The Occupational Therapy Student Guide to Understanding Identity - by Hamed & Vikram Pagpatan & André Johnson (Paperback)

About the Book

Critical consciousness and empathy are at the heart of effective healthcare, but how can this be applied in practice? This essential resource answers that question, guiding OT students on key concepts within DEI. Stepping beyond theory, learn how key concepts can be applied via enlightening case studies, reflective exercises and practical tools.

Book Synopsis

This innovative, hands-on guide explores the essential role of diversity and inclusion in occupational therapy education and practice. The book centres on the contrasting experiences and challenges faced by two occupational therapy students, Allie and Gemma, highlighting the systemic inequalities often faced by marginalised groups in healthcare education. Through their journeys, readers are able to learn about and integrate key concepts such as cultural humility, implicit bias, and allyship within wider occupational therapy education.

Through detailed case studies, reflective exercises, and theoretical frameworks, students, educators, and practitioners are equipped with the tools needed to apply the empathy and critical consciousness that is fundamental to ethical and effective healthcare practice.

The guide is also supplemented with reflective activities, which includes role-playing scenarios, debate exercises, and action-oriented tasks, transforming theoretical concepts into practical tools for professional growth.

Review Quotes

The Occupational Therapy Student Guide to Understanding Identity is an inspiring and timely resource that brings the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, belonging, and access into focus through the lens of occupational therapy education. By following the case studies of various backgrounds, privileges, and intersectionalities-readers are drawn into a powerful narrative that feels both personal and universal. The book's storytelling approach, paired with practical strategies, makes it a unique tool for reflection, discussion, and action in the classroom, on fieldwork, and beyond. It is not only a must-read for OT students preparing to become culturally responsive practitioners, but also a valuable resource for all healthcare students committed to advancing occupational justice in their professions.--Dale A. Coffin Ed.D., OTR/L, Clinical Associate Professor of Stony Brook University

Exciting and timely publication! This text situates DEI+ issues squarely in the classroom where healthcare students and faculty can explore diverse perspectives, implicit biases, as well as strategies to promote student growth and transformation. The authors chronicle the vastly different experiences of two occupational therapy students from diverse cultures in an academic context. Through these lived experiences, the reader is able to vicariously explore both conscious and unconscious microaggressions, discrimination, and inequities that are woven throughout these and related character narratives; even though the academic situation is the same for both Gemma and Allie, their experiences couldn't be more dissimilar. Each chapter incorporates intentional opportunities for the reader to pause and reflect and the "hot takes" at the end of each chapter serves to promote deep thinking about aspects of DEI+ that impact learning. An accompanying workbook allows for direct application of the material, and suggested activities are engaging and interactive. This is a must read for faculty and students in any healthcare profession. Learning about DEI+ issues and how to provide healthcare that is equitable and just is central to any curriculum truly vested in quality client care.--Carol Lambdin-Pattavina OTD, MSOT, OTR/L, CTP, FAOTA, Associate Professor at University of New England

If one is looking for a one-stop-shop for how diverse identities navigate learning environments and the daily occupations of students, then this book is it. Not only is the narrative approach unique and thought-provoking, but from an educational perspective, the case studies, reflective questions, and "Let's Think About It" features prompt deep, authentic learning. This is a must read for health professions education students, faculty, and program leaders alike.--Steven D. Taff, PhD, OTR/L, FNAP, FAOTA, Professor of Occupational Therapy and Medicine

About the Author

Dr Razan Hamed (Author)
Dr. Razan Hamed, PhD., OTR/L, FAOTA (she/her) is an Associate Professor and Associate Director of the Programs in Occupational Therapy (CUOT) at Columbia University. Dr. Hamed is an advocate for issues related to diverse experiences in occupational therapy education and clinical and professional practice. She is the founder of the Arab American Occupational Therapy Group (AAOTG) and lives in New Jersey.

Vikram Pagpatan (Author)
Dr. Vikram Pagpatan, EdD, OTR/L, FAOTA (he/him) practices in academia and pediatrics within New York State. Dr. Pagpatan has previously served on the AOTA DEI Committee, is the immediate past President of the Association of Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders in Occupational Therapy (AAPIOT), is a Board Director for the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) and has authored several textbooks for the profession. He lives in New York.

Andre Johnson (Author)
André Johnson MS, OTR/L, COTA/L, ROH (he/him) practices in pediatrics, orthopedics, and academia in Florida. Mr. Johnson has previously served as Chairperson of the AOTA Commission on Education, Vice President of the Black-male Registered Occupational Therapy Healthcare-professionals Assistants & Students (BROTHAS) organization, and is currently a Board Director for the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). He lives in Miami.