Page 30 - OPTA Access Spring 2021

Student SIG Report Carolyn Hinkle, PT, DPT – Chair
An important theme through our work in the Student SIG has been staying connected, finding ways to work together and building our Ohio PT/PTA student community, while maintaining safety and being physically apart. The students’ goals this year included: improvements to communication channels; creating valuable by-students for-students content on monthly video meetings; and growing opportunities for student involvement in SSIG activities with an emphasis on DPT and PTA student collaboration.
To streamline communication, the student social media platforms and the Student page on the OPTA website have been updated. These accounts are great resources for information about SSIG activities, and a fun way to stay connected – we hope you’ll join us online!
INSTAGRAM: @OPTASTUDENTS TWITTER: @OPTASTUDENTS FACEBOOK: OPTA STUDENTS
GMAIL: OPTASTUDENTS@GMAIL.COM
School Spotlight on University of Findlay PT & PTA students who volunteered to promote exercise at a local assisted living facility
School Spotlight on Zane State College PTA students organizing a "Dog'N'Jog" fundraiser for a local animal shelter
Our monthly SSIG video meetings have hosted a
variety of guest presenters and unique programming
to specifically cater to the interests and requests of
our student members. Through informative interviews, candid conversations, even audience participation elements, we’ve explored topics including the transition from student to new grad professional, the residency experience, the importance of advocacy and how to start doing it, job interviewing advice from a panel of experts, and PT applications for pain neuroscience education. These calls are organized by our student board and open for all OPTA student members.
Last year the SSIG kicked off a new contest for “Program of the Year” with Ohio DPT and PTA schools competing for points by logging volunteer hours and submitting beyond-the-classroom activities that set their program apart. The University of Toledo is our reigning champion. Bonus points for DPT & PTA program collaborations, and special consideration for activities that embody PT Core Values, could be game changers this year. Ohio’s PT/PTA Program of the Year will be announced as part of Transform 2021, OPTA’s Annual Conference, with a $250 prize for a charity donation and bragging rights
for the winner!
Already the time is approaching for our current student leaders to pass their duties to a new SSIG board. Students will be able to review candidate statements on the OPTA website and will receive information by email to cast their votes. A big thank you to our current SSIG board, school representatives, and all our student members for your wonderful work this year, your resilience and adaptability through challenging times, and your diligent dedication to our profession.
For more information, contact Carolyn at:
cmhinkle9@gmail.com
30 | March 2021 | OPTA