AOTA Podcast

AOTA Practice Department
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The AOTA Podcast provides a behind-the-scenes look at everything AOTA, including the latest studies, advocacy efforts, events, and more. Episodes with Everyday Evidence in the title sort through the latest research to provide you with the skills to help improve client outcomes.

  1. MAY 11

    Occupational Therapy and Foster Care: Strengthening Development at First Contact

    In this episode of AOTA's Everyday Evidence Podcast, we explore what happens when occupational therapy is included in comprehensive health assessments for children entering foster care and why that moment may be one of the most important opportunities for developmental support.  Joining us are Kristine Fortin, MD, MPH, Anne-Ashley Field, OTR/L, BCP, and Judith Dawson, RN, BSN, from the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia's Fostering Health Program. Their study, "Occupational Therapists Enhance Comprehensive Health Assessments for Children in Foster Care", examines how adding occupational therapy to multidisciplinary evaluations impacts developmental detection, referrals, and caregiver education.   Children in foster care face high rates of developmental delay, placement instability, and barriers to accessing services. This research explores how occupational therapy functions to identify needs early and provide real-time strategies during a critical transition period.   Additional Resources:  Interoception & Trauma: The Latest Science on Healing  Trauma, Occupation and Participation, Considerations in Occupational Therapy by Amy Lynch and Rachel Ashcraft   Sensory Healing After Developmental Trauma by Marti Smith   Complete the following survey for a contact hour certificate:  https://forms.aota.org/forms/everyday_evidence_copy?PODCAST=Everyday Evidence: Occupational Therapy and Foster Care: Strengthening Development at First Contact

    1h 11m

  2. MAR 25

    Early Engagement in the ICU: Reclaiming Occupation in Critical Care

    In this episode of Everyday Evidence, we explore what happens to occupation when someone is fighting for their life in the intensive care unit.  Joining us are Dr. Stephanie Tsai, OTD, OTR/L and Dr. Elyse Peterson, OTD, OTR/L, authors of "Occupational Therapy Interventions and Early Engagement for Patients in Intensive Care:  A Systematic Review," recently published in the American Journal of Occupational Therapy.  ICU rehabilitation literature has long focused on early mobilization, but occupational therapy brings something more. This review introduces the term early engagement to describe OT-specific interventions that support participation in activities of daily living, physical rehabilitation, and functional cognition during critical illness.  Whether you work in acute care, outpatient rehab, community health, or education, this episode challenges us to ask:  How early can occupation begin in the healthcare continuum? Read the full article in AJOT: https://research.aota.org/ajot/article/79/1/7901205020/26024/Occupational-Therapy-Interventions-and-Early  Complete the following survey for a contact hour certificate:  https://forms.aota.org/forms/everyday_evidence_copy?PODCAST=Early Engagement in the ICU: Reclaiming Occupation in Critical Care

    1h 4m

  3. JAN 8

    From Focus Group to Chicken Nugget with Dr. Britt St. John

    In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Britt St. John (PhD, MPH, OTR/L), occupational therapist, Fulbright Scholar, and researcher at the University of Washington whose work bridges family health, autism research, and food science. Britt shares the remarkable story behind her "From Focus Group to Chicken Nugget" project, a participatory research collaboration that began with focus-group conversations among autistic adults about sensory preferences and safe foods and evolved into the development of a hybrid-protein, sensory-modified chicken nugget. We discuss how inclusive and community-driven research can transform clinical understanding of selective eating, challenge assumptions about "picky eaters," and demonstrate that joy and preference are integral to both participation and biological health. Dr. St. John's pilot studies revealed that participants who enjoyed the nugget showed greater positive microbiome changes! A finding that connects sensory processing, nutrition, and gut health in profound new ways. Contact Hour Survey Link Want to learn more or support this work? You can reach out to Dr. St. John directly at bstjohn@uw.edu with questions, collaborations, or inquiries about future research opportunities.

    59 min

  4. 11/30/2025

    Occupational Therapy in Hospice & Palliative Care: Finding Purpose at Life's End

    How does occupational therapy help people live meaningfully even as life nears its end? In this deeply human episode of the AOTA Podcast, we sit down with Lindsey Buddelmeyer, OTD, MOT, OTR/L, Christian Jacobus, MD, FACEP, FAAHPM, David Benthall, MS, OTR/L, BCG, and Heather McKay, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, to explore how occupational therapy practitioners bring dignity, purpose, and connection to individuals navigating serious illness, hospice, and palliative care.  Together, our guests share how OTPs address functional decline, support legacy work and life review, and empower caregivers facing loss and transition. From bedside stories to systems-level advocacy, this conversation highlights how occupational therapy bridges the physical and the emotional to help clients find meaning, comfort, and autonomy at every stage of care.  Resources: AOTA Official Document: End-of-Life Care and the Role of Occupational Therapy (2023)  Quality of Life: Occupational Therapy in Chronic Condition Management, Palliative Care, and Hospice  (AOTA Press)

