NewsLink Fall 2016

Occupational Therapy Newslink

VOLUME 6, ISSUE 1 FALL 2016

SPECIAL A Unique Avenue to Independence
POINTS OF
INTEREST: Approximately one million Americans an OT, through client interview and determine if a community meets their
currently reside in senior care administration of an occupation-based values, beliefs and spiritual needs,
 Non-traditional facilities; this number is projected to needs assessment. He states on his while ensuring best care for any
OT practice almost double by 2030. As more website, “Working directly with an performance limitations.
individuals participate in this occupational therapist will allow you In the final step, clients are
 Advocacy and transition, the need for thorough, to know what level of care is encouraged and supported while
leadership honest, and sincere assistance will required by determining your loved making a best informed decision. In
experiences continue to increase. Through his one's ADLs, General Mobility, Safety the end, Kyle has helped his clients
company, St. George Senior Living, and Cognition.” Kyle then guides his find the perfect community while
 New opportunities Pitt MOT alumni, Kyle Johnston, clients in matching their needs to the promoting the distinct value of OT.
for community MOT, OTR/L (‘14) has developed a right community using interpretation
outreach solution to this overwhelming of the client’s level of care, Kyle Johnston with his wife and 3 children
component of geriatric care while application of the occupational
INSIDE highlighting the distinct value of profile, research, and observation
THIS ISSUE: occupational therapists as advocates. skills unique to OTs.

St. George Senior Living offers a free- The second step includes selecting
to-the-consumer guide to choosing and touring the client’s top five to six
the best assisted living community for communities. During these visits,
a loved one. Kyle developed a three- Kyle guides his clients in assessment
step method for identifying the best of the context and environment of
fit location. Step one includes an each community in relation to the
initial consultation. During wants and needs of the potential
consultation, Kyle applies his skills as resident. His questions help clients

From the Chair... 2 A Leader Among Educators

Faculty 2
Highlights
On October 15th, at the Annual Dr. Toto’s career has been shaped by
Interprofessional 2 POTA Conference in Lancaster, PA, the belief that occupational therapy
Experience Pamela Toto, PhD, OTR/L, BCG, holds the solution for older adults
FAOTA was presented with the who wish to age in place. This, in
Student Spotlight 3 2016 POTA Academic Educator turn, has influenced her teaching to
Award. This award recognizes an one of mentorship and training of
Student 3 occupational therapy educator who clinic leaders. She perceives
Successes 3 has consistently provided high quality occupational therapy students as
4 education to occupational therapy future colleagues and promotes a
Alumni and/or occupational therapy assistant collaborative learning model in which
Spotlight students. Dr. Toto has long she serves as both an expert resource
demonstrated a commitment to and a coach. Viewed as trustworthy
Legislative Hot creativity and hands-on involvement and approachable, Dr. Toto facilitates
Topics in her teaching style that has the transition from adult learner to
facilitated the growth and success of master clinician with excellence.
her students.

PAGE 2 From the Chair...
The 2016-2017 Academic Year is off to a great start! Our students, faculty and staff are engaged in a number of
Dr. Elizabeth Skidmore, exciting activities inside and outside the classroom. This issue highlights a few of these activities—including
Chair, Department of student and faculty participation in the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) Hill Day. University
Occupational Therapy of Pittsburgh students and faculty have actively participated in this important event for five years, joining students,
faculty, and AOTA staff from across the country to meet with elected representatives in Washington, DC. These
advocates inform our elected representatives about the distinct value of occupational therapy and the
importance of health policies that incorporate access to and payment for occupational therapy services for the
populations that we serve. The value of this activity cannot be understated, as we seek to expand public
awareness of occupational therapy and its benefits for societal health and wellness.

Public awareness of occupational therapy and its benefits is a priority world-wide. I recently represented AOTA
at the International Symposium of the 50th Annual Congress of the Japanese Association of Occupational
Therapy in Sapporo, Japan. I and my co-presenters from Japan and Singapore presented the history of
occupational therapy in each of our nations, and our visions for the enhancement of occupational therapy in the
future. Each presentation discussed the importance of engaging occupational therapy practitioners in science,
education, and health policy to support world-wide access to and delivery of the
highest quality occupation-based practice. We are fortunate at the University of
Pittsburgh to be engaged with so many partners in this very meaningful endeavor.

