Who Gets to Be a Role Model? Whose voice gets amplified? This episode explores podcasting as a tool for learning and equity with Abbigail Kubiak, OTD, OTR/L, LRC, who is an occupational therapist and educator. Her work focuses on innovative teaching methods in occupational therapy education, particularly the use of podcasting as a tool to expand access to role models, support professional identity development, and enhance learning in emerging and innovative practice areas.

She has developed and studied a series of educational podcasts featuring occupational therapy practitioners working in non-traditional and emerging settings, with the goal of increasing student awareness, confidence, and competence in these areas. Her research integrates theories of role modeling, universal design for learning, and behavior change to explore how digital media can transform OT education and promote more equitable access to mentorship and knowledge.

References

Kubiak, A., Jacobs, K., Kulkarni, V. S., & Vizek, M. (2025). Use of podcasts as emerging technology in occupational therapy education. The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy, 13(3), 1-18. https://doi.org/10.15453/2168-6408.2351

Kubiak, A. (2023). Introduction to role models in emerging and innovative practice through podcasts: A novel approach in occupational therapy education [Doctoral dissertation]. ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global.

In this episode of OT JEDI, Dr. Suzanne Rappaport interviews Blaine Robin for a powerful conversation on culture, identity, and the future of occupational therapy. Centered around his work on Caribbean Perspectives on Occupational Therapy in the United Kingdom, this discussion challenges dominant narratives in the profession and amplifies voices that have too often been overlooked.

Dr. Robin shares how his lived experiences shape his approach to practice, education, and scholarship—and why it’s critical for occupational therapy to move beyond surface-level “cultural competence” toward deeper, more meaningful change. Together, we explore social determinants of health, representation in OT, and what it really means to decolonize practice.

This episode is a must-listen for clinicians, educators, and students who are ready to push beyond the status quo and engage in more culturally grounded, socially responsive care.

References

Garcia, L., & Robin, B. (2025a). Caribbean perspectives of occupation. RCOT. OT News.

Ocloo, J., Surendran, S., Robin, B., Noel, L., Gibson, J., & Dawson, S. (2025). Inequitably harmed: A scoping review protocol on patient safety and diverse population groups. BMJ Open, 15(12), e108797. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2025-108797

Robin, B. (2010). Exploring illness and social care management: Comparing consumer perspectives of suffering and the challenges faced by service providers (Unpublished PhD thesis). https://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/6368/

Robin, B. (2022). Developing inclusive cultures in occupational therapy. https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/blogs/school-of-health/2022/09/developing-inclusive-cultures-in-occupational-therapy/

Robin, B. (2023). Efforts to redress the imbalance of educational attainment: Case study Leeds. RCOT. OT News.

Robin, B. (2023). Hearing from occupational therapists of Caribbean heritage – commemorating Windrush Day. https://www.rcot.co.uk/news/hearing-occupational-therapists-caribbean-heritage-commemorating-windrush-day

Robin, B. (2023). The importance of cultural competence for occupational therapists. RCOT. OT News.

Robin, B., & Cogavin, D. (2023). Becoming a councillor [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Vu86m0EFbA

Robin, B., & Ibrahiim, K. (2023). 75th anniversary of Windrush guest editorial. RCOT. OT News.

Robin, B., & Richardson, O. (2023). The importance of cultural competence for occupational therapists. RCOT. OT News.

Robin, B., & Tongai, C. (2023). Enacting occupational justice in dual roles as an occupational therapist and local politician: Advocacy at the margins [Video playlist]. YouTube. https://youtube.com/playlist?list=FLUJq-hb7DdJ0YLPHgPm322w

Robin, B. (2024a). The inner strength of excellence that unlocks our potential. RCOT. OT News.

Robin, B. (2024b). Avoiding past histories from being forgotten. RCOT. OT News.

Robin, B. (2025a). Dealing with racism in the groove of life. RCOT. OT News.

Tinarwo, C., & Robin, B. (2025). Exploring occupational justice for Black university students in the United Kingdom: A scoping review. The Human Occupation & Wellbeing Journal, 1(2). https://howj.org/index.php/howj/article/view/44

How do educators move beyond one-time DEI trainings toward lasting change? In this episode, Audrey L. Zapletal and Karla A. Bell share lessons learned from a longitudinal professional development program focused on sexual and gender minority education. The discussion highlights data-driven outcomes, discomfort as part of learning, and sustainable faculty development.

References

McCoy, M. A., Levett-Jones, T., & Pitt, V. (2013). Development and psychometric testing of the Ascent to Competence Scale. Nurse education today, 33(1), 15–23. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nedt.2011.11.003

Zapletal, A. L., Bell, K. A., Sanchez, A., Tobia, J., & Hunnicutt, M. (2024). LGBTQ+ inclusion: A pilot interdisciplinary professional development program for faculty, clinicians, and administrators in higher education. Innovative Higher Education, 49(3), 495–518. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10755-023-09683-4

Resources

Jefferson Pride Care - Professional Development Program For SG-MET | Jefferson Health

The Gender Unicorn