The In-Between: What No One Tells You About Becoming an OT Practitioner
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2026
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Course Description
The transition from occupational therapy student to practicing clinician is often framed as a milestone, yet the reality is far more complex. Many new graduates experience an unspoken “in-between” period marked by uncertainty, identity shifts, and difficulty translating knowledge into clinical reasoning.
Research demonstrates that professional identity development and a sense of belonging significantly influence how individuals navigate this transition (Tyminski & Elmesky, 2025; Walder et al., 2022). Additionally, gaps in life skill readiness and the demands of real-world practice contribute to decreased confidence and increased self-doubt (Raudebaugh et al., 2022). External influences, including professional networks and social environments, further shape identity formation and adaptation (Heidari et al., 2023). This highly interactive workshop moves beyond traditional lecture by actively engaging participants in reflection, small-group discussion, and applied case-based learning. Participants will explore common emotional and cognitive disruptions experienced during the transition, reframe these challenges as part of a developmental process, and connect these experiences to professional identity formation. Through guided activities, participants will identify personal strengths, values, and supports, while developing a structured action plan to strengthen clinical reasoning, confidence, and professional identity. Emphasis is placed on practical strategies that can be immediately implemented in both educational and clinical settings. This session aligns with Vision 2030 priorities by promoting adaptive, reflective, and identity-driven practitioners prepared to navigate the evolving demands of occupational therapy practice.
Speaker
Sue Ram, OTD, OTR/L, is an occupational therapist, educator, and advocate dedicated to advancing the profession through teaching, research, and service. She currently serves as Director of Student Affairs and Faculty Member at Edgewood University in Madison, Wisconsin, where she oversees student support services and teaches foundations of occupational therapy practice in the accelerated OTD hybrid program.
Dr. Ram’s clinical background includes pediatric and behavioral health practice, most notably as an Occupational Therapist–Clinical Specialist at Texas Children’s Hospital and as a Pediatric Occupational Therapy Fellow at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. Her scholarship focuses on trauma-informed care, mental health integration, and pediatric rehabilitation.
A nationally recognized leader, Dr. Ram has received the AOTA Gary Kielhofner Emerging Leader Award (2023), the Texas Occupational Therapy Association Horizon Award (2024), and multiple AOTA Service Commendations. She is active in professional service, currently serving as Mental Health Special Interest Chairperson for the Texas Occupational Therapy Association and on the Mentorship Committee for the Ohio Occupational Therapy Association. She is also a prolific presenter, published author, and host of the AOTA New Practitioner Podcast.
Dr. Ram holds a Doctor of Occupational Therapy from Gannon University, a B.A. in Health Communication from the University of South Florida, and is currently pursuing a PhD in Occupational Therapy at Texas Woman’s University.
HANDOUT – Reflection and Transition Plan
Content Level
Introductory: This level assumes the audience has little or no information regarding the content area.
Practice Areas
Fieldwork and Academics/Education; Professional Issues