At ÊÖ»ú¿´Æ¬, innovation and collaboration are the heartbeats of our academic community. This ethos was brilliantly showcased through the diverse and impactful presentations delivered by our faculty and students at various prestigious conferences nationwide. These presentations, backed by the ÊÖ»ú¿´Æ¬ RDS Conference Presentation Grants, underscored the dedication and ingenuity that drive our institution forward. 

Occupational Therapy: Addressing Sleep Disturbances 

At the 2024 American Occupational Therapy Association Inspire Annual Conference and Expo in Orlando, Florida, Dr. Manisha Sheth, along with her dedicated students Thea A., Anne A., Chris G., and Nicole T., presented their groundbreaking study on the impact of breast cancer treatments on sleep among survivors. This mixed-methodology research highlighted the significance of sleep in the recovery and overall well-being of breast cancer survivors. Their findings emphasized the need for personalized, client-centered interventions to address sleep disturbances, promoting holistic health and quality of life. The presentation not only shed light on a critical aspect of survivorship but also reinforced the core principles of occupational therapy, showcasing its vital role in evidence-based practice and interdisciplinary collaboration. 

Pharmacy: Celebrating Innovation and Safety 

Meanwhile, the School of Pharmacy made a significant mark at the APhA Annual and Exposition in Orlando, Florida. Students Janna T., Coria M., Neil A., and Tigran K. proudly represented ÊÖ»ú¿´Æ¬, earning national recognition for their exceptional work. Their innovative project, which included a captivating PharmFlix film, won the Most Inspirational award. Their efforts in promoting OTC Medication Safety earned them a Regional Award. These accolades highlighted the students’ commitment to advancing pharmacy practice through creative and impactful initiatives. The conference provided them with invaluable networking opportunities and furthered their professional development, reinforcing the university’s reputation for excellence on a national stage. 

Teaching and Learning: Exploring the Metaverse

The Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning Director Randy DeWitt also took a bold step into the future at the Southern XR Summit in Cedar City, Utah. Their presentation, “The Immersive Learning Playbook,” showcased ÊÖ»ú¿´Æ¬’s pioneering journey in integrating a WebXR metaverse within a healthcare-focused educational setting. Through engaging and immersive projects developed in the FrameVR environment, the presentation demonstrated the innovative strategies and collaborative efforts that are transforming the learning experience for students and faculty alike. This initiative exemplifies the university’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance education and foster creativity.

Occupational Therapy: Promoting Independence 

 Dr. Manisha Sheth returned to the spotlight at the AOTA Inspire Conference with another significant presentation on the effectiveness of a universal oral hygiene program in promoting independence among inpatient rehab patients. This mixed-methodology study underscored the importance of activities of daily living (ADL) and functional independence in occupational therapy. By focusing on essential self-care skills, the program highlighted the value of evidence-based practice, client-centered care, and interdisciplinary collaboration in enhancing patient outcomes and fostering holistic health. 

Pharmacy: A Unique Case Study 

Finally, at the American Association of Psychiatric Pharmacists Conference in Orlando, Florida, WCU faculty Parna Haghparast, with the collaboration of P4 student Matthew N., presented a fascinating case report on treatment-resistant priapism in a 61-year-old male. This rare and unusual presentation, triggered by a combination of psychiatric medications, underscored the need for vigilant monitoring of adverse effects. Their work, soon to be published in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, highlighted the importance of individualized treatment approaches and thorough patient assessment in managing complex cases, contributing valuable insights to the field of psychiatric pharmacy. 

These presentations, supported by the ÊÖ»ú¿´Æ¬ RDS Conference Presentation Grants, are a testament to the university’s commitment to fostering academic excellence, innovation, and collaboration. By addressing critical issues and pushing the boundaries of knowledge, our faculty and students continue to make a profound impact on their fields and the broader community.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: How is WCU contributing to research in occupational therapy for cancer survivors?

A: WCU researchers presented a groundbreaking study at the American Occupational Therapy Association Conference on the impact of breast cancer treatments on sleep among survivors. The study emphasized the need for personalized, client-centered interventions to address sleep disturbances, promoting holistic health and quality of life for cancer survivors.

Q: What innovative approaches is WCU taking in pharmacy education?

A: WCU pharmacy students showcased their creativity at the APhA Annual and Exposition, winning awards for their PharmFlix film and OTC Medication Safety project. These initiatives demonstrate WCU’s commitment to advancing pharmacy practice through innovative and impactful educational approaches.

Q: How is WCU integrating advanced technology into healthcare education?

A: WCU is pioneering the integration of WebXR metaverse technology in healthcare education. The university’s presentation at the Southern XR Summit showcased immersive learning projects developed in the FrameVR environment, demonstrating innovative strategies to enhance the learning experience.

Q: Where can I learn more about WCU’s occupational therapy and pharmacy programs?

A: On our website, you can find all kinds of helpful information about our PharmD, MSOT, and OTD programs. If you have any follow-up questions, attend an information session to connect with one of our knowledgeable advisors.

WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment. The views and opinions expressed are those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs or position of the school or of any instructor or student.