Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Focused Leadership, Transparent Communication, A Stronger Future Together, James Mercer Dds

Virginia Dental Journal

Abstract Dr. James Mercer, ADA Trustee for the 16th District, provides updates on key initiatives and challenges facing the American Dental Association (ADA). He highlights the upcoming House of Delegates meeting, which will address a record number of resolutions, many submitted by non-traditional groups. Financial sustainability remains a priority, with the board approving a re-forecasted 2025 budget that reduces expenditures by $20 million, following earlier cuts of $9 million. Reserve spending between 2022 and 2025 totaled $142 million, with significant investments in innovation and growth, including $53 million for the new Association Management System (AMS). Implementation challenges with AMS have …

See You Next Time, Sarah Friend Dds

Virginia Dental Journal

The editor, Dr. Sarah Friend, reflects on the profound relationships she has developed with her patients as a general dentist in a small town, where professional and personal lives often intertwine. She shares her experience of being unexpectedly sidelined by illness, which led her to contemplate her own health, the importance of listening to one's body, and the challenges faced by isolated patients without caregivers. Dr. Friend recounts the emotional impact of losing patients, likening it to losing family, and highlights the importance of cherishing connections and prioritizing self-care. Through personal anecdotes, she emphasizes the unpredictability of life and the …

Why I Chose To Lead: A Journey Of Family, Resilience, And Service To Dentistry, Marlon Goad Dds

Virginia Dental Journal

Dr. Marlon Goad, President of the Virginia Dental Association (VDA), reflects on his unconventional journey into dentistry, shaped by resilience, family, and mentorship. He highlights key challenges facing the profession, including declining membership among young dentists, workforce shortages, rising education costs, and the growing influence of corporate practices. Dr. Goad emphasizes the importance of VDA membership in fostering community, advocacy, and professional growth. As president, he is dedicated to addressing these issues, supporting young professionals, and ensuring the future of dentistry in Virginia remains patient-centered and united.

The Practice Of Perfect Mistakes, Kelly Allen

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Cheryl VanderMolen Neway, a fashion designer and textile artist residing in Fairfax, Virginia, provided the cover art for the Fall 2025 issue of The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy (OJOT). The photograph features a flowing, floor-length duster jacket entitled, The Free Spirit, 2024, made from an upcycled denim jacket with lace and hand-dyed linen, using shibori and indigo-dyeing techniques, modeled by Shamola Crosbie. Cheryl’s designs serve to express emotion, meet her need for creative exploration, and empower her community through fashion. Using resist-dyeing techniques paired with upcycled textiles and salvaged materials, she creates vibrantly unique clothing and mixed-media artwork …

An Authentic Leader Never Dies: Lessons Learned From The Seminal Work Of Elizabeth Yerxa, Daniel Cezar Da Cruz

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

This Opinion in the Profession is based on the enduring legacy of Elizabeth June Yerxa, a pioneering leader in occupational therapy and occupational science, following her passing in December 2024. Rather than a traditional "in memoriam," the author uses the present tense to emphasize Yerxa's ongoing influence. The paper highlights four key themes from Yerxa’s work: the commitment of occupational therapy to social change, the importance of an occupation-centered education, the term “engaging in occupation”, and the establishment of occupational science as a foundational discipline. Yerxa’s advocacy for critical thinking, holistic perspectives, and the integration of diverse fields …

Implicit Bias Training Standards In Health Care: Did Michigan Get It Right? A Policy And Ethical Framework Analysis, Megan Gailliard, Kieran Fogarty, Mary Lagerwey

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

In 2022, Michigan joined a handful of states requiring implicit bias training for its health care professionals. In its ideal application, implicit bias training of health care professionals will result in a reduction of the implicit biases held by health care providers. This bias reduction will, in theory, contribute to improved equity in the delivery of health care services. Ultimately, the less biased health professional, now delivering health care services with a more equitable hand, will help reduce health disparities in the State of Michigan.

