“We’ve Been in Your Shoes” Mentorship Program
It is now widely understood that healthcare professions, including occupational therapy, do not reflect the diverse population receiving services. As a result, healthcare quality and equity have suffered. One contributing factor has been the racist systems, from admissions to pedagogy to fieldwork, that often make underrepresented students feel alone, invisible, misunderstood, and disempowered.
At Duke OTD, we want to build a culture where ALL students succeed, including students from underrepresented groups. We believe students from underrepresented groups can achieve and want them to feel seen, heard, and empowered to make a difference. Mentorship has long been a tool for academic and professional empowerment, particularly for students from underrepresented groups. The We’ve Been in Your Shoes Mentorship Program connects students to occupational therapists from similar lived experiences who can provide support through the ups and downs of professional education. Any Duke OTD student can request a mentor!
We’ve Been in Your Shoes mentors support the overall vision of the OTD program: “A world where all people flourish through access to and participation in health-supporting occupations.” Mentors interested in and have experience in DEI initiatives and/or mentorship experiences, including mentorship with students from underrepresented groups.
Any Duke OTD student can request a mentor!
Diverse Voices
