Board 11: Work in Progress: Fostering Cross-Disciplinary Collaborations between Biomedical Engineering and Occupational Therapy Students - A Model for Clinical Exposure for BME

Patricia A. Meyers OTD, OTR/L is an Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy at American International College in Springfield, MA. Dr. Meyers received a BS in Occupational Therapy from Boston University and a Post-Professional Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions. Her areas of instruction are in the subjects of kinesiology, introduction to occupational therapy, management, adaptive technology and adult physical disabilities. These reflect her interest in the history, philosophy and current research in the profession. Her work experience incorporated interprofessional collaboration which she believes has positively influenced practical application in the classroom. This experience has also contributed to her interest in interprofessional education (IPE) as a component of student curriculum and expanded to assistive technology where occupational therapy and engineering students collaborate on project designs. Her interest and research in IPE has led to local, national and international presentations related to this subject matter. She has extensive clinical experience treating clients in the area of upper extremity outpatient orthopedics and cumulative trauma disorders, specializing in industrial rehabilitation as well as industrial and office ergonomics.