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Specialty and Board Certifications

   The Board Certification that interests me most is in the area of pediatrics. Of all my observation hours that I completed for the OT school application process, the pediatric hours stood out to me the most. Occupational Therapists play such an important role in the development of their pediatric clients as well as in the lives of the client's parents, which is such a unique opportunity to make a difference. I also completed an internship at a pediatric clinic during my undergraduate career, and over time was able to connect and build relationships with the children there. Kids bring an air of freshness into the room that can really alter other's perspectives about what is most important in life. Even in the midst of scary diagnoses or sever physical disabilities, there is a sense of lightheartedness and innocense in children that I think many adults could learn from.
   An area that I specifically would love to work and specialize in is in pediatric oncology. This is considered an emerging area of practice in OT at the moment, but it is moving in the direction of becoming a specialty as more research is conducted. Having undergone cancer diagnosis and treatment myself, I would love to help others who are going through the same overwhelming and challenging time. Experiencing a cancer diagnosis and all of the physical and emotional ramifications that come along with it it such a vulnerable time, and I think that being one source support for those children and families through unique the role of occupational therapy is a powerful opportunity to take part in.

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