Student Series: Academic Fieldwork and Capstone Requirements

With this episode, we are kicking off a student series, highlighting the journey from the classroom to the clinic. On this episode, we are joined by Jaime Bergner, an occupational therapist and Certified Hand Therapist who splits her time between academia and the clinic. Jamie shares with us the academic expectations for students and how they are prepared in the classroom to be successful in the clinic. She gives clinicians helpful tips on how to challenge our students to think critically when approaching patients with upper extremity conditions and support the development of their clinical skills.Guest bio: Jamie Bergner is the Doctoral Capstone Coordinator and a Full Professor in the Occupational Therapy Department at Cox College, as well as an occupational therapist of over 25 years, a certified hand therapist, and a certified orthopedic manual therapist at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. She earned her post-professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree with an education emphasis from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions. Dr. Bergner is passionate about preparing the next generation of occupational therapists through mentorship, fieldwork, and doctoral capstone education. She is the creator of the Bergner R.A.P.I.D.–M.A.P., a mentorship and advising framework designed to support student success through social-emotional learning and reflective practice. She is also a strong advocate for clinician-led research and evidence-informed practice, reflected in peer-reviewed publications, consulting, teaching continuing education courses, and course development with MedBridge. Active in professional service, Dr. Bergner volunteers with NBCOT, serves as a peer reviewer for the Journal of Hand Therapy, the Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy, the American Hand Therapy Foundation Grants Division, and contributes to the American Society of Hand Therapists through its Research and Outreach Divisions.-The views and opinions expressed in the Hands in Motion podcast are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of ASHT. Appearance on the podcast does not imply endorsement of any products, services or viewpoints discussed.