Chun Wang '23
Why do you want to be an occupational therapist?
I was a physician and have worked in hospital for years in China. After immigrated to U.S.A., I devoted more time to learn English and gradually prepare myself to return to the healthcare field. Meanwhile, I am eager to bring my skills, knowledge, and experience to the patients. I kept thinking about what career I will pursue in the future. I wish to find a way to still serve those in need and continue my medical profession, providing patients with timely and effective services, realizing my life value. After researching and comparing, I found OT pays more attention to the whole person, alleviates the suffering of patients from a holistic perspective. So, I decided to pursue OT as my healthcare profession.
What made you choose Carroll University for your graduate program?
First and foremost, I like the mutual supporting study environment and the OT department has a strong support system. The Director and professors always encourage the students to support and help each other to be successful together instead of competing to win individually. Furthermore, they have a series of lectures to help us succeed. Each new student also has a one-on-one student mentor. As a non-native with limited English, I am very fortunate to choose this university. All the above support enabled me to get out of the confusion period of a new graduate student at a fast speed and get on the right track as soon as possible. Besides, the MOT program of Carroll University is an accelerated program. It starts early in May and enables me to graduate early and work early. In addition, Carroll University has a meaningful history and excellent teaching heritage. It has a pragmatic school spirit and learns from others' strengths, as well as a very comfortable learning environment, moderate tuition, and close to my home. So, it is my ideal target school.
What courses or experiences within the MOT program have been most valuable?
So far, I have only studied for two semesters in MOT program. I think that human anatomy and physiology, neuroscience, and biomechanics are the most valuable courses because they are the important foundation for many other courses and occupational interventions. However, the humanities courses and other science courses are also valuable. After the continuous and in depth learning of these courses, we can build up a strong knowledge base, prepare us to become the qualified future OT professionals.
What are the benefits of your level I fieldwork experiences during the MOT program?
The level I fieldwork starts from the second semester. It offers me the opportunity to interact with real patients as early as possible. It also gives me the chance to observe and understand patients’ motivations, thoughts, and behavior; apply the knowledge and skills learned in the class right away; and practice patient-centered care all through the program.
What are the benefits of having professional OT faculty in the program?
Having professional OT faculty is really a big benefit for this program. No matter if they instruct OT science courses, field work or humanities courses, professors with OT backgrounds will consciously guide us to look at cases, scenarios, and even interpersonal interaction from the perspective of OT. So, we can receive much more professional training during both lecture and practical class. This helps up to enhance the ability to deal with different kinds of situation in the future OT work.
What has been the highlight of your MOT program experience thus far?
I enjoy the experience of returning to campus after years of work. While learning new knowledge and skills, I am constantly improving my English as well.
What type of setting do you plan to work in after graduating?
As a future OT with a physician background worked in hospital. I would like to work in hospital, rehab facility, or outpatient clinic, since I have more experience serving middle-aged or elderly in my previews work. I would also like to alleviate the suffering of patients who speak my native language but struggling with English.
Why did you choose Carroll’s MOT vs. an OTD program?
Personally speaking, MOT means graduating and working earlier to support the family. I enjoy the process of educating students and accompanying them to be stronger and I have the experience to do so. However, not now for me. Maybe I will continue the OTD program later.
How do you think Carroll’s Interprofessional Practice will assist you in the future?
In Carroll University, we truly simulate how professionals from different majors can take the patient as the center and jointly promote the health of patients through cross-professional communication. In addition, inter-professional students also learn how to respect interaction in this experience. All team members were present, and team member take turns facilitate the dialogue. Everyone in the team has their own role, voice, and action to participate in the dialogue, and everyone understands the language used. The focus is on clients, needs and goals. In addition, interacting with clients also cultivates our empathy. Empathy in the healthcare field can help to understand the feelings of patients and promote more accurate diagnosis and more considerate treatment. This experience will benefit us a lot in the future.