Faculty in Focus: Tomeico Faison, OTD, OTR/L
Dr. Tomeico Faison is an assistant professor and director of innovation in professional pathways for the OTD program. She earned a bachelor's and a master's from UNC-Chapel Hill in radiologic science and occupational therapy, respectively. She earned a clinical doctoral degree in occupational therapy with an emphasis on social entrepreneurship from Boston University.
What excites you about your role at Duke?
I am excited by innovation and interprofessional collaboration. My innate love for entrepreneurship is cultivated as an intrapreneur at Duke in multiple ways, such as creating and coordinating the Innovation and Entrepreneurship OT electives with Fuqua School of Business faculty, coordinating and teaching the low vision rehab certificate, previously co-leading the establishment of the OTD COTAD chapter, leading the mentorship program and collaborating with the Duke School of Nursing as an Advanced Practitioner Provider Leadership (APPLI) advisory board member and speaker.
Where do you see your specific field and specialty advancing in the next five years?
I see occupational therapy advancing through social entrepreneurship, driven by rising interest in OT service provision outside traditional settings. I also see advances in specialized areas of practice, such as low vision rehab, women’s health, and community mental health, as leaders in our profession advocate for and demonstrate the distinct value we can bring to these areas.
Tell us more about your role in recruiting OTD students.
I collaborate with our admissions director on recruiting students who represent the broad populations served by occupational therapists. Our recruiting efforts include visits with a broad range of institutions in North Carolina, including HBCUs, state, and private universities. I am regularly invited by college groups and prospective students to discuss the profession of occupational therapy and my experience in the field. I also serve as an undergraduate health professions advisor at Duke, and I partner with interprofessional colleagues and area K-12 schools on student recruitment. For example, I also collaborate with Dr. Cambey Mikush in OTD and with Dr. TIffany Adams and Dr. Jamie Greco in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program on a pipeline program for high school students that emphasizes health promotion and introduces them to the OT and PT professions.
What excites you about teaching?
I enjoy seeing the evolution of student learning—whether that is noting an increased understanding about a particular concept or topic, or an increased awareness about who they are and how they can contribute to the profession as formal or informal leaders.
Where are you from?
Dudley and Faison, NC; I am NC born and raised.
What brings you joy? So much! Faith, family, friends, music, pets, the arts, nature, laughing, and of course, if you know me, entrepreneurship!
I have been married for 24 years and have two sons, three dogs, one bird, five fish tanks, and an Iguana. I am also an auntie to many young people-- blood and not-blood-related. A few of my hobbies include writing and reciting poetry, attending concerts and plays, 5k walks/runs, and renovating distressed properties while commenting and pretending like I am on HGTV.