Introduction / Rationale: This initiative demonstrates how mentorship fosters leadership, cultural responsiveness, and social inclusion while promoting occupational justice and human rights at local, national, and global levels. It showcases the mentorship strategies and successes of two occupational therapy programs—Duke OTD and the Faculté des Sciences de Réhabilitation de Léogâne (FSRL)—based in different regions as a model for advancing occupational therapy education.
Objectives:
Participants will explore dual local and global impact of mentorship in OT education
Participants will explore the role of mentorship in building resilience and sustainability in OT programs, especially in vulnerable regions and students from underrepresented groups.
Participants will explore the intersection of technology and mentorship in bridging geographical divides, with a focus on its impact on the success of the OT program at FSRL in Haiti.
Methods / Approach: A qualitative and quantitative approach using interviews, focus groups, and surveys assessed the impact of mentorship on students' academic progress and professional development at Duke OTD and FSRL.
Results / Practice Implications: Mentorship fostered student engagement, leadership, and cultural responsiveness, highlighting its role in strengthening occupational therapy education and support systems.
Conclusion / Contribution to the occupational therapy profession: Mentorship is a powerful tool for enhancing occupational therapy education, fostering leadership, cultural responsiveness, and social inclusion. The successes of Duke OTD and FSRL demonstrate how structured mentorship can support student development, promote occupational justice, and bridge educational gaps, especially in underserved regions. Expanding and adapting mentorship programs globally can further strengthen resilience and equity within the profession.