This analysis of Mich. Admin. Code R.338.7004 - Implicit bias training standards for licensed and …

Promoting Sense Of Belonging Among First-Generation Students In Occupational Therapy, Pola Ham

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

First-generation students in occupational therapy programs face unique challenges that can impact their sense of belonging and academic success, potentially hindering efforts to diversify the profession. There is limited data on occupational therapy students who identify as first-generation students. However, the literature has noted improved efforts toward a sense of belonging in higher education among students leads to feeling a sense of connectedness with their peers and faculty, aiding in overall well-being, academic performance and retention. In contrast, a lack of these efforts can lead students to experience a diminished sense of belonging to the institution. This article examines the …

Mentoring Matters: Enhancing Occupational Therapy Capstone Experiences Through Effective Mentorship, Sara J. Stephenson, Gretchen L. Bachman, Michelle L. Bollom, Alexandria N. Calca

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Mentoring plays a crucial role in occupational therapy education, particularly in doctoral capstone experiences. Yet, specific assessment tools tailored to the profession are lacking. This study aimed to gather insights from occupational therapy stakeholders on mentor qualities and skills essential for capstone success. The authors employed a descriptive, cross-sectional study design using an interactive poster featuring the Mentor Competency Assessment (MCA) domains and the ACOTE-defined capstone focus areas. Data were collected at two occupational therapy events using ordinal ranking methodology.Fifty-three participants identified their occupational therapy roles and ranked mentor skills and capstone focus areas. Effective communication was consistently identified as …

Diversity Gaps In Ot Education: Addressing The Challenges And Support Needs Of Underrepresented Faculty, Divya Desai, Natalie A. Perkins

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Understanding the status of diversity in OT academia is crucial for promoting equitable representation and addressing the needs of underrepresented faculty. This exploratory mixed-methods study sought to assess the diversity landscape in OT academic programs and explore the support needed by diverse faculty to enter and remain in academic positions. The researchers used an online survey distributed to faculty members of accredited OT programs across the United States. In-depth interviews were conducted with select respondents to gain deeper insights into their experiences. The interview participants were selected based on survey responses through purposive sampling. The study focused on capturing perspectives …

Occupational Balance Of Occupational Therapy Students Before And After Occupational Disruption Caused By Covid-19, Juan Pablo Saa, Georgia King, Kylee Lockwood, Tamara Tse

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing restrictions have caused occupational disruption, yet little is known about their relationship with occupational balance, student satisfaction, and stress. This study aimed to investigate the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on the occupational balance of occupational therapy students in the state of Victoria, Australia, and its association with measures of life satisfaction and distress.

Method: Participants completed the Occupational Balance Questionnaire (OBQ-11) twice (once rating their occupational balance before COVID-19 social distancing restrictions and again during the time these restrictions were in place); the Global Life Satisfaction Questionnaire; and the Depression, Anxiety and …

The Perception Of Occupational Therapists And Their Use Of Therapeutic Use Of Self When Interacting With Clients And Fieldwork Students, Maria T. Zock, Barbara Nadeau

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

The therapeutic use of self is an essential instrument in every occupational therapists' toolbox. Fieldwork is vital to a student’s transition to clinician and the student and fieldwork educator relationship is a critical component of the fieldwork experience. The researchers employed a phenomenological design to explore perceptions of 12 fieldwork educators regarding the similarities and differences in the way they use the therapeutic use of self with clients and students. How one develops their therapeutic use of self begins and evolves throughout fieldwork, impacting a clinician’s practice long-term. Results indicated that while the therapeutic use of self is readily used …

The Need For ‘Soft Skills’ In Occupational Therapy Curricula: A Descriptive Analysis Of French Students’ Internship Comments, Cynthia Engels, Nadia Oubaya, Aliki Thomas

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

A competent occupational therapist needs soft skills. Although the French national occupational therapy (OT) curriculum lists 10 competences to be acquired, they do not include soft skills. The objectives of this study were to (a) Identify the proportion of soft skills in OT students’ internship comments written by internship tutors and (b) characterize the mentioned soft skills to help determine whether and which soft skills should be included in the new OT curriculum nationwide in France. This was a qualitative descriptive analysis of tutors’ comments on internship evaluations based on the framework method. Of the 1060 internship reports, 1035 (98%) …