Faculty Achievements
Presentations Jennifer White presented on Papers
Occupational Therapy in the ICU:
Joanne Baird presented a poster Occupation-based Early Mobility Bendixen, R., Houtrow, A. (In
with Margo Holm(Professor at the Annual POTA Conference Press). Parental reflections on the
Emerita), Joan Rogers (Professor in Lancaster, PA. diagnostic process of Duchenne
Emeritus), Ketki Raina, and John muscular dystrophy: A qualitative
O’Donnell on Simulation to Teach Grants study. Journal of Pediatric
Patient Handling: The Role of Self- Healthcare.
efficacy at the School of Medicine, Amit Sethi obtained funding
Med Ed Day, Pittsburgh, PA. from the Pitt Innovation Stover, A. (2016). Health Policy
Challenge to continue his work Perspectives – Client centered
Pamela Toto presented on Goal with I-HITS. advocacy: Every occupational
Setting and Goal Attainment: Old therapy practitioner’s
Concepts, New Approach to the Amit Sethi obtained funding responsibility to understanding
UPMC Centers for Rehab Services from the Center for Medical medical necessity. American
Neuro, Vestibular and Geriatric Innovation, University of Journal of Occupational Therapy, 70
Outpatient Services Division, Pittsburgh to study I-HITS: (5), 7005090010p1-
Pittsburgh, PA. Individualized Hand improvement 7005070010p6.
and tracking system for stroke.

Geriatric Interprofessional Training

Throughout the week of Kaitlyn Rankin, Alexandra OT skills training table
October 24, 10 MOT students Ruth, and Casie
participated in a skills course Strausbaugh participated in working in interprofessional teams,
encouraging students from all this exciting opportunity. students gained an understanding of other
health professions to learn disciplines’ unique contributions to the
screening tools that will This training program care of geriatric clients while
enhance the interprofessional consisted of interactive demonstrating the distinct value of OT.
care of the geriatric population. lectures, small group case
This unique training was discussions, skills development,
offered through the University skills application/practice (i.e.,
of Pittsburgh Medical School. practice short screens/
Led by CScD student, Kelly assessments with older adults),
Dickson, MOT, OTR/L, Pitt site visits, and team-based
MOT students, Temitope learning/debates. This training
Akanbi, Sarah Arndt, also assisted students with
Kristen Bianco, Anne Chen, acquiring advanced knowledge
Leah McCarthy, Luree and skills that will enhance
Miller, Erica Mollenkopf, geriatric practice. While

VOLUME 6, ISSUE 1 PAGE 3

Student Spotlight: Leah McCarthy

Leah McCarthy is a second year MOT admirable. She currently serves as the worked with the
student and the first University of Vice-President of the University of United Way to
Pittsburgh player to earn the Collegiate Pittsburgh Student Occupational Therapy create a "Be My
Water Polo Association (CWPA) Association. Her contributions to Neighbor Day"
Women's Collegiate Club Co-Scholar- community service and outreach event in four
Athlete of the Year (2015—2016). This programs is tremendous. Leah different Pittsburgh
Scholar-Athlete of the Year award volunteered at the Andy Warhol Museum communities. She
recognizes an outstanding senior/graduate Sensory Friendly event, as well as has made blankets
student-athlete who has achieved success provided a hands-on OT experience for for the homeless
in both the scholastic and athletic arenas Pitt undergraduates at the Discover U and volunteered for Family Services of Western
while possessing a spirit which provides event. PA. Leah is also a member of Pi Theta Epsilon.
service to the community.
Leah has planned and led multiple craft Congratulations, Leah! You make us Pitt Proud!
Leah’s service to the Pitt OT program as and baking activities at the Ronald
well as the Pittsburgh community is McDonald House of Pittsburgh and

Students Making News

Alexandra Ruth (MOT ‘17) received a Hanna Morris (MOT ‘17) was awarded the Bora Kim, Jessica Krausnick, Luc
George Carson Fellowship. Jonas Salk Fellowship. Leech, Morgan Leeds, Lauren Lukacs,
Josselyn Mackey, Keegan Marcantel,
Samantha Chamberlin, Samantha Brianna Garcia (MOT ‘17) was awarded Gabriella Mickey, Katie Mitchell, Kylee
Bowen, and Alice Li presented a poster an AOTA E.K. Wise Scholarship. Moninger, Kelsey O’Brien, Kara
presentation on Promoting Social and Rigdon, Alexa Schreiber, Shelby Scott,
Educational Participation in At-risk Youth Roxanna Bendixen, PhD, OTR/L and Kelly Stipetich, Caitlin Smith, Amanda
at the POTA Annual Conference in MOT students (‘17) Rob Evans, Brianna Stober, Sarah Walker, Michelle
Lancaster, PA. Garcia, Kristy Guthrie, Kristen Watson, Emily Williams, Maggie Yuhas
Kowalski, Leah McCarthy, and Luree and Kelsey Zambraski participated in an
MOT students (‘17) Stacey Sabu, Leah Miller participated in the Andy Warhol adaptive sports program on campus.
McCarthy, Casie Strausbaugh, and MOT Museum Sensory Friendly Event for adults,
students (‘18) Anna Carlson, Stephanie children and youth at the Andy Warhol
Gorstein, Shelby Scott, Michelle Museum.
Watson, and Maggie Yuhas, with faculty,
Denise Chisholm, PhD, OTR/L, MOT students (‘18) Kristin Brown,
FAOTA, participated in the Hands-On Ashley Conroy, Trisha Conte, Suzanne
Occupational Therapy Session for the Davis, Elaine Elliott, Sara Ellis, Anna
Discover U program. Gavin, Yocelin Hernandez-Rojero,

