Occupational Therapy Club

Group Number: 013

Group Type: Recognized Student Groups

Date Approved: September 2010

Student Contact: Karleen Smurawa (smura001@umn.edu)

Advisor: Corey McGee (mcge0062@umn.edu)

Mission Statement

Description
The University of Minnesota-Rochester Occupational Therapy Student Organization is comprised of students in the University’s Program in Occupational Therapy. Organizational officers are elected by the cohort who take on leadership roles, and represent the organization during community and professional events. However, all Rochester OT students assume ownership in the club. Each month, during student-governed meetings, members discuss issues related to the organization’s goals: advocating for and promoting OT, growing personally and professionally, and educating others in the community about Occupational Therapy. Elected members have the opportunity to represent the program at the Minnesota Occupational Therapy Association (MOTA) and the American Occupational Therapy (AOTA) Annual conferences annually. 
 

Journal Club Information
The UMR OT Club is associated with the Class of 2013 UMR OT Journal Club. The Journal Club expands knowledge of the field of Occupational Therapy to members by reviewing current articles and literature that inform practice. Former and current community practitioners and faculty members are also invited to attend to share information about current practice. More information on the journal club can be found at http://r.umn.edu/academics/programs/graduate/ot/club/.

Public and Professional Engagement
Throughout the program’s curriculum, students are encouraged to engage publicly and professionally in their communities. These experiences can range from coaching in the Special Olympics to attending the American Occupational Therapy Association’s (AOTA) National Conference held in April. Examples of public and professional engagement include:

- Public
* American Red Cross
* Courage Center
* Special Olympics
* Homeless Shelters
* Care Centers
* Salvation Army Adult Day Center
* Fraser
* Habitat for Humanity
* People Serving People
* Meals on Wheels
* and many more!

- Professional
* Minnesota Occupational Therapy Association (MOTA) Special Interest Groups
* OT Day at Minnesota Capitol
* AOTA or MOTA Conferences
* OT Journal Club
* Representing OT Program at FirstStep Meetings or meetings about healthcare professions
* writing to state legislators about an important issue in OT
* and many more!

Research Projects
Throughout the curriculum, students also take part in research projects that span across three semesters. The students then defend their scholarly research at the end of the program. Research topics include:

“What Does it Mean to Live with Post-Polio Syndrome?” – Rory Johnston, Breanna Funk, Alyssa Buysse, Jennifer Gardner Advisor: Peggy Martin

“Strength Measurements of the Intrinsic Hand Muscles: A Review of the Development and Evaluation of the Rotterdam Intrinsic Hand Myometer” – Marlene Gajda, Elizabeth Garlough, Julia Gilbert, Amanda Overlie, Karleen Smurawa Advisor: Corey McGee

“Examining Functional Performance in Home Management with Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia” – Melinda Steffl, Kristin Nordlie, Paige Servick, Kate Haglund Advisor: Patricia Schaber

- “Effects of Energy Conservation Course for Persons with Chronic Fatigue” – Alyssa Bagnall, Katie Bauer, Ashley Elkins, Chrispen Behnke, Terri Karow Advisor: Virgil Mathiowetz
 

Meeting Information

The OT Club meets once a month to discuss topics that may be of concern for the class. Meeting times are as follows:
- February 22 (2:30-3)
- March 20 (4-4:30)
- April 3 (5-5:30)
 

Photos