Latest Chan Division News
Clinical

Newly updated SENSE program to continue benefiting neonatal ICU infants and their families >
July 25, 2022

Clinical Community and Partners Faculty

Second edition of the sensory-based program already in place at more than 400 NICUs is available now to NICU providers, therapists.

By Mike McNulty (Photo/Adobe Stock) This month, the SENSE II program rolls out to neonatal health care professionals in hospitals across the world. The Supporting and Enhancing NICU Sensory Experiences, 2nd edition is an anticipated update of the SENSE program, a comprehensive approach to ensuring…

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Dr. Lucy Jane Miller honored with 2021 Patricia Buehler Legacy Award for Clinical Innovation >
October 7, 2021

Awards Clinical Events Lectures and Talks Research

The USC Chan Division is honored to announce the recipient of the 2021 Patricia Buehler Legacy Award for Clinical Innovation, Dr. Lucy Jane Miller, PhD, OTR/L. Dr. Miller prepared her 2021 Buehler Award lecture, titled “What A Long Strange Trip It Has Been: Making a Difference.” The lecture was…

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A Different Kind of USC Summer Internship >
September 28, 2021

Clinical Faculty Health and Wellness

A patient of Dr. John Margetis reflects on her GBS diagnosis

Charisma Mangahas is a third year student at Cerritos Community College. She has been living with Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) for over 3 years now and recently wrote a reflection on her experience with her diagnosis for her website mindful-lei thinking. Charisma Mangahas in 2018, the year of her…

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Wilcox recognized as 2021 NBCOT Innovation Award recipient >
September 14, 2021

Associations and Bodies Awards Clinical Faculty

Dr. Jamie Wilcox has been leading clinical innovation through the development of occupational therapy programs and services to benefit COVID-19 patients.

Dr. Jamie Wilcox, Associate Professor of Clinical Occupational Therapy, was recognized as a 2021 NBCOT Innovation Award recipient. Established in 2020, this distinguished award recognizes the work of outstanding occupational therapy practitioners who demonstrate the delivery of evidence-based,…

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USC Chan, Momentum PTN to introduce faculty practice model at sensory integration clinics >
August 11, 2021

Clinical Community and Partners Faculty Health and Wellness

(Courtesy of Momentum PTN) The USC Mrs. T.H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy (USC Chan) has entered into a formal agreement to implement a faculty practice model at Momentum Pediatric Therapy Network (Momentum PTN). This unique partnership ensures that Momentum PTN…

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Support children’s mental health by embracing failure >
February 7, 2021

Clinical Health and Wellness

This year’s Children’s Mental Health Week is February 1-7. The week focuses on the importance of children and young individuals’ mental health. Associate Professor of Clinical Occupational Therapy Dr. Shelby Surfas is a specialist in the area of pediatric mental health, and currently serves as the Director of Occupational Therapy at the USC University Center of Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) based at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. There, she has primarily addressed a nationally prevalent gap in occupational therapy services for children with mental health needs, while providing awareness and education, along with direct and consultative services, which have grown more than 500 percent since she became director. Dr. Surfas (interviewed by Student Ambassador Lamoni Lucas ’21) talks about pediatric mental health, the importance of children experiencing failure, and the crucial tips to support young individuals’ mental health.

In occupational therapy, we encourage our students, our families and ourselves to be authentic, take risks and fully experience life. Treatment goals in pediatric intervention highlight the success of occupational engagement and participation. These may include learning to ride a bicycle, performing…

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Pineda named double recipient of inaugural NBCOT awards >
January 27, 2021

Alumni Associations and Bodies Awards Clinical Faculty

New award highlights the work of outstanding, certified occupational therapy practitioners.

Assistant Professor Bobbi Pineda The National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy has named Assistant Professor Bobbi Pineda a recipient of both an Innovation Award and an Impact Award, two new honors designed to highlight outstanding, certified occupational therapy practitioners across…

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OTD Alumni Talk About Finding Their First OT Jobs >
January 8, 2021

Academics and Courses Alumni Clinical Pandemic Students

As many of our Master’s students have already applied to the OTD Program and some continue to consider their options for next year, five recent alumni from our OTD Program — Ana Sanchez, Elissa Taylor, Nicole Wright, Ozan Yay, and Patrice Zhao — discuss their experiences searching and applying for jobs under unprecedented circumstances with our OTD Student Ambassador Daniel Padilla Vega.

Where did you complete your OTD Residency? Ana: I completed my residency at Mt. San Antonio College (Mt. SAC), which is a community college. Elissa: LAC+USC Medical Center’s Adult West Primary Care clinic (supported by the USC LRCC research lab). Nicole Wright OTD, OTR/L, CIMI Nicole: I completed…

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Celebrating unsung heroes during National Family Caregivers Month >
November 25, 2020

Clinical Faculty Health and Wellness

November is National Family Caregivers Month, a nationwide observance that recognizes those who dedicate their time and effort towards caring for family members in need. It is a time to celebrate the contributions of family caregivers and praise their strength and support. Within occupational therapy, including the family in treatment provides a wealth of benefits, and families can also act as a catalyst for further healing and engagement.

Six members of the USC Chan Division — faculty members Allison Chu, Celso Delgado, Janet Gunter, Stacey Schepens Niemiec, and students Delaney Smith MA ’21 and Adam Strizich MA ’21 — discuss the importance of including families in occupational therapy.

By Calvin Lee MA ’21 Allison Chu OTD, OTR/L Chu: It’s often been said that when you get married, you’re not just marrying that person but you’re marrying their family as well. Similarly with OT, when you’re working with a client, you’re not just working with the client but you’re also…

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Clinical faculty featured in AOTA’s free COVID-19 webinar >
August 20, 2020

Associations and Bodies Clinical Faculty Lectures and Talks Pandemic

Associate Clinical Professor Jamie Wilcox USC Chan clinical faculty members Jamie Wilcox MA ’13, OTD ’14 and John Margetis ’11, MA ’12, OTD ’13 shared insights and expertise gained from working with COVID-positive patients at Keck Hospital of USC during an Aug. 19 webinar hosted by the…

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