Bethany Beckwith, current student in the Doctor of Clinical Science in Occupational Therapy program at SHRS.
When Bethany Beckwith was working in an outpatient clinic during the COVID-19 pandemic, she became frustrated and burnt out with health care delivery. She found herself wanting to embark on more academic endeavors, searching to extend her prior degree in occupational therapy.
It was during her searches that she came across the Doctor of Clinical Science in Occupational Therapy program at Pitt’s School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, something that ignited her passions once again.
While Beckwith did look at other universities, she found that Pitt’s curriculum aligned more with her individual aspirations and professional outcomes.
“The students in the program are so varied in clinical settings, so it’s applicable to every OT, not just the ones who want to become researchers or teach at universities in the OT department,” Beckwith said. “I also loved how friendly Professor Pamela Toto was when I sat in on an informational meeting. It was exactly what I was looking for.”
While beginning this new chapter, Beckwith was also finding her niche in her field: working with populations living with lymphedema, leading her to work with the National Lymphedema Network. Both of these professional advancements have forged personal triumphs.
"I feel very empowered to have gone through this program...It's definitely helping me become a better clinician, a better team member and a better leader."
“I feel very empowered to have gone through this program,” Beckwith said. “I didn’t have the confidence to speak up or even know how to advocate for myself or for an idea that I had, and now I do because of this program. It's definitely helping me become a better clinician, a better team member and a better leader.”
Online Courses and Mentor Experiences
With the Doctor of Clinical Science in Occupational Therapy program conducted 100% online, Beckwick said she still felt involved in the program and appreciated the fluidity of her schedule.
“I really loved the flexibility of having one online class a week in the evening per course and the ability to complete assignments and activities on my own time schedule over the course of the week,” Beckwick said. “I loved still having the live session, so I am getting to know my teachers and I’m meeting all kinds of different students from all over the country in different areas of OT and hearing their different perspectives.”
In reflecting on the courses offered, Beckwith said they were directly fulfilling her professional goals.
“Every course has been immediately applicable to my practice. I'm constantly improving my awareness of health care in general and my relationships with my patients, finding innovations and starting to implement them into my practice and my interpersonal skills are always improving. I just love this program.”
Students in the CScD in OT program work closely with a faculty mentor to develop their research and implement their evidence into practice. Through this structure, Beckwith said she has built a strong connection with her mentor, Professor Toto.
“Our mentors are so flexible, and they really make themselves available for us,” Beckwith said. “Pam is always receptive to my ideas and responds to my emails and meets whenever I want to meet. The faculty are just so supportive on anything that we want to do.”
Capstone Project
Over the next two semesters – summer and fall— Beckwith will be working to complete her anticipated capstone project.
“One of the things I love about this program is that every final project, for each course, has been a stepping stone toward my capstone.” Beckwith said. “I've even been able to partner with the National Lymphedema Network to conduct some of my research. I am hopeful that I will be able to do my quality improvement capstone not only in my own practice setting, but on a national level as well.”
Beckwith’s idea for her capstone project focuses on the specific protocol offered to patients with lymphedema. She stated that these patients are ideally given intensive therapy, arriving daily to receive treatments. However, due to populations of patients who are unable to afford the travel and expenses, Beckwith wants to examine those barriers to care and set in motion a different plan to care for those individuals.
“I really want to help develop equitable services in lymphedema therapy,” Beckwith said. “I want to develop a curriculum that would empower the lymphedema therapist to feel confident in their clinical judgment and be able to offer different treatment protocols to patients who would otherwise not be able to participate.
Goals After Graduation
With her graduation slated for December 2024, Beckwith is looking ahead to her plans after she completes the program, aiming to continue her work with the National Lymphedema Network to increase exposure of the condition and advocating for clinicians in the field.
Advice to Prospective Students
When Beckwith first started the CScD program, she had two toddlers and felt overwhelmed by the idea of adding this coursework to her life. Through speaking with Professor Toto and engaging with the content, she felt motivated from what she was learning. For students who may have similar doubts, Beckwith stresses that the commitment is worthwhile.
“For anybody who's feeling stuck or losing that passion for occupational therapy, I think the Pitt CScD program will really help them find their spark and empower them to improve the practice area that they're in,” Beckwith said. “I think every OT would benefit from it.”
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Read more about the Doctor of Clinical Science in Occupational Therapy program on our website or contact an enrollment specialist at enroll@shrs.pitt.edu today!