Students in OTD 515 - Innovation and Everyday Leadership took a field trip to Durham Tech Community College to visit with a class of OT assistant students.
The July 5 field trip provided an opportunity for meaningful discussions between the OTD and OTA students about collaboration and the meaning of supervision within the discipline of occupational therapy. Participants met in small groups to discuss how all professionals in OT can work together to facilitate and advocate equitable care for all individuals they will serve. The groups collaborated and synthesized their knowledge and expertise through a diverse array of case studies.
OTD 2024 student Karol Guerrero is completing her first Level IIA fieldwork in an academic setting. She is assisting faculty with courses and experiential experiences. By assisting Course Director, Tomeico Faison, OTD, OTR/L, Guerrero co-led the session with two Durham Tech faculty members.
Guerrero had the opportunity to ask about students’ learning experiences. “As a co-facilitator, it was great to see the collaboration between Duke students and Durham Tech while brainstorming to answer questions regarding case studies. An instructor at Durham Tech agreed that collaboration during this session was evident. She encouraged all students to exchange contacts to maintain those relationships,” she said.
“It was so much fun to learn about the OT/OTA collaborative relationship and connect with other students who have a passion for the field of occupational therapy. They were so welcoming and I’m grateful for our time together,” said Peyton Gemmell.
“It was an informative session as I didn’t know what our level of supervision looked like and how we could collaboratively work together prior to this experience,” said Zoe Rice. “I see a bright future for myself and classmates having good cooperative relationships with our OTA coworkers in the future.”