See initial Literature Review in

Appendix & Resources

One of the highest compliments I received from a mentor of mine was, “Madeleine, I am confident that you are not going to be a traditional OT.” At the end of the day, my over-arching goal is exactly that – to combine my multiple interests and form a career with which I feel challenged, satisfied, and confident as I pave my own path.

In compiling this professional needs assessment, we were asked to include both our personal and professional mission statements within the introduction. This requirement represents the broad domain of occupational therapy, an understanding within the profession that “all aspects of the domain [occupations, contexts, performance patterns, performance skills, and client factors] have a dynamic interrelatedness…for which a focus on the whole is considered stronger than a focus on isolated aspects of human functioning” (American Occupational Therapy Association [AOTA], 2020). This wholistic framework is precisely that which drew me to occupational therapy.

I often find myself listening to others’ stories, as well as sharing my own. In doing so, I am learning how our personal lives, professional lives, and any other lives are inextricably intertwined. The purpose of this professional needs assessment was to reflect on parts of my own story. While doing so, I identify the areas of knowledge I aim to bolster both before my capstone begins, and throughout my capstone experience. I outline my current goals as an entry-level professional, and the steps I must take to reach those goals. Further, this needs assessment identifies topics in which I am already versed, but about which I would like to gain a deeper understanding.

See Full Professional Needs Assessment in

Appendix & Resources

To observe current practices and potential opportunities for integration of globally accepted treatment and help to improve both Polibea and WashU’s ability to implement these practices.