Alabama Occupational Therapy Association

Spring Conference is just around the corner.  It is scheduled for April 14, 2012 at Brown Mackie College, home of the new Occupational Therapy Assistant program.  Download the call for papers below and submit by March 1, 2012.

ALOTA Call for papers

All OTA students are encouraged to apply (OT student scholarship is awarded at Fall Conference).  Please download the application linked below and submit to Tracy O’Connor, Recognitions Chair, at tracy.oconnor@alota.org by April 1, 2011.

ALOTA Student Scholarship Application

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – David A. Brown, P.T., Ph.D., a leading expert on physical therapy and rehabilitation, is the inaugural director of the PhD in Rehabilitation Science program in the School of Health Professions at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. The program, housed jointly in the departments of Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy, will prepare graduates for the field of rehabilitation as academicians and scientists.

“Rehabilitation science is a rather new discipline, and we want to be on its forefront,” said Jan Rowe, Dr. OT, interim chair of Occupational Therapy. “Considering his national reputation and proven track record in scientific inquiry, Dr. Brown’s vision will help position UAB as a leader in this field.”  (more…)

United Cerebral Palsy of Birmingham announces a new program initiative that will bring a more comprehensive and coordinated approach to medical services for children and adults with special needs.  In September 2011, UCP opened a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation department that  provides a family-focused approach to medical care.  They are currently accepting referrals and appointments for new patients.

Overseeing this new program and serving as Medical Director for United Cerebral Palsy is Dr. Charlie Law, who has practiced medicine at Children’s Hospital and UAB for 14 years and worked as the director of rehabilitation services.   He is board certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and is one
of only two physicians in Alabama with board certification in Pediatric and Adult Rehabilitation.  His practice relocated to the main campus of UCP off Lakeshore Drive on September 12, 2011.

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See how you can earn a year’s free membership by clicking this link:  ALOTA Membership Drive

Fall conference 2011 was another success.  We were able to offer 2 tracks this year, and over 200 were in attendance!  On Friday evening, we held a reception where practicioners from across the state networked and enjoyed the wonderful catering and beverages.  At this reception, each year, we honor those among us who have proven exemplary in or profession and have been nominated and chosen by their peers to recieve ALOTA awards.  Be sure to congratulate those listed below as this year’s recipients.

THE ELSIE HOLMES MCKIBBIN LECTURESHIP

Kathleen T. Foley, PhD, OTR/L

Assistant Professor

Email: ktfoley@uab.edu

Doctoral Degree in Higher Education, Indiana University, 2007

Master of Science in Instructional Systems Technology, Indiana University, 2002

Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy, Quinnipiac University, 1988

Foley joined the University of Alabama at Birmingham occupational therapy faculty as an Assistant Professor in July, 2006. She also serves as the program Recruitment and Admissions Coordinator. Her teaching responsibilities in the entry-level program include the history and theory of
occupations and the adult and older adult practice courses. In addition, Foley is a course instructor in the PhD in Rehabilitation Science Program and a co-instructor in the Health Care Management undergraduate curriculum within the School of Health Professions.

THE ALOTA OTR AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

Tammy Gipson,  MS, OTR/L

I graduated from UAB with a Bachelor of Science specialty in Occupational Therapy in 1991, began practice as an OT in Clearwater, Florida at
Healthsouth Rehabilitation, and after 5 years returned to Alabama and resumed practice as an OT at Huntsville Hospital.  There I was fortunate to get supported for training in Vodder technique for Lymphedema treatment.  I specialized in lymphedema treatment for cancer survivors and worked in conjunction with American Cancer Society and Huntsville Hospital in beginning a stretch program  for clients post mastectomy.

THE ALOTA COTA AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

Rodney Scott, COTA

I graduated from Wallace state in 2005 with honors.  I was the vice president of my class. I chose geriatrics as my career path. I have worked at Rehab First McGuffey Healthcare since December 2005.  I have worked PRN at Northside Healthcare and Albertville Healthcare since graduation.

ALOTA STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP

Emily Hanley, OTS

Emily Amanda Hanley is a second year student at the University of South Alabama Occupational Therapy program. After graduating from
Purdue University she moved from Indianapolis, IN in the fall of 2010 following a wonderful summer where she married the love of her life Martin Hanley and joined him on his adventure in the United States Navy. She drives a scenic commute daily from Pensacola to Mobile with her car mates Ashley and Princess.

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Balance and Vestibular Rehabilitation: Lori S. Miller, MSPT, ATC/L, CSCS

Download the fall newsletter here!  Check out details on our exciting and educational Fall Conference; then be sure to register by September 9.  You can register via mail using the last page of the brochure or online.

With the August 2 deadline to address the debt ceiling less than 2 weeks away, debate on Capitol Hill is reaching a fever pitch. Congress is considering several competing proposals, and it is tough to determine what the final compromise will look like.

The most recent proposal to come to the forefront is from a bipartisan group of senators touted as the “Gang of Six.” Indications are that their latest proposal is set to include a longer term fix for the sustainable growth rate (SGR) in the physician fee schedule, to stave off a 29.5% reduction in reimbursement.

It is critical for the profession and the clients we serve that Congressional action addressing the SGR also addresses the Medicare Part B Outpatient Therapy Cap to ensure beneficiary access to necessary and essential services including occupational therapy.

Take action today at AOTA’s Legislative Action Center to address this important issue.

–
Chuck Willmarth
Director, State Affairs and Reimbursement & Regulatory Policy