Tag Archives: occupational therapy

UM-Flint and Alma College partner to advance occupational therapy education

From left to right are representatives from both UM-Flint and Alma College: Tim Pinnow, Nancy Dopke, Sean Burke, Karen Ball, Brianna Harfmann, Julie Jacob, Jeff Turk, Donna Fry, Christopher Lewis and Yener Kandogan.

The University of Michigan-Flint's Occupational Therapy program and Alma College signed a collaborative agreement Sept. 20 that will foster new educational opportunities for students in the region. The agreement will provide two Alma College students with direct conditional admission into the doctor of occupational therapy program at UM-Flint every year, creating an exciting pathway for[…]

UM-Flint OT student transforming patient care through 3D printing

Nicholette Baker with several of her 3D printed assistive devices.

Nicholette Baker's journey through the College of Health Sciences at the University of Michigan-Flint is a narrative on innovation and dedication. The 26-year-old graduate student from New Baltimore is leading the way in integrating 3D printing technology with occupational therapy, anticipating a future where customization and accessibility transform patient care. In pursuing her Doctor of[…]

How to become an occupational therapist and transform lives with UM-Flint

If you're passionate about helping others achieve their fullest potential and are considering a career in occupational therapy, you're on the right track. Occupational therapists play a crucial role in enabling individuals of all ages to participate in everyday activities, despite physical, cognitive or emotional challenges. The journey to becoming an OT is rigorous but[…]

UM-Flint occupational therapy and physical therapy students teach ALS caregivers patient care skills

Occupational therapy and physical therapy students worked together to create and host a lab to teach ALS caregivers skills for looking after their loved ones.

According to the ALS Association, approximately 5,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerois – the aforementioned ALS – each year, which averages out to about 15 new cases each day. It is estimated that up to 20,000 Americans have the disease at any given time. The disease, also widely known as[…]

UM-Flint occupational therapy alum working to make sailing more accessible

Shanna Haver, '23, spent her summer conducting research at Baltimore, Maryland’s Downtown Sailing Center developing a barrier-free dock for wheelchair users who participate in adaptive sailing.

Shanna Haver is incredibly passionate about two things in particular: giving back to others and spending time on the water. A 2023 graduate of the University of Michigan-Flint's occupational therapy doctoral program, she is using her chosen career field to combine her passions in a rather unique way. When it came time for the Ypsilanti[…]

UM-Flint occupational therapy, technology students make a difference for Flint child

UM-Flint students Shalini Augenstein (far left) and Marwa Hammami (left), assistant professor Donna Case (center) and student Elizabeth Mansfield (right) were part of a group that adapted a Power Wheels car for Flint child Kaden Stevenson (front).

Kaden Stevenson of Flint looked like any other kid having a great day when he recently drove a Spider-Man Power Wheels car in front of the William S. White Building at the University of Michigan-Flint. But the occasion was a momentous one for the 7-year-old boy, his family and several UM-Flint students. Kaden, who lost[…]

UM-Flint occupational therapy students create low-cost adaptive products for the community

Second-year occupational therapy students (left to right) Jillian Buccaro, Alex Antoszewski and Emily Howard make non-skid plates for Parkinson’s patients in the program’s innovations and technology lab.

Occupational therapists focus on helping people with disabilities or illness perform activities that bring meaning to their lives. In the University of Michigan-Flint's occupational therapy doctorate program, students learn to be effective therapists by participating in meaningful activities themselves. One "case" in point is the innovations and technology class taught by Donna Case, assistant professor[…]

UM-Flint OT, MBA grad working to improve outcomes for Parkinson's patients

Quinn Hanses is utilizing her UM-Flint education to make a difference for people with Parkinson’s disease.

Parkinson's disease is the second-most common neurodegenerative disease in the U.S, according to the Parkinson's Foundation. With more than 10 million people worldwide living with the disease, the focus on additional understanding and treatment of Parkinson's is easy to understand. And one of the newest medical professionals involved in finding those answers is a University[…]

UM-Flint's College of Health Sciences adds four new programs in growing fields

UM-Flint's College of Health Sciences will offer four new undergraduate programs in fall 2023.

The University of Michigan-Flint's College of Health Sciences is adding four new programs in fall 2023, giving students additional options to prepare for in-demand careers and to meet employer needs in a quickly growing and changing health care industry. The new programs are: Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science Bachelor of Science in Health Information[…]

UM-Flint PT, OT students deliver free impactful care with HEART

Physical therapy student Carly Rosen (left) and graduate Katalin Persha work with Jim Schwartz at HEART, a pro-bono clinic run by students and faculty from the College of Health Sciences at UM-Flint.

It's no secret that uninsured adults and children have less access to proper health care. And it's that lack of availability that can lead to a poorer quality of life and make recovery from any illness a tough road to navigate. But in Genesee County, many have found an unlikely source of hope through HEART,[…]