An OTAC Conference Adventure!

January 14, 2026
by Guest Author

Getting Involved

Hi, my name is Mercy Deng, and I am a second-year Entry-Level OTD student at the University of Southern California. I am deeply interested in oncology rehabilitation and inpatient acute care and am passionate about supporting individuals as they navigate the functional challenges associated with cancer treatment and recovery. I am committed to advancing the role of occupational therapy in healthcare while continuing to grow as a clinician-leader.

The Chan Division Student Leadership Award supports full-time students in attending the Occupational Therapy Association of California (OTAC) Annual Conference. It recognizes students who demonstrate leadership through meaningful engagement in professional dialogue, collaboration, and service to the field. By supporting participation, the award fosters leadership development and promotes the dissemination of knowledge that advances occupational therapy practice across the healthcare community.

Attending this year’s OTAC 2025 Annual Conference & Innovation Expo left me both inspired and grounded in my journey toward becoming an occupational therapist. From the moment I stepped into the venue, I felt surrounded by people who genuinely care about helping others live meaningful and fulfilling lives. The energy in each room, the conversations drifting through the hallways, and the generosity with which attendees shared their knowledge all reminded me why I chose this profession.

One of the most impactful moments of the conference was Dr. Miri Lee’s seminar on preparing for the NBCOT exam. She opened by sharing her own experience of disappointment and resilience after her first attempt, which immediately brought a sense of honesty and encouragement to the room. Hearing guidance from someone who has walked alongside so many students through this milestone was incredibly reassuring.

Dr. Lee offered practical strategies, realistic study timelines, and meaningful approaches to managing stress, emphasizing her commitment to providing accessible resources for students. Her focus on consistency, self-compassion, and thoughtful planning helped me reconsider how I want to navigate my own preparation.

Another highlight was the session on inpatient acute pediatric care, which offered a meaningful look at how clinicians can support children and their families during some of their most vulnerable moments. The seminar centered on parent and caregiver empowerment, emphasizing how hospitalization can shift or even strip away aspects of a caregiver’s typical role.

Amid the fast-paced nature of the NICU and PICU, clinicians must remain grounded, use compassionate communication, and think creatively to help caregivers maintain or redefine their role. They often adapt interventions, using available hospital supplies to design meaningful and developmentally appropriate activities for children. I especially appreciated the seminar’s emphasis on supporting the family as a whole, highlighting the importance of treating both the child and their caregivers as integral parts of the care team.

I was also deeply moved by the seminar on eye conditions within the older adult population. The presenters discussed conditions such as glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration, sharing how these changes affect daily activities and community participation. We explored environmental modifications, adaptive strategies, and approaches for promoting independence while respecting each person’s dignity. This session reinforced my commitment to advocating for accessible environments and implementing thoughtful, client-centered interventions for older adults.

Some of my favorite moments, however, happened outside the formal sessions. Talking with other students and clinicians from different programs helped me feel connected to a larger community built on learning, reflection, and mutual support. These conversations reminded me how much our diverse backgrounds and experiences enrich the field of occupational therapy and shape how we care for others.

Ultimately, the OTAC conference deepened my commitment to providing compassionate, evidence-informed, and person-centered care across diverse practice settings. As I return to my studies at Chan, I am excited to share these insights with my peers. I am grateful for the opportunity to attend such a meaningful event, and I look forward to carrying these lessons with me as I grow in my journey as an occupational therapy student.

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