USC-PKUHSC Dual-Degree OTD Monthly Seminars: Summer 2023 Semester Recap
August 8, 2023

During the Summer semester, the China Initiative hosted the third and final series of monthly seminars for the second cohort of dual-degree students from Peking University Health Science Center (PKUHSC), as they wrap up their Summer semester in the occupational therapy doctorate (OTD) program. These seminars helped bridge the gap between their diverse, hybrid residency experiences in the United States and their future practice in China.

The Summer seminars started with an academic writing workshop, providing students with basic tools to effectively communicate their scholarly insights in research proposals, portfolios, theses and dissertations, and journal articles. This session was individualized to meet the specific writing needs of this group of students, focusing on foundations of proofreading and concise writing. Given unique challenges related to grammar and language intricacies, the seminar also connected the students to USC resources such as the USC Dornsife Writing Center and the USC American Language Institute. The seminar ended in a group workshop where students collaborated to fine-tune and improve each other’s work, enhancing their writing skills while also fostering a sense of mutual support and community.

The second seminar featured a guest lecture from USC Chan Division faculty, Dr. James Lee, who brought insights into the details of reimbursement and healthcare regulations in the United States. He covered documentation requirements across practice settings, emphasizing the importance of accurate and thorough documentation to ensure quality care. He then discussed billing for services and the complex challenges associated, including nuances of insurance policies and adhering to stringent codes and procedures. Finally, Dr. Lee explained the foundations of Medicare and Medicaid that govern occupational therapy practice, and encouraged the students to critically examine how the political landscape in China affects healthcare delivery and how they might contribute to occupational therapy advocacy upon their return to China.

The final seminar of the Summer semester, and of their academic year, was designed to reflect on their year at USC and make direct connections to their future practice and professional engagement in China. The students discussed various avenues through which they can actively engage in the profession in China, such as joining professional associations and involving themselves in research. They also revisited the academic, professional, and personal goals they set one year prior at the start of their OTD journey. Now at the finish line, the students led a rich discussion about their growth as clinicians, leaders, and individuals.

To close out the seminar, the cohort gathered for the final potluck, not only celebrating their achievements but appreciating the bonds they had formed. The cohort evolved into independent practitioners while also maintaining their close-knit community. They will continue to support each other’s growth and development, ensuring that their shared commitment to the field will serve as a powerful support network as they return to their home cities.

The cohort 2 students reflected on their experience with the Summer seminars, as well as the seminars over their OTD year. Students expressed feelings of community and belonging and shared the sentiment of feeling inspired by the journey ahead. One stated, “For me, the future is also full of uncertainty. But I will always remember [. . .] to step out of the box! Fight on!” Another student eloquently expressed,

I feel that my experience in residency, the resources I have accumulated, and the skills I have acquired will help me to return to China to work [. . .]. I feel that by keeping in touch with teachers and classmates at USC, it will also help me to better develop OT in China.

Armed with newfound knowledge, skills, and networks in occupational therapy, these USC-PKUHSC dual-degree graduates are poised to return to China as leaders in the field, disseminating what they have learned during their time at USC and shaping the future of the profession across the globe.

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