Occupational Therapy Guidelines For Rehabilitating People With Spinal Metastasis: Pathophysiology And Biomechanics, Julie H. Hunley, Ying Guo

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapists are increasingly treating people living with metastatic spinal cancer because of advancements in cancer treatment. Specific occupational therapy guidance for serving this growing and vulnerable population is limited. This paper provides evidence for occupational therapists to expand their understanding of the pathophysiological and biomechanical reasons for spinal precautions and the importance of individualizing interventions for people with metastatic spinal cancer. Metastatic lesions can compromise bone integrity, increasing the risk of pain, fractures, and spinal cord compression, leading to irreversible neurological damage. Daily life activities create large forces in the spine, putting people with spinal metastasis at high risk …

Improving Relationship-Based Feeding Of Infants And Young Children With Disabilities: Developing A Guideline For Practice, Patricia Henton, Tsu-Hsin Howe

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Feeding is a significant co-occupation of young children and their caregivers, unfolding in a social context. While addressing feeding challenges comprehensively because multiple contributing factors, the social-emotional dimension is often overlooked. This paper proposes a relationship-based feeding guideline to help occupational therapists incorporate this critical component. Centered on the child-caregiver dyad, the guideline prioritizes supporting the developmental, social-emotional, and environmental needs of the child. The guideline employs a biopsycho-ecological framework and family-centered approach, emphasizing caregiver training for promoting positive interaction. Actively involving caregivers and employing caregiver-child coaching facilitates the learning of developmentally appropriate feeding strategies that are then applied at …

Integrative Neural Networks Frame Of Reference: Application In Practice, Glenda E. Hux, Sarah Schoen

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

The INN Frame of Reference supports occupational engagement in caregivers of children and youth with complex health care needs. It guides the occupational therapist from evaluation to intervention providing a structure to identify challenges in occupational engagement. It describes the process of selecting evidence-based interventions to mitigate the impact of prolonged stress on the “whole” parent across contexts. The theoretical base outlines the mechanisms of action that support physiological, affective/cognitive, and social/spiritual health, and the concepts related to intervention. The completion of an occupational profile and the INN Evaluation Checklist sets the stage for data-driven decision making. The occupational therapist …

Integrative Neural Networks: A Novel Frame Of Reference To Support Occupational Engagement In Caregivers, Glenda E. Hux, Sarah A. Schoen

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

The Integrative Neural Networks (INN) frame of reference is an integrated approach to support occupational engagement in parents and primary caregivers of children and youth with complex health care needs (CYSHCN) guided by principles of family-centered care. Given the potential influence of prolonged, cumulative, and or repeated stress on physiological, affective/cognitive, and social/spiritual health, it is imperative that occupational therapists partner with parents and primary caregivers to positively impact occupational engagement across contexts. Further, this frame of reference provides an avenue to identify potential health and occupational disparities historically under-recognized as independent from the needs of the child. Based on …

Effects Of Yoga On The Mental Health Of Women With Gynecological Cancers: A Systematic Literature Review, Sabina Khan, Christianah Edema

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: The diagnosis and treatment of gynecological cancers have substantial psychological impacts. Occupational therapists use relaxation and mindfulness techniques to manage pain, distress, and other mental health symptoms associated with cancer. This review aimed to evaluate the impact of yoga on the mental health and quality of life of women diagnosed with gynecological cancers.

Methods: A systematic search of five databases was conducted from their inception to the present. Grey literature was searched via Google Scholar and relevant conference proceedings. Eligible studies reported on the effect of yoga on mental health symptoms in women with gynecological cancers. A …

Uncovering Occupational Therapy’S Role In Addressing Postpartum Anxiety: A Scoping Review, Felicia Markfield, Carlin D. Reaume

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Occupational therapists are qualified to provide needed support for individuals experiencing postpartum anxiety. Postpartum depression is a more well known and researched disorder; however, postpartum anxiety is theorized to be more prevalent and less discussed (Nakić et al., 2018; Zappas et al., 2021). The objective of this scoping review is to find the themes in the literature highlighting the unique settings, assessments, and interventions used to support individuals with postpartum anxiety.

