HealthMatters

What is the role of the mind-body connection in special education? Come join us as we speak with Minal Shah, a school-based occupational therapist and graduate of the Boston University PP-OTD program. Minal shares her experience developing and implementing a pilot school program focused on using a mind-body integration approach to support behavioral regulation for children with neurodevelopmental disorders.

How can we support caregivers in rural areas? Join us as we talk with Grace Muppidi, a recent graduate from BU's post-professional OTD program and winner of the STRIDE grant, as she discuses her doctoral project–the Caregiver Resilience Education (Ca.R.E.) Program. With this program, Grace aims to increase caregiver engagement, determination, self confidence, resilience, and involvement in their children's therapy in rural India.

How can students and practitioners from all fields bridge technology with healthcare? Join us as we speak with Swathi Kiran, who is the Founding Director for the Center for Brain Recovery and Professor of Neurorehabilitation in BU's Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences. Listen to hear about her experiences with telehealth and software development along with her perspective on the emerging roles of AI and technology in healthcare.

How can we better support caregivers? Join us as we speak with Courtney Joly-Lowdermilk, who has developed and directed many programs at BU Sargent College Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation, such as Flourishing Families. This program supports caregivers of young adults who live with mental health conditions. Hear the stories from Kamilah Mitchell, Wen-Ling Lai, Suzanne Buchko, and Jeanne Murphy who are a part of the Flourishing Families program.

How can health practitioners provide a helping hand? Join us as we speak with Sarah Tuberty, an Occupational Therapist and disability advocate who speaks upon her experience growing up with a congenital limb difference. She is dedicated to developing the resources she wished she and her parents had access to when she was younger to help create a kinder and more inclusive world where kids feel empowered to be themselves and follow their dreams.

How can we uplift AAPI occupational therapist practitioners and community members? Join us as we talk with Vikram Pagpatan and Phillip Salvador about their leadership in AAPIOT and NBCOT respectively, and the importance of being a mentor for those in your community.

How does design impact health? Join us as we welcome Dr. Jack Dennerlein, Sargent College's new Dean as of August 1st, 2023. From working at Harvard University, Northeastern University, and now at Boston University, Dr. Dennerlein has spent nearly three decades as an internationally respected scholar, researcher, and innovator in the field of occupational safety and health – primarily in ergonomics, where his federally-funded research investigates interventions to improve worker safety, health, and well-being.

Where can occupational therapists work? Join us as we talk with Abby Kubiak, an occupational therapist and post-professional OTD student at BU about uncommon and emerging practices within occupational therapy. Listen to hear about her doctoral project and the benefit of innovation.

How can we be more inclusive in the classroom? In our research? Join us as we talk with Dr. Jesse Moreira, whose educational and research focus is on LGBTQIA2S+ equity and inclusion in STEM and physiology education.

Join us as we talk with Arpita Edke, Sargent College's Class of 2023 valedictorian. She majored in Human Physiology and minored in English, and is taking a gap year in India while working on medical school applications. Follow her journey as she discusses her life as a college student at BU and her next steps as a cardiac surgical assistant and a remote research assistant at Boston Medical Center. Be sure to listen to Arpita share her Valedictorian address in today's podcast.

How can occupational therapists advocate for neurodiversity? Join us as we talk with Bryden Carlson-Giving, a neurodivergent, doctoral student at Boston University and pediatric occupational therapy practitioner based in Minnesota. He seeks to promote strengths-based and neurodiversity-affirming practices, amplify the voices of the disabilities community, and challenge ableism within healthcare and research. From helping individuals discover and embrace their sensory processing differences to collaborating with their family and education team to improve their ability to be neurodiversity-affirming, Bryden aims to maximize his client's quality of life and well-being to support authentic, neurodivergent development.

Jessica Peterson, OTR, MSOT, PMH-C a PPOTD student at Sargent College, and Gayle Schwee, OTR, MOT, PMH-C met working as occupational therapists in acute care. Together, they started Matrescence Occupational Therapy, a private practice in Austin, TX, focused on helping mothers through their transitions to or within motherhood. Jessica and Gayle felt they could fill a gap in healthcare and support for mothers by viewing their transitions in occupations, role, and identity through an occupational therapy lens. You can learn more about them and the work they do at www.momsOT.com.

Join us as we talk to Lauren Tamburello about her journey in public health, challenges working through the height of the pandemic, learning about healthcare technology, and yoga! Lauren is a double Terrier and currently works at Artera as a Sr. Patient Experience Consulting Manager.

