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AOTF Doctoral Network Annual Meeting Minutes
Washington, DC
June 5, 2003, 8:00pm-10:00pm
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Christine Peters, MA, OTR, Doctoral Network (DN) Coordinator,
and Mary Binderman, MLS, DN Staff Coordinator, welcomed approximately
65 members to the annual meeting and reception at the Grand
Hyatt Hotel. Congratulations were extended to those members
who received their doctoral degrees within the last year.
Franklin Stein, PhD, OTR, FAOTA gave the keynote presentation,
"What can the mentoring process teach us that we don't
already know?" Dr Stein is Professor Emeritus, University
of South Dakota and founding editor of the journal, Occupational
Therapy International.
Dr Stein introduced the topic by defining mentoring as a
way to allow individuals to make mistakes in a supportive
environment and to benefit from the experience. He outlined
his own career path and personal mentors.
Stein identified four reasons why mentoring works. The mentor
is able to share; there is a mentor-learner synergy that is
supportive; a positive building of knowledge exists; and the
mentor and protégé are motivated during the
process. He stated mentoring fails when the mentor does not
treat the mentee as a colleague. Examples of successful mentoring
partnerships were presented to the audience, including artists
Benton and Pollack, and teacher/pupil Sullivan and Keller.
A thoughtful challenge was presented in discussing how the
mentoring process can advance occupational therapy. Stein
argued that the profession must ensure occupational therapy
is an integral part of the health care system. Secondly, occupational
therapy must articulate what we do to a larger audience via
publications. Stein views occupational therapy as an alternative
medical field. He suggested the importance of supporting an
interdisciplinary approach that promotes universal healthcare
models and research.
In summary, Stein stated mentoring is the life-blood of a
profession like occupational therapy, since it fosters continuity
of knowledge and a commitment to the future.
An open dialogue continued, where members were invited to
challenge Stein's ideas and discuss their own experiences,
both in being mentored and mentoring. Members spoke openly
about the doctoral process, challenges and successes.
Mary Binderman gave a brief update on Foundation projects,
including the University of Illinois Center for Outcomes Research
(CORE); the Task Force on the role of occupation in societal
crises, and OTJR: Occupation, Participation and Health. A
list of the doctoral dissertations currently held in the Wilma
L. West Library was distributed, and Ms. Binderman invited
attendees who had not done so already, to submit their dissertations
the WLW library. Christine Peters concluded the meeting at
10:00 PM, acknowledging the success of the evening, and hearing
a consensus that members would like to continue the format
of keynote speaker with an open forum for discussion and time
for networking at future meetings.
Minutes submitted by: Christine Peters, MS, OTR/L, Coordinator
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