Methods: A literature search was conducted from Scopus, Sage Journals, OTSeeker, Science Direct, and EBSCO databases. Twenty articles were found and selected for review.

Results: …

Evaluation Of Receptiveness And Barriers To Including Occupational Therapists On Primary Care Teams, Jacquelyn P. Nash, Sue Dahl-Popolizio, Dayna Maureen Maniccia, Debra Collette

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Although primary care providers (PCP) and occupational therapists recognize occupational therapists can be on the primary care (PC) team to address lifestyle management related to chronic conditions, health literacy, and behavioral health, few occupational therapists work in this setting; PC remains an emerging practice area.

Method: We sought to determine if receptiveness to adding occupational therapists to PC teams has changed. We modified surveys from a 2017 study and added interviews to answer the following questions regarding occupational therapists in PC: (1) What are PCPs' and occupational therapists’ perceptions? (2) What are PCPs' comfort levels in delegating patient appointments …

An Interdisciplinary Functional Exercise Program For Individuals With Parkinson’S Disease: A Case Series, Lauren Turbeville, Caroline Adams, Amy Wedge, Kailey Smitherman, Kathrin Rothermich

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Traditional exercise programs are beneficial in managing Parkinson’s disease (PD). Little research exists on interdisciplinary, functional exercise programs designed and implemented by licensed therapists.

Method: Our case series presents the development, implementation, and results of an interdisciplinary functional exercise program for individuals with PD and the effects this program had on daily functioning and quality of life. Participants were recruited via flyers, email, and phone communication, and consented to data collection for our objectives. Participants attended two sessions per week for 8 weeks. Sessions addressed fine and gross motor skills, dexterity, cognition, functional strength, gait, balance, and …

Guidelines For Analyzing Health Care Policies, Kieran Fogarty, Diane Powers Dirette

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

No abstract provided.

Managing User Conflicts In A Water Aerobics Program On Behalf Of A Veteran’S Group: A Short Case Study, Hadley Blankenship, Steven N. Waller Ph.D., Jason L. Scott

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

This article captures an experience in conflict management that happened during the summer of 2024 as a recreational therapy intern with an adaptive sport and recreation organization located in the Southeastern United States. The backdrop to the case is that a recreational therapy intern worked with various special needs populations – mainly with paraplegic (adult and youth) athletes and veterans. In many organizations, user conflicts and poor communication regarding service provision and scheduling hinder the implementation of programs for special populations, such as veteran groups. In this case, a problem occurred with the scheduling of a water aerobics program for …

Curbing Fatal And Non-Fatal Drowning Deaths: An Effort To Reach Under-Resourced Children In Baltimore, Maryland, Ashton P. Christo, William D. Ramos

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

Drowning remains a significant public health problem in the United States, with The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting approximately 4,000 drowning deaths annually. Children aged 1-4 face the highest risk, and African American children are disproportionately affected–7.6 times more likely to drown than white children (CDC, 2024). In a city on the East Coast that is predominantly African American, limited access to swimming lessons heightens the risk. To reduce drowning rates, a collaborative swimming program was established between a city high school and a public school enrichment program. The initiative provided essential water safety and swimming skills …

Diversity In Aquatics:4th Special Issue, Tiffany M. Quash Ph.D., Angela K. Beale-Tawfeeq, Steven N. Waller Ph.D.

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

The theme of this special issue is “Building a Community of Champions.” The purpose of this theme is to highlight and promote a civic engagement perspective that engages, advocates, and supports communities of Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) in addressing the national, regional, and local evolving health-related issue of drowning. Aquatic Settings have been a pivotal focal point of social justice, water safety, and public health, not only in the past but also in our present day (Beale-Tawfeeq, Quash, et al, 2023 and Waller and Bemiller, 2023). Diversity In Aquatics (DIA) strives to positively impact the field of aquatics …

If We Tear It Down, We Might Build You A New One: The Troublesome Use Of Eminent Domain And Urban Neighborhood Swimming Pools, Steven N. Waller Ph.D., James H. Bemiller

