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

College students today are navigating record levels of anxiety, burnout, and executive function challenges — and traditional academic support services have an increase in demand. In this episode, we explore how occupational therapists can play a critical role in fostering student success, resilience, and belonging on campus. Tune in to learn why higher education needs OT now more than ever.

Referenes

Barbayannis, G., Bandari, M., Zheng, X., Baquerizo, H., Pecor, K. W., & Ming, X. (2022). Academic stress and mental well-being in college students: Correlations, affected groups, and COVID-19. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 886344. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.886344

Córdova Olivera, P., Gasser Gordillo, P., Naranjo Mejía, H., La Fuente Taborga, I., Grajeda Chacón, A., & Sanjinés Unzueta, A. (2023). Academic stress as a predictor of mental health in university students. Cogent Education, 10(2). https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2023.2232686

Molin, F., Rohlfs, M., & Christian, J. (2022). A conceptual framework to understand learning through metacognition: Identifying relationships between factors that influence students’ self-regulated learning. Heliyon, 8(11), e12003. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e12003

Wang, Y., Wang, X., Wang, X., Guo, X., Yuan, L., Gao, Y., & Pan, B. (2023). Stressors in university life and anxiety symptoms among international students: A sequential mediation model. BMC Psychiatry, 23, Article 556. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-023-05046-7

For the season four opener, OT JEDI looks at state-level advocacy in occupational therapy with special guest Beth Chiariello, President of the New York State Occupational Therapy Association (NYSOTA) and Chair of the OT Department at Touro University.

Beth shares her insights on how legislation and policy shape everyday OT practice, why staying informed at the state level is essential, and how NYSOTA supports practitioners and students through advocacy, education, and professional development. From recent legislative wins to common misconceptions about state laws, this episode is packed with practical advice and inspiration.

We also explore the value of NYSOTA membership, the importance of being involved in shaping policy, and what the future holds for OT in New York. Plus, hear about NYSOTA’s annual conference and educational offerings that help keep the profession thriving.

For more information on and to join the New York State Occupational Therapy Association, go to https://www.nysota.org/

In this episode of OT JEDI, we explore a critical but often overlooked topic—sexual health literacy among older adults living with HIV. Joined by occupational therapists Riley David and Dr. Kathryn Burke, we dive into their pilot study evaluating occupation-based sexual health education programs. We discuss how knowledge, stigma, fear, and pleasure intersect in the lives of older adults, and how occupational therapy can play a key role in fostering safe, empowered, and fulfilling intimate experiences.

Resources

The Network for LGBTQIA+ Concerns in Occupational Therapy | Queer Health

The Capstone Collective

Follow Dr. Burke on Instagram @otkate or find her at Johnson & Wales University

References

David, R. & Burke, K. (2025, April 5). Evaluating the effectiveness of
occupation-based programming on the sexual health literacy of older adults living with HIV [Poster session]. American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) Inspire, Philadelphia, PA. https://tinyurl.com/y96srmd4

In this episode, our guest, Karen Jacobs, explores the role of AI in occupational therapy—from streamlining documentation and facilitating communication through translation to addressing health disparities while considering ethical implications. She discusses AI’s potential in assessment, intervention, client engagement, and its ability to make OT education more equitable.

Referenes

Alowais, S. A., Alghamdi, S. S., Alsuhebany, N., & et al. (2023). Revolutionizing healthcare: The role of artificial intelligence in clinical practice. BMC Medical Education, 23, 689. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-023-04698-z

Çela, E., Fonkam, M. M., & Potluri, R. M. (2024). Risks of AI-Assisted Learning on Student Critical Thinking: A Case Study of Albania. International Journal of Risk and Contingency Management (IJRCM), 12(1), 1-19. https://doi.org/10.4018/IJRCM.350185

Gandhi, T. K., Classen, D., Sinsky, C. A., Rhew, D. C., Vande Garde, N., Roberts, A., & Federico, F. (2023). How can artificial intelligence decrease cognitive and work burden for frontline practitioners? JAMIA Open, 6(3), ooad079. https://doi.org/10.1093/jamiaopen/ooad079

Mansour, T., & Wong, J. (2024). Enhancing fieldwork readiness in occupational therapy students with generative AI. Frontiers in medicine, 11, 1485325. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2024.1485325

Montenegro-Rueda, M., Fernández-Cerero, J., Fernández-Batanero, J. M., & López-Meneses, E. (2023). Impact of the Implementation of ChatGPT in Education: A Systematic Review. Computers, 12(8), 153. https://doi.org/10.3390/computers12080153

Nilsen, P., Sundemo, D., Heintz, F., Neher, M., Nygren, J., Svedberg, P., & Petersson, L. (2024). Towards evidence-based practice 2.0: Leveraging artificial intelligence in healthcare. Frontiers in Health Services, 4. https://doi.org/10.3389/frhs.2024.1368030

Vahedifard, F., Sadeghniiat Haghighi, A., Dave, T., Tolouei, M., & Hoshyar Zare, F. (2023). Practical use of ChatGPT in psychiatry for treatment plan and psychoeducation. arXiv preprint arXiv:2311.09131. https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2311.09131

Zhai, C., Wibowo, S., & Li, L. D. (2024). The effects of over-reliance on AI dialogue systems on students' cognitive abilities: A systematic review. Smart Learning Environments, 11, 28. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40561-024-00316-7

In this episode, we sit down with Laura Rowan, an occupational therapist and founder of Essential Pelvic Health, a private practice specializing in pelvic health. She shares her journey into this specialization, the unique needs of clients who benefit from pelvic health services, and the crucial role of advocacy and education in expanding awareness and access to care.

Resources

Essential Pelvic Health

Referenes

Alappattu, M., Hilton, S., & Bishop, M. (2019). An International Survey of Commonly Used Interventions for Management of Pelvic Pain. Journal of women's health physical therapy, 43(2), 82–88. https://doi.org/10.1097/jwh.0000000000000131

Alden, J., Sanses, T., Pearson, S., Ukaegbu, A., Gopaul, S., & Hill, L. (2020). Women’s pelvic floor and urinary incontinence (UI) health literacy: A mixed-methods study. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 74(4, Suppl. 1), 7411510314p1. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2020.74S1-PO7408

Fyhrie, J., Schmid, A., Le Fevre, E., Weaver, J., & Fruhauf, C. A. (2024). OTs’ perspectives on their unique role in pelvic health. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 78(Suppl. 2), 7811500263p1. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2024.78S2-PO263

Schmitz, J. R., Schoener, H., Atler, K., Fruhauf, C. A., Pearce, D., Schmid, A., & Mathias, K. (2023). Women’s experience receiving OT for pelvic floor dysfunction: A case series. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 77(Suppl. 2), 7711510310p1. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2023.77S2-PO310

Watts, C. (2024). Barriers & supports to occupational therapists working in pelvic health across three healthcare delivery systems: Outpatient, hospitals, and home health (Publication No. 36964687). Georgia State University. https://doi.org/10.57709/36964687