Bridging Clinical Care and Healthcare Administration in Rehabilitation
Bridging Clinical Care and Healthcare Administration in Rehabilitation
For my Career Preparation honors contract, I conducted interviews with several healthcare professionals working in clinical and administrative roles in rehabilitation settings. These professionals included physical therapists, clinic managers, and healthcare administrators who shared insights about how clinical care and healthcare management intersect in practice.
Through these conversations, I learned how administrative decisions such as scheduling, staffing, insurance processes, and operational planning directly impact patient outcomes and clinic efficiency. Hearing from leaders like a regional vice president of operations and clinic managers helped me understand how healthcare professionals can transition from clinical roles into leadership positions. This project strengthened my ability to analyze healthcare systems, communicate with professionals in the field, and reflect on how my Health Services Management background can complement my future career in occupational therapy.
For my Abnormal Psychology honors contract, I researched the role of occupational therapy in supporting individuals living with severe mental health disorders. The project examined how occupational therapists use evidence-based interventions to help patients develop daily living skills, improve independence, and enhance overall quality of life.
This research experience strengthened my ability to synthesize psychological theory, clinical interventions, and broader healthcare system challenges. It also deepened my understanding of how occupational therapy contributes to interdisciplinary mental health care. Through this work, I developed stronger research, writing, and critical thinking skills while gaining a deeper appreciation for how rehabilitation professionals support patients facing complex mental health conditions.
Working as a rehabilitation technician provided me with hands-on experience in a clinical rehabilitation setting. In this role, I assisted therapists with treatment preparation, supported patient flow throughout the clinic, and helped ensure that therapy sessions ran efficiently.
This experience allowed me to observe how clinical care and administrative operations work together in practice. I saw how scheduling, communication between staff, and coordination with patients all contribute to a positive healthcare experience. The role strengthened my interpersonal skills, teamwork, and ability to work in a fast-paced healthcare environment. It also reinforced my interest in pursuing occupational therapy while understanding how operational efficiency supports high-quality patient care.