Kimberly Day, an occupational therapist who owns Sunny Day Therapy! Kim discusses her passion for teaching about executive function through her program, Kid Power, which integrates her knowledge of physical exercises, reflexes, sensory health, and mental health. Listen as she discusses her doctoral work and follow her social media, https://linktr.ee/su...

Join us for a fascinating and enlightening conversation about advocacy, OT, and Emily's experience! Emily is an occupational therapist practicing in Syracuse, NY. She is a doctoral candidate (soon to graduate!) at Boston University's PP-OTD program. While she has had many experiences as an OT, she found her passion for the profession working with students with profound intellectual and multiple di...

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Dr. Susan McGurk, clinical psychologist and faculty member at Boston University's Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. Susan shares her journey from biology major to leading expert in psychiatric rehabilitation, cognitive functioning, and employment support for individuals with serious mental illnesses. In this episode, we explore the po...

Join us as for a joyful discussion on the power of affirmations with Shannon and Kayla, founders of My Happy Place. Based in Australia, Shannon and Kayla seek to empower individuals through various affirmation cards. Their mission is clear: to foster wellness by integrating evidence-based therapies with nature’s restorative powers.

Join us for an engaging conversation with Temor “Tay” Amin-Arsala, a new Clinical Assistant Professor in the Occupational Therapy Doctorate program at Sargent College! Temor's clinical practice history stretches across the entire lifespan in a multitude of settings, with an additional focus on LGBTQIA+ health. This discussion dives into Temor's experiences, academic and scholarly interests...

In this episode of HealthMatters, we’re joined by Katie Walker, the Director of Finance and Administration at the Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation (CPR) at Sargent College. With over 45 years of history, CPR is a leader in combining research, training, and direct services to empower individuals with mental health challenges to reclaim their place in the community. Tune in as Katie shares insi...

How have perspectives of psychiatric rehabilitation shifted over time? Join us as we speak with Dr. Marianne Farkas, ScD, a clinical professor at Boston University and one of the founding members of the Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation. Dr. Farkas explain four major shifts in mental health rehabilitation that have taken place, in addition to various global perspectives on mental health and th...

Join us for a fascinating conversation with Dr. Sarah Barnes regarding her fascinating experience with immunology and the systems wide approach to health care. In this episode, we are trilled to welcome Dr. Barnes, an expert in immunology, to share her experience and insights into the inconnected nature of health and the human body. Drawing on her diverse educational background, Dr. Barnes provide...

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Dr. Lisa Roberts, a dedicated Sargent faculty member whose journey reflects the twists and turns many of us face in college. Like many students, Dr. Roberts wasn’t always certain where her path would lead, but her curiosity and resilience eventually brought her to the fascinating field of motor control. From her graduate research on the effects of aging o...

What does it mean to be a student ambassador in the BU occupational therapy program? Join us as we speak with Gracie Anderson, Karen Ma, and Sam Van Ert, each of whom serve as student ambassadors for BU OTD students. Gracie, Karen, and Sam discuss the importance of their role within Sargent College and their involvement with enrolled and prospective students. To learn more about the BU OT departme...

Delve into social prescribing and prescibed volunteerism in this episode with Dr. Ivory Rose. As the lead of healthcare engagment for Social Prescribing USA, and an experienced occupational therapist, her expertise fills this episode important and impactful information!

Join us for an engaging conversation with Dr. Hayford Avedzi, a new faculty member and clinical professor of health at Boston University, as he shares his journey to BU and his vision for contributing to the Sargent College community. Dr. Avedzi will explore the role of preventative nutrition in enhancing long-term health outcomes, discussing how proactive approaches can pave the way for healthier...

What role do occupational therapists play in pelvic floor therapy? Join us as we speak with Jamie Lief, OTD, OTR/L, an occupational therapist specializing in pelvic floor health. Jamie recently graduated from Boston University's Post-Professional OTD program, with her dissertation focused on providing evidence-based practice to general practitioners concerning pelvic floor health in pregnant women...

Have you considered how nursing, occupational therapy, Reiki healing, and exercise intersect? Join us in this conversation with Carol Simon as she takes us through her life journey, and her experiences in each of these professions. Her emphasis on a wellness based health care system, instead of an illness based one, stays constant through each position.

How can we effectively advocate for Occupational Therapy within the healthcare sector? Join us as we speak with Josephine Wong, a recent Post-Professional BU OTD graduate and Chinese American immigrant who founded her own hand therapy clinic to improve access to Occupational Therapy for her community. Learn how she has played a crucial role in educating fellow healthcare professionals on the signi...

In what ways are occupational therapists best suited to support new mothers and their families? Join us as we speak with Jessica Peterson and Gayle Schwee, co-founders of Matrescence Occupational Therapy in Austin, TX. Jessica and Gayle discuss recent milestones achieved within their private practice to promote a continuous care lens in addition to providing invaluable advice to those interested i...

What's the difference between speech pathology, hearing, and audiology? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Jennifer Bentley, a dedicated professor in the Speech Language and Hearing Sciences department at Sargent College. A passionate audiologist, Jennifer shares her love for audiology, reflecting on her career journey, the field's advancements in oral rehabilitation/habilitatio...

How can new graduates navigate various rehabilitation settings and career opportunities? Join us as we speak with Colleen Wagar, an accomplished physical therapist and Sargent College alumni with extensive experience in inpatient and private practice settings.

What can you expect from life and the workforce after graduation? Join us as we speak with Sargent College alumna and accomplished Speech-Language Pathologist, Jeri Blum. Hear about her experiences at Sargent College in the 70s, her journey to discovering a passion for language, and the incredible achievements she's accomplished since then.

How can integrating AI-powered apps like KorroAI enhance occupational therapy, boost treatment adherence, and improve overall functional outcomes for children both at home and in the clinic? Join us as we speak with Alyson Stover, owner of Capable Kids and associate professor at the University of Pittsburgh, along with Ryan Gallant, the owner and founder of Gallant Therapy Services. Together, they...

How can medical students effectively manage their time? Join us as we speak with Michael Anchan, a first year medical student at Boston University. After graduating Sargent College with a Bachelor's in Human Physiology in 2023, Michael's passion for medicine has flourished through patient interactions as an EMT and the ability to apply these interactions to his coursework.

How can we build resilience in healthcare systems when it comes to disaster preparedness? Join as as we speak with Tamara Barboza (she/her), an occupational therapist in San Antonio, Texas who worked in collaboration with the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) on the area of disaster preparedness and risk reduction (DPRR). During and after her graduate programs, Tamara worked as th...