What is AI, and what is its power in healthcare? This episode features Wesley J. Wildman, a philosopher of religion and computational social scientist in Boston University's School of Theology and Faculty of Computing Data Sciences. He also is executive director of the Center for Mind and Culture, which applies computing and data-science techniques to address pressing social problems. An ethicist who studies emerging technologies, he recently published (with Kate J. Stockly) Spirit Tech: The Brave New World of Consciousness Hacking and Enlightenment Engineering (St. Martin's).

What is trauma informed care, and why is it important? Join us as we talk with Dr. Amy Lynch, an associate professor at the College of Public Health in the Occupational Therapy Department at Temple University. Find out more about the American Occupational Therapy Association’s first ever book on trauma: Trauma, Occupation, and Participation: Foundations and Population Considerations for Occupational Therapy, which Dr. Lynch is the lead editor for.

Dr. Lori Vaughn and Dr. Scott McNeil are Co-Chairs of the OT Department at Springfield College and fellow graduates of BU's Post-Professional OTD Program. In this episode, Lori and Scott share their story of what led them from Peer Partners to Co-Chairs and friends. Lori initially worked in school-based practice and has been in academia for over 17 years teaching pediatric related content, research and a variety of professional issues. She is now transitioning out of the chair role to a full time teaching position and passing the role to her colleague and Co-Chair, Scott. Scott has close to 20 years of experience in various adult/older adult settings, fieldwork education, academia, and his scholarship is focused on diversity in OT, sucessful aging, and inclusive teaching and learning.

How can occupational therapy support sex trafficking survivors? Why the South Carolina Occupational Therapy Association's state mentorship program is vital? In this episode, we welcome Hayley Davis, OTR/L, CSRS, and CLIPP. After 20+ years of clinical experience, Hayley is currently a Post-Professional Doctoral Candidate at BU Sargent. Tune in to hear about her time in Nepal and the program she helps started there.

Emily Scannell (SAR) is an occupational therapist (OT) completing Boston University’s post-professional doctor of occupational therapy program. She works as an OT in school, hospital, and summer camp settings, and is passionate about helping people participate in meaningful activities. Her doctoral project is focused on improving the social and academic success of elementary school students with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder through a children’s book “Wonderfully Wired” and a school staff guide, both of which are currently being developed.

On this episode of HealthMatters, Joe Bernardo Jr. speaks on his experience as a Physical Therapy student at Boston University and his practicum experience. 

Joe's Bio:

My name is Joseph Bernardo and I am a third year physical therapy student at Boston University. Prior

to my enrollment at BU, I completed a Master's degree in Exercise Science and a Bachelor's degree in

Health Sciences, both from Merrimack College. I have participated in several clinical experiences thus far

during my education at BU, all occurring in the outpatient orthopedic setting, which is where I anticipate

my practice will begin once I graduate in May. I enjoy treating a variety of patient populations and

presentations, with a particular emphasis on runners.

For most of my life, I have been a person who stutters and I often struggled to find my voice in social

situations, due to experiences of bullying as a child. I have firsthand experience with the underlying

anxiety and sense of hopelessness that can arise from the negative social interactions and stigma that an

individual who stutters can experience on a daily basis. My goal for this project is to provide education,

real-life experiences, and communication strategies revolving around the stuttering condition to my

classmates and the general public, so that individuals who stutter may experience less stigma and a

strengthened therapeutic alliance when seeking physical therapy care, as well as a reduction in the

stigma these individuals can experience during every day social interactions.

On today's episode Dr. Jacobs talks with Gabrielle Cherfane, a medical student at BUMC and Sargent graduate. They discuss the transition from Sargent to BUMC, along with life outside of medical school. 

In this episode of HealthMatters, we welcome Sarah Sherman, who studied Physical Therapy at Sargent College. She discusses her experience and mentors from Sargent, along with her journey in starting her own physical therapy business, and where she sees her business going in the future.

Sarah Sherman, PT, DPT, ATC is a residency trained Board-Certified Sports Clinical Specialist, Certified Athletic Trainer, and the owner of LIVE4, a sports physical therapy & wellness company in Acton, MA. LIVE4 provides private, individualized injury prevention, rehabilitation, and wellness services for athletes and active individuals. Sarah’s career has taken her across the country and provided her the opportunity to work with athletes at all levels, from youth to professional sports. She is passionate about providing holistic, client-centered care to ensure each individual achieves and sustains long-term health and wellness.

