Occupational Therapy Spotlight

Meet Madigan Koneval. Madigan is a 2022 graduate of Drake's Occupational Therpay Doctorate (OTD) program! In her last year of the OTD program, Karagan had the opportunity to complete a doctoral capstone experience at OSF Healthcare St. Francis Medical Center Outpatient Rehabilitation in Illinois.

Name: Madigan Koneval

Hometown: Belvidere, Illinois

Degree Program: OTD, May 2022

Capstone Organization: OSF Healthcare St. Francis Medical Center Outpatient Rehabilitation

Location: Belvidere, Illinois

Tell us about your outpatient rehabilitation capstone experience at OSF Healthcare St. Francis Medical Center. What were your responsibilities and what did a typical day/week look like?

At my site I educated and trained patients on LSVT BIG and Rock Steady Boxing, collaborated with clinicians at the Movement Disorder Clinic, and treated patients with various neurological conditions at the outpatient center.

What is your favorite thing about this Doctoral Capstone?

I loved being able to connect with the individuals at Rock Steady Boxing where individuals and their caregivers attended with them and we worked on fun activities to promote confidence and safety with the Parkinson’s population.

What attracted you to Drake's OTD program?

I love how interactive and hands-on the OTD program here at Drake is. I felt I would confidently be able to learn what I needed and build confidence with this program.

Have your career goals changed at all since starting Drake's OTD program? How so?

Coming into Drake, I was unsure where I wanted to end up, but I had a passion for neuro-based therapy and the geriatric population. Since completing the program, that passion has only grown, and I am confident that this is what I am meant to be doing.

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

Drake did a great job preparing me for my career because our program was very hands-on and interactive with our cohort, professors and the community that I now feel I have all the tools I need to be an amazing OT!

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

Don’t be afraid to mess up! I learned the most when I stepped up and actively participated, asked the question, or volunteered whether in the classroom or the community. Make the most of your time learning because it will fly by!