Meet our LEND Trainee: Marisa Brickman
Q: What first attracted you to the LEND OT Fellowship?
A: I was first attracted to this fellowship’s unique opportunity to be in a teaching hospital environment where the focus is on clinical training and professional development. I loved the idea of being able to spend more time in specific areas of OT and to receive constructive feedback and training. Having already worked for 2 years in the field, I was looking to improve my clinical reasoning skills, and clinical observations. I felt I had a general understanding of different techniques and treatments, and some great experiences, but was looking for feedback on how to apply what I know to the various settings that I'd been working in (as well as learn in settings that I had not yet been exposed to).
Q: What has been the best part of your experience so far?
A: I have really enjoyed being part of several interdisciplinary teams that are all so unique, but that all share the same sense of camaraderie and focus on interdisciplinary, family centered care. I love collaborating with such experienced professionals and trainees on each team on a daily basis. Everyone is truly committed to mentorship and ongoing education, as well as to the development of leaders in the field.
Q: What are some of the challenges of the LEND fellowship?
A: Switching between clinics and learning the different assessments as well as styles from each clinician and the dynamics of interdisciplinary evaluations can all be challenging at times. Â Although challenging, it’s what makes this experience so invaluable.
Q: How do you think this fellowship prepares you for a future career as a pediatric OT?
A: This fellowship has been providing me with advanced specialized training in assessment, analysis, and evidenced-based practice for children (and their families) of all ages and backgrounds with developmental disabilities. I have been developing an infinite amount of resources related to working with individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities and will be connected to an extensive network of professionals with similar interests and values. Each week I am gaining increased knowledge about the ways in which OT fits with other disciplines in the interdisciplinary process and am also developing a new awareness for the ways in which families are impacted by developmental disabilities. I have been learning and refining skills needed to become the leading clinician that I have always aspired to be, and am developing the confidence that I can make a difference in this field.
For more information, please contact
Kim Solondz, M.S., OTR/L
Training Coordinator in Occupational Therapy
Child Development and Rehabilitation Center/OHSU
707 SW Gaines Street
Portland OR 97239
Email: solondzk@ohsu.edu
Telephone inquiries should be directed to: (503) 494-8315
