USC-PKUHSC Dual-Degree OTD Monthly Seminars: Spring 2023 Semester Recap
May 10, 2023

During the Spring semester, the China Initiative hosted the spring series of monthly seminars for the second cohort of dual-degree students from Peking University Health Science Center (PKUHSC). The seminars supplement the students’ residency experiences by connecting what they have learned in the United States to their roles as future leaders of occupational therapy in China, aligning with the China Initiative vision of improving the clinical, research, and academic competency of the field in China. In spring, the seminars delved into their professional growth and various aspects of occupational therapy practice in the United States.

The first seminar addressed how to conduct a thorough analysis of patient charts and records. The students practiced reviewing and interpreting patient charts to inform their intervention plans and build clinical judgment. The seminar also featured an application activity in which students applied their findings from chart review, and a discussion through which students gained insight into interdisciplinary collaboration, the continuum of care, and the importance of accurate documentation in healthcare.

The second seminar featured a panel discussion with current and previous USC Chan Division OTD residents, whose clinical residencies occurred in various occupational therapy settings that are considered non-traditional in China, such as schools, pediatric mental health, technology, and work and industry. This engaging panel allowed students to gain first-hand knowledge of the diverse settings in which occupational therapists could practice in the United States. The students learned how to utilize an occupational therapy lens in unexpected contexts and how to advocate for the profession, no matter where they end up.

In the spirit of preparing students for the complexities of real-world practice, the third seminar discussed ethical dilemmas and featured clinical debriefs, providing a platform to discuss challenging cases and ethical considerations. The seminar also touched upon professional communication with interdisciplinary team members, as well as how to explore leadership opportunities as doctoral students.

As the Spring semester drew to a close with the fourth seminar, students engaged in reflection to consolidate their learning experiences from the semester. They reflected on their personal and professional growth and their experiences at the annual AOTA Inspire conference. Several of the reflections during the Spring seminars were Think-Pair-Share exercises, allowing students to engage in introspective discussions with their peers, fostering a rich and diverse reflection. One student shared that the discussion helped her “think about what things [she] could bring back home that would help [her] in [her] future career,” while others shared about how they surprised themselves with their ability to be independent in their residencies and their leadership skills development. The seminar finished with a potluck, serving as both a celebration of their achievements and a warm farewell to a successful semester.

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