Diving Into Professionalism: OT Students Shine at Their First Conference

^{York Occupational Therapy students attends annual NYSOTA conference in Albany, NY.}

Albany, NY -- Sixteen eager Occupational Therapy (OT) students took a monumental step last month in their professional journey, attending their first-ever conference under the expert guidance of their professors, Dr. Clover Hutchinson and Dr. Mary Devadas. Both professors, trustees of the New York State Occupational Therapy Association (NYSOTA) and 2024 conference speakers, were instrumental in ensuring the students made the most of this incredible opportunity.

Additional faculty presenters were Dr. Lillian Kaplan, Dr. Marta Daly and former adjunct professor and alumni Vijay Muni.

The 2.5 days were packed with enriching professional activities and seminars, immersing the students in the vibrant world of OT. They explored topics ranging from advanced intervention strategies to emerging technologies, leaving every session with new insights to fuel their academic and professional ambitions.

A special thank-you goes to Dr. Jean Phelps, whose expert guidance made the funding process less challenging, ensuring these future OTs could seize this invaluable opportunity. By the end of the conference, the students returned not only with new knowledge but also a renewed sense of purpose, ready to apply what they learned to their studies and eventual practice.

Their professors couldn’t have been prouder: "This is just the beginning," said Dr. Hutchinson. "We look forward to seeing how these students will shape the future of our profession."