Graduation Year
2025
Document Type
Capstone Project
Project Type
Project
Degree Name
Master of Science in Occupational Therapy
Program
Occupational Therapy
Program Chair
Gina Tucker-Roghi, OTD, OTR/L, BCG
Faculty Advisor
Kitsum Li OTD, OTR/L, CSRS
Abstract
This review delves into the pivotal role of mentorship in shaping the professional trajectory of occupational therapists, with a specific focus on the Dominican Occupational Therapy Alumni Mentoring Program (DOTAMP). Aligned with the mentorship definition posited by the American Occupational Therapy Association, this project aims to outline challenges encountered by recent graduates in transitioning to professional practice. This project aimed to enhance the effectiveness of DOTAMP by incorporating research-informed principles and refining its guidance approach.
The project development team proposed a solution that introduces the 'Mentorship Treasure Chest' (MTC) — a comprehensive toolbox shaped by validated sources that underscore the positive impact of structured formal mentorship. By integrating external and internal factors gathered from mentorship research, the MTC aspires to optimize the DOTAMP, offering a structured framework to fortify mentee-mentor relationships. This exploration contributes nuanced insights to the broader discourse on mentorship within occupational therapy, providing practical avenues for program refinement and fostering continual professional maturation in the field.