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

Public swimming pools are a vital part of America’s recreation and sport culture since the early 1900’s. Municipal swimming pools were initially built to provide recreation and hygiene to urban communities, regardless of race or class. However, a complex history of segregation, civil unrest, suburbanization, and funding challenges has resulted in a significant decline in public pools, depriving many communities of vital recreational spaces. In many communities, options for sustaining the operation of swimming pools have resulted in pool closures. Unfortunately, once swimming pools close, especially those in aging neighborhoods in central city areas, they are seldom resurrected. They quickly …

Teaching Swimming To Children With Disabilities: A Qualitative Analysis Of Swim Instructorstea, Stephanie S. Garcia-Hidalgo, Martin E. Block

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

When teaching children with disabilities, swim instructors need to be able to assess the unique strengths and needs of each child to determine modifications needed to instruction, equipment, and the setting and then be flexible enough to make changes in real-time to ensure success for the child. Unfortunately, many swim instructors only work seasonally and have the occasional child with a disability, and as a result are likely to have limited training and experiences with children with disabilities. The purpose of this pilot qualitative study is to examine backgrounds, training, and experiences of six swim instructors who work with children …

Promising Practices For Increasing The Number Of Equity-Owed Lifeguards In Canada And The United States Of America, Sofia Pantano, Audrey R. Giles

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

Currently a shortage of lifeguards exists in Canada and the United States (US) (Frommer, 2023; Santucci, 2024), and those who are working as lifeguards often do not reflect the diversity of the communities they serve (Martinez, 2020). Increasing the number of lifeguards from equity-owed groups is a potential way of increasing the lifeguard workforce and decreasing the shortage of workers in these important roles, as well as a moral imperative. In this paper I explore challenges to and promising practices aimed at increasing the representation of members equity-owed groups in lifeguarding. I begin with an overview of lifeguarding in Canada …

Adopting Stuart Hall’S “Race, The Floating Signifier” As A Conceptual Framework Within Aquatic Research And Education, Kurt J. Cordice

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

During his 1997 lecture at Goldsmiths College in London, Stuart Hall, renowned for his contributions to sociology and cultural studies, offered his argument that the concept of race functions as a Floating Signifier. In this essay, Stuart Hall’s Race, the Floating Signifier is presented as a strong conceptual framework to support more accurate and effective positioning of race as an important consideration within aquatic research and education. Evidence from a range of disciplines, including historical research, is presented to establish both the importance and challenge of race within aquatic research and education. This evidence is also used to demonstrate …

Building Swimming Skills In A Community Based Program For Black Youth: An Evaluation, Tyler Lennon Md, Mph, Ashley Hayes Mph, Leonardo Barrera Mph, Amy Hill Ms, Mph, Andy Miner, Michelle Macy Md, Ms

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

Black youth in the United States disproportionately experience fatal drowning at rates up to five times higher than their white peers. Eliminating these inequities requires new approaches that address historical and structural barriers of learning to swim. The objective of this study was to evaluate the three-week long swimming component of a community-based discovery program to empower Black youth in Evanston, IL. Participants were Black youth ages 8-10 years enrolled in summer 2023 and 2024. Swim skills were assessed by instructors using the Pictorial Scale of Perceived Water Competence (PSPWC). Caregiver surveys, collected post-intervention, also assessed perceived changes in swim …

An Innovative Approach Addressing Childhood Drowning: Making Use Of Collegiate Aquatic Facilities And Expertise, Gennette Cordova, Natasha Lloyd, Chezik Tsunoda

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

The silent epidemic of childhood drowning, and the racial disparities associated with it require scalable and innovative approaches that both break cycles of exclusion and circumvent our societal tendency to overlook drowning as a matter in need of urgent resolution. No More Under, a Seattle-based water safety organization whose mission is to eradicate childhood drowning, has launched the Swim Safely Series. The series is a national program uniquely poised to overcome the various barriers associated with racial and socioeconomic drowning disparities by tapping into underutilized collegiate aquatic spaces and merging water safety with mentorship and social intervention.