The University of Santo Tomas College of Rehabilitation Sciences (UST CRS), Department of Occupational Therapy (OT) academic staff Asst. Prof. Nikka Karla Santos, O.T.D., along with OT interns Cristian Bueno, Kathrin Dominique Oliva, Aneeza Angela Ramos, and Sherry Althea Sabularse participated in a three-week global immersion in partnership with the University of Southern California – USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy from January 13 to 31, 2025.
Students observed firsthand the evidence-based and innovative approaches OTs use to address diverse client needs during their visits to institutions such as Carrico Pediatric Therapy and Momentum Pediatric Therapy Network, Gateways Hospital and Mental Health Centers, Children’s Ranch Foundation, Braille Institute, Center for the Neuroscience of Embodied Cognition, Keck Hospital of USC and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, and Mychal’s Learning Place. These visits provided the students a comprehensive understanding of how OT is applied in different practice settings, including but not limited to pediatrics, mental health, visual rehabilitation, physical dysfunction, and prevocational training.
The visits also offered insight into how traditional and modern therapeutic interventions are used to promote the client’s independence, well-being, and quality of life. Furthermore, these reinforced the importance of client-centered care, highlighting how OT is rooted in a holistic approach that considers the individual’s unique circumstances, preferences, and goals.
A series of lectures broadened the students’ perceptions of OT across diverse settings, beginning with the exploration of Occupational Science by Dr. Daniel Park, exploring occupational therapy’s theoretical foundations and the Theory of the Human Need for Occupation.
Occupational therapists Dr. Stephani Gharehptian and Dr. Janis Yue then discussed trauma-informed care within a Violence Intervention Program, demonstrating how occupational therapists support survivors of abuse in regaining independence through meaningful activities.
The Admissions Information Session delivered by Dr. Catherine Shin highlighted various academic pathways, research opportunities, and professional development resources available at USC, while other lecture sessions explored specialized areas of practice such as Sensory Processing in Daily Life and Medical Complexities. These diverse learning experiences enriched the students’ perspectives on global OT practices and strengthened their commitment to advancing the profession in the Philippines.
The USC Chan Global Initiatives office, led by Dr. James Lee and Dr. Park, offers various programs to allow international students to immerse themselves in the current and emerging OT practices in the United States. While USC has been facilitating the global partnership for a few years, this was the first time that UST has participated. Joining the UST students in this program were other undergraduate OT students from Taiwan, such as Asia University and Kaohsiung Medical University, and from South Korea, such as Soonchunhyang University, Inje University, and Yonsei University.
The global immersion experience served as an avenue for the Thomasian OT students to enrich their knowledge and skills through exposure to various clinical settings, innovative and evidence-based therapeutic approaches, and emerging practices in the field of OT. By engaging with experts across California, the students were equipped with better tools and insights to bring back to the Philippines, eventually enhancing the level of care they can provide in the future as members of the Occupational Therapists’ workforce.
