MaryBeth Gallagher

I have been and continue to be involved in curriculum design and development for the new OTD division since starting at Duke in November 2021. I designed and or developed four courses for the curriculum. These courses are integrated learning courses, with a focus on the foundational skills Occupational Therapists use in practice.  These foundational skills are learned in Enabling Occupation Skills I, and are then built upon, in subsequent courses. Enabling Occupation Skills III and IV facilitate learning to apply the enabling skills throughout the therapeutic process that OTs use.   Our first cohort began in August 2021. We regularly reflect on, evaluate and modify these courses to better meet the needs of the students, while continuing to align with the mission and vision of Duke OTD. This means making learning inclusive through a commitment to antiracist pedagogies and establishing a sense of belonging in the classroom. 

I have also collaboratively developed an AOTA Mental Health Fellowship while practicing in in-patient mental health at UNC Chapel Hill.  I continue to be a mentor on the UNC mental health fellowship in occupational therapy. I focus on therapeutic use of self, reflexivity, and occupational justice in supporting fellows in advancing their mental health practice.