    1h 17m

  5. 10/24/2025

    WFOT, Global Engagement, and Celebrating World Occupational Therapy Day

    What does it mean to think globally as an occupational therapy practitioner? On today's episode, we sit down with three internationally recognized leaders: Samantha Shann, MSc, PGCert, Dip COT (UK), FRCOT, President of the World Federation of Occupational Therapists, Ginny Stoffel, PhD, OT, FAOTA, AOTA Delegate to WFOT, and Douglene Jackson, PhD, OTR/L, LMT, ATP, CYT, FAOTA Alternate AOTA Delegate to WFOT, to explore the mission and impact of the World Federation of Occupational Therapists. Together, we dive into: WFOT's global role and its upcoming 75th anniversary in 2027 How practitioners and students can become members, volunteer, and engage in international OT initiatives Signature resources like the Occupational Therapy Workforce Resource Hub and Human Resources Project 2024 The growing collaboration between AOTA and WFOT and how that partnership is shaping the future World OT Day (October 27): its origins, themes, and how to get involved What to expect from the WFOT Congress in 2026 Whether you're an occupational therapy student curious about global opportunities or a seasoned practitioner ready to expand your impact, this episode offers practical ways to connect, contribute, and celebrate the worldwide OT community. Learn more at: https://wfot.org https://www.aota.org/events/calendar/world-ot-day

    1h 10m

  6. 05/27/2025

    Everyday Evidence: Occupational Therapy in Primary Care with Dr. Sue Dahl-Popolizio

    How does occupational therapy fit into the primary care puzzle? In this episode, Dr. Sue Dahl-Popolizio shares her vision and experience on integrating occupational therapy into primary care teams. From managing chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension to improving outcomes for patients with musculoskeletal and mental health concerns, this conversation explores the expanding role of OT in upstream, preventative care.  Dr. Dahl-Popolizio unpacks the functional outcomes, cost savings, and workflow benefits of having OT in primary care settings. She also shares strategies for overcoming cultural and systemic barriers, practical documentation and billing tips, and real-world case examples that highlight the value of OT's holistic lens.   Resources: Primary Care Occupational Therapy:  A Quick Reference Guide   Developing Tailored Program Proposals for Occupational Therapy in Primary Care   Enhancing the Value of Integrated Primary Care: The Role of Occupational Therapy   Interprofessional Primary Care: The Value of Occupational Therapy   Retrospective Analysis: Most Common Diagnoses Seen in Primary Care Clinic and Corresponding Occupational Therapy Interventions   How Occupational Therapy Can Contribute to the Primary Care Team and Reduce Physician Burden   Occupational Therapy in Primary Care: Determining Receptiveness of Occupational Therapists and Primary Care Providers   Primary Care Occupational Therapy: Diagnoses, Outcomes, Reimbursement, and Team Satisfaction   The Role of Primary Health Care in Achieving Global Healthcare Goals: Highlighting the Potential Contribution of Occupational Therapy   Occupational Therapy in Primary Care- Barriers, Pivots, and Outcomes: A Pilot Study   2025 Frequently Used CPT and HCPCS Codes for Occupational Therapy   Contact Hour Survey Link

    1h 1m

  7. 05/13/2025

    True Grit Spinal Cord Program- Redefining Transition and Community for Adolescents with SCI

    In this powerful episode of the AOTA Podcast, we explore the True Grit Spinal Cord Program, a groundbreaking, community-based, post-acute rehabilitation experience designed for adolescents and young adults with spinal cord injuries (SCI).  Occupational therapists Keara McNair, MS, OTR/L, BCPR, ATP and Kassandra Boyd, OTD, OTR/L, share how this program, built in partnership with Rutgers University and Children's Specialized Hospital, empowers participants to develop independence, build community, and thrive as they transition to adulthood.   Resources: True Grit Spinal Cord Program American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Issac L.- A Second Chance for Teens Spinal Cord Injury Patients Learn Life and Mobility Skills at True Grit Camp The QuadCast:  S5 E13- The True Grit Spinal Cord Injury Program

    1h 10m

  8. 05/01/2025

    Occupational Therapy in Rural and Underserved Communities

    In this episode of AOTA Podcasts, we explore the unique challenges and inspiring opportunities for occupational therapy practitioners serving rural and underserved communities. Our guests, Kalyn Briggs, PhD, OTR/L, CLA and Tim Dionne, PhD, OTR/L, share real-world experiences, highlight innovative models of care, and discuss how OTPs can bridge gaps in access to health services. Listeners will learn about key resources, advocacy efforts, and opportunities to build professional networks that support rural practice.   Resources: APA Preparing for practice in rural communities CMS Rural Health Strategy Rural Health Information Hub: Education and Training of the Rural Healthcare Workforce Rural Health Information Hub:  Your First Stop for Rural Health Information University of Washington School of Medicine Rural Programs If you'd like to join AOTA's Rural Therapy Community of Practice: please be sure to complete this survey to be added to our roster: https://surveys.aota.org/s3/Rural-Therapists-CoP-Membership-Enrollment-Survey The Journal of Rural Health Rural and Remote Health Journal The Australian Journal of Rural Health

    58 min
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About

The AOTA Podcast provides a behind-the-scenes look at everything AOTA, including the latest studies, advocacy efforts, events, and more. Episodes with Everyday Evidence in the title sort through the latest research to provide you with the skills to help improve client outcomes.

Information

  • Creator
    AOTA Practice Department
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    54
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    AOTA Podcast

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