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Tell us about your Doctoral Capstone. What were your responsibilities and what did a typical day/week look like?

I arrive at my site at 8am to get settled into the office. I share an office with an OT and an OTA, so I have been involved in a number of problem solving sessions. I always make sure to review the incident reports from the previous day and overnight to make sure that I am able to engage in conversation as needed with the other therapists. I take lunch around noon and eat with other OTs and SLPs at the site in a community area. Depending on the day, I will accompany an OT to a house in the morning to assist with treating a resident or just to visit the residents and say hello! On Fridays, I attend a movement group in the afternoons. Additionally, I will attend virtual meetings with an OT as well. I was fortunate enough that my responsibilities consisted only of completing my capstone artifacts. It was optional for me to interact with the residents, so I took that opportunity to attend some treatment sessions at the houses and attend some of the weekly groups.

What is your favorite thing about the Doctoral Capstone?

My favorite thing about my capstone experience is that I am able to focus on an interest area that is very specific while also continuing to build my professional identity. While it is a lot of responsibility to plan out an execute all the components of the experience, I felt I had the freedom to really make it my own experience to take the most out of all the opportunities presented to me.

What attracted you to Drake's OTD program?

The first quality that attracted me to Drake was knowing I was completing a clinical doctorate, but the real push was during my interview process. Throughout the entire interview day, it felt like genuine conversation was happening between myself and the professors. I never felt unwelcome in any of my conversations, and that same quality continued throughout my experience in the program. 

How has Drake helped you prepare for your future career as an occupational therapy professional?

Drake prepared me to be an occupational therapy professional by providing me with opportunities to do hands-on work in the classroom to support the local community. The program also taught me, through a learning curve, to think critically and holistically about the individuals, groups, populations, and communities we serve. Drake’s program also prepared me to critically analyze evidence to support my practices and provide the best care to my clients.

What are your career goals? Have they changed at all since you started Drake's OTD program?

My career goals have changed, but only slightly. I came into the program loving pediatrics and knowing that I would work with them in practice. What I didn’t expect to happen was to enjoy every second of working in behavioral health settings. To compound that, I have developed a passion for pediatric behavioral health, especially working with those who have experienced trauma. Even though my career goals have only changed slightly, Drake’s program also increased my knowledge and understanding of working in pediatrics, further expanding my excitement to work with that population.

What is one piece of advice you would give to future occupational therapy students?

School has always been a time to explore, and that doesn’t stop in OT school either. If there are opportunities you want to bring to the program, ask about it because more than likely, someone else would love it too! Take advantage of the opportunities through organization on campus, off campus, through the state’s OT association or AOTA. It is the perfect time to expand your knowledge and understanding of everything occupational therapy is and could become.

Return to the OTD Capstone Spotlight home page here.