Are you looking to apply to medical school or to get a master's next? What is Sargent College's ethos? What is the most difficult exam at Sargent College? In this episode, we welcome orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist, Dr. Steven Gorin. Dr. Gorin is certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Orthopaedic Surgery. He is currently the President of the Miami Orthopedic Society. He is also an active member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery, the American Osteopathic Association of Orthopaedics, the Arthroscopy Association of North America, and the International Society of Arthroscopy, Knee Surgery, and Orthopaedic Sports Medicine. Tune in to hear Steven's experience at Sargent College, his philosophy as a surgeon, and tips for success.

What options do occupational therapy practitioners have to support students who have sensory integration and processing challenges? In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Colleen Cameron Whiting OT, OTD, OTR. Colleen is on the faculty of the post-professional occupational therapy doctoral program at BU. Tune in to hear from a double terrier on her research regarding utilizing sensory integration intervention in schools.

What is the role of occupational therapy (OT) in supporting families impacted by trauma? What are some difficulties in examining and understanding this issue? What is the relationship between caregiving and trauma? In this episode, we welcome Carli DiMero. She is an occupational therapy doctoral graduate from Boston University. Her professional interests include program development, group leadership, and community enrichment. Tune in for an insightful discussion on caregivers' burnout, behavioural regulations, and how trauma might be impacting the development of relationships between caregiver and child.

For any questions regarding the discussion in this episode, Carli's email is carlidimeo@gmail.com.

How did someone from film and TV end up working in occupational therapy for combat veterans? What is the "warrior journey" framework? How do you assess PTSD severity? In this episode, we welcome Angela Frame. She is a doctoral student in the BU post-professional doctorate in an occupational therapy program and works at the VA Long Beach Healthcare System, Long Beach, CA as an Outpatient Occupational Therapist. Tune in to hear about her doctoral project at Boston University and what goes on at the American Occupational Therapy Association annual conference.

Disclaimer: The views, opinions, and information in this podcast do not represent the views of VA or the United States Government.

Ever tried to solve a Rubik's cube and given up? Ever tried to solve it one-handed? Blindfolded? In this episode, we welcome University of Maryland Economics Ph.D. candidate and Rubik's Cube former world record holder, Keaton Ellis. Tune in to hear about his cubing journey, how inclusive the community is, and the dexterity behind solving a cube.

What does it mean to "Give kids a voice"? How can we help promote early self-advocacy among children with disabilities? What is Exceptional Needs Today magazine? In this episode, we welcome BU’s PP-OTD Doctoral student and Executive Director of Changing Lives Occupational Therapy, Rose Adams. Listen to learn more about the motivations behind her doctoral study and her five suggestions for fostering early self-advocacy.

What does Sargent College's application process look like? What has changed recently? What is the relationship between the GRE requirement and diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts? In this episode, we are joined by Sargent College's Director of Graduate Enrollment Alexandra Munroe. Tune in to hear about her journey to Boston University, her day-to-day life at Sargent College, and find out what a "holistic application" overview means.

What is aphasia? How can workplaces better accommodate aphasia patients? What is happening at the Boston University (BU) Aphasia Research Center? 

In this episode, we are delighted to welcome Clinical Professor in the Department of the Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, Dr. Elizabeth Hoover. She is also currently the Clinical Director of the BU Aphasia Research Center. Dr. Hoover's research focuses on adult neurogenic communication and swallowing disorders, with a special emphasis on stroke, traumatic brain injury, and Parkinson’s disease. 

Tune into this episode to hear more about Dr. Hoover's work, common misconceptions about aphasia, and how long has Dr. Jacbos been working at Sargent College?

What does a dean's day-to-day life entail? What drew a Southern Californian to Boston? In this episode, we welcome the dean of the College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences at Sargent College, Chris Moore. Chris is also a professor in the Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences. Prior to joining BU, his professional appointments included federal service at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), as well as 22 years as an academic researcher. Tune in to hear about exciting renovations at the college's anatomy lab, as well as what it means to be a part of the Sargent family.

Do you like gaming? Ever wonder what gaming is like for people with disabilities? What is Warfighter Engaged? 

In this episode, we welcome Xbox Gaming Accessibility Program Manager Kaitlyn Jones. Drawing inspirations from her father's experience, Kaitlyn reflects on how she got involved with accessibility in gaming. Join us in this episode to hear about her experience at the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) conference, as well as what is inspiring her to continue her research.