OTD Newsroom

Enabling Occupation Skills IV, or OTD 603, is a pivotal course within Duke University's Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program. It is designed to enhance students' theoretical understanding and foster hands-on experience with real-world applications.

I’m an occupational therapist in the Wake County Public School System, serving elementary and middle school students. I’m also an assistant instructor in the Duke Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program, teaching alongside our wonderful Capstone Coordinator Cambey Mikush, OTD, OTR/L.

I’m currently working as a contractor for Therapeutic Solutions of NC, Dr. Tomeico Faison’s company, as an OT consultant. I'm based out of Durham with a hybrid schedule, seeing clients in the community and sometimes working from home. I provide OT consultation services to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their care teams.

When thinking seriously about occupational therapy schools, I knew I wanted to go to a program out of state. I lived in Seattle for 15 years and felt I needed a change.

It was the best choice! I have gained many transformative experiences that led to personal growth in the past year. I am confident in my abilities as a mature adult to handle errands and even purchase home insurance. Freedom has been abundant compared to living with my parents, and I can feel the shift in my mental health.

In recognition of Veterans Day, we reached out to Duke Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) students who have served in the military or have a military affiliation through a family member or partner. Their stories reveal how these experiences have influenced their lives and shaped their identities.

In honor of National Native American Heritage Month, two Duke Occupational Therapy Doctorate students shared how their native heritage has shaped their occupations, identities, and lives.

Antoine Bailliard, PhD, MS, OTR/L, collaborated with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) over the summer to educate and train frontline community mental health workers. His efforts focused on promoting best practices in psychosocial rehabilitation and enhancing the ability of these workers to support individuals in achieving meaningful participation in their communities. 

We’re thrilled to welcome Raheleh Ghasseminia, MS, OT/L, who joined the Occupational Therapy Doctorate Division as an assistant professor on October 1.

After living in the U.S. for nearly a decade, I find myself reflecting on various experiences that have strengthened my Latina identity. Upon arrival, I struggled to connect with others due to unfamiliar contextual factors, including a new language, diverse cultures, and a completely different environment.

Have you ever considered how your identity influences your participation in and experience of your occupations?