Future Leader: Tyler Hood, OTD/S ’25

Name: Tyler Hood, OTD/S ’25
Hometown: Ann Arbor, MI
Degrees:
BA in Kinesiology and Psychology, Albion College
Leadership:
Rehabilitation & Disability Special Interest Section Intern and Student Associate Editor at the American Occupational Therapy Association, and chair of the Waste Subcommittee of the Climate Action Working Group at Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine

What are your meaningful occupations?
I love to spend time learning about new topics and exploring novel places. I enjoy the journey of continuing my education and conversing with others who have different perspectives to learn from multiple dimensions, ways of thinking, and new interests.

I love to spend quality time with my family. Volunteering in the community is another impactful occupation that is inspired by my service-driven passion to help others.

What is your definition of occupational therapy (OT)?
To me, OT is defined as an evidence-based therapy that is strengthened by its client-centered approach and functional components of helping individuals and populations participate in their meaningful activities to their highest potential. OT is an essential health-care profession because occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) can make a personal difference for each client.

Why did you choose the OTD degree?
I selected the OTD degree to become highly proficient in helping clients achieve their life goals while making an impact in OT research. I was very attracted to the OTD lab mentorship curriculum to support me throughout my education and future profession. Also, with this degree, I have the opportunity to fulfill a teaching and future mentorship role.

What are your career goals?
My goals continue to evolve as I progress through my education. Currently, I’d like to open my own private practice in a school-based or outpatient setting. I also hope to serve in a leadership position in the OT profession.

What WashU experience stands out to you?
A memorable experience for me was participating in the Center for Interprofessional Practice & Education with the medical, nursing and public health students. This was an extremely long-term and fun experience that took several months. It was very enlightening to be able to support a community member who lived in St. Louis with several of their challenges. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this experience!

Also, while I was running as a candidate for Student Representative for the Representative Assembly, I was thrilled and extremely humbled by the support that I received from the OT faculty members, my classmates and other OTPs from around the country. It was an amazing experience to present myself as a candidate, and I would not have been able to run without the support of the Washington University in St. Louis Program in Occupational Therapy.

Anything else you would like us to know?
I would like to thank all of the OT faculty and administrators, resources and experiences provided by the Washington University in St. Louis Program in Occupational Therapy, with a special thank-you to my OTD lab mentor, Dr. Steve Taff. Dr. Taff has made my experience meaningful and memorable; he has embraced every opportunity that I have set out to complete, always encouraged me, and supported me every step of the way.

I am extremely grateful to Dr. Kathy Kniepmann, who took her time to set up an individual tour for me to come see this campus as an undergraduate and find my new home in St. Louis. I am so thankful for the experiences I’ve had and the relationships I’ve made in this Program. It is amazing to enter the OT profession with the potential to promote its growth on individual, community and national levels.


 

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