Alumni Spotlight: Kailey Bedford, MOT, OTR/L

Kailey Bedford, MOT, OTR/L Kailey’s use of her OT skills does not guardrails and/or barriers on
(MOT ‘13) applies her skills as an end with her evaluation and treatment roadways next to bodies of
occupational therapist throughout her of clients. She is also the student water in Florida to prevent
professional roles and her personal coordinator for the OT department. driver drowning deaths.
contributions. As a hand therapist at She manages all students and volunteers
The Orthopaedic Institute (TOI) in from interviews, to acceptance, to Kailey states that she has
Gainesville, FL, Kailey collaborates with scheduling. Recently, Kailey revamped “immense gratitude” for Pitt
physicians to participate in the primary the student program at TOI in order to OT. She feels that the training
care of her clients. create a more well-rounded in advocacy and focus in
experience, preparing students for psycho-social factors of clients
Spending some of her time at a satellite entry-level Hand Therapy positions. has helped to mold her into
TOI clinic, Kailey has brought the therapist she is today, both
innovation and occupational therapy In 2015, Kailey helped organize a 5k to in the clinic and in the world.
together to transform this site into a raise money for expenses involved in
thriving hand therapy center with attempts to get Chloe’s Law passed in Congratulations, Kailey! You
consistent good reviews and patient Florida legislature, which places more make us Pitt Proud!
satisfaction.

Department of Occupational Therapy Mission

 Educate students to practice and to become
leaders in evidence-based occupational
therapy in a variety of settings

 Engage in research to advance the practice
of occupational therapy

 Contribute to the profession and the
community through service, participation,
University of Pittsburgh and research
Department of Occupational Therapy
5012 Forbes Tower Alumni - Please contact us!
Pittsburgh, PA 15260 We would like to highlight
Phone: 412-383-6620
Email: [email protected] YOU in a future issue!
Web: http://www.shrs.pitt.edu/OT/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PittOccupationalTherapy

Please contact us with changes to your email or address.

Get Involved: Occupational Therapy in Legislation

As occupational therapists, we are called to On March 2, 2016 the Senate passed a (L to R) Dr. Chisholm, MOT students (‘17) Hanna
the action of advocacy. We have modeled bipartisan bill offered by PA Senator Morris, Jordan Shoup, Casie Strausbaugh, Taylor
skilled abilities in both direct advocacy for Toomey, Stopping Medication Abuse and Hoffay, Kristen Kowalski, Kasey Gehlhaus, and
our clients and training our clients in Protecting Seniors Act as an amendment to Leah McCarthy, Dr. Stover, and MOT student,
effective self-advocacy. However, we must the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery
not forget that it is equally important to Act. In addition to decreasing illicit diversion Alexandra Ruth at 2016 AOTA Hill Day
advocate for our profession. Among the and overprescribing of opioids and
exciting pieces of proposed legislation preventing the beneficiary practice of It is ALL of our responsibilities to ensure that
discussed at AOTA Hill Day, there are two “doctor shopping,” Senator Toomey has OT has a presence in these and other key
additional pieces of legislation that should identified a third prong to his proposed pieces of legislation. Make Pitt proud—
excite us as OTs. opioid addiction-intervention. This third contact your senator and representatives and
prong, increasing access to quality treatment, share the distinct value of OT with them.
The Medicare Telehealth Parity Act of 2015 requires the inclusion of occupational
will expand coverage of telehealth services therapy services for successful outcomes.
under Medicare. As occupational therapists Occupational therapists can provide effective
it is valuable to work with our clients in and valuable intervention in pain
their natural environments. However, due management and addiction recovery, while
to a variety of circumstances, this is often reducing the experience of disability. We
not a viable option for our clients in rural are qualified as physical health practitioners
and/or underserved areas. This act will not in addition to being recognized as mental
only remove geographical barriers, but also health providers. Occupational therapists
expand the list of providers to include use a holistic approach to treating the
additional disciplines, specifically, person. This positions us as an integral
occupational therapy. provider in the treatment of conditions
contributing to the opioid epidemic in the
United States.