We have implemented a new membership management database. Please note that your login credentials changed in July 2024. If you experience any issues, please let us know at . We will respond Monday-Friday 8am-5pm.
Be A Member! Join Today!
Renew Your Membership Today
Calendar of Events
View the latest events
On Demand Virtual Learning
Earn PDUs
5th Annual OT in Acute Care Symposium
WAS ON April 11, 2026
Virtual
| 2026 OT in Acute Care Symposium On Demand Recordings |
| Considerations in ECMO: Safety and Interdisciplinary Approaches - $19 members/$39 nonmembers - 1 PDU Jen-Ting (Tina) Chen, MD, MS This presentation will discuss the integration of safety considerations and clinical reasoning for occupational therapy in ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) patients, highlighting the interdisciplinary approach to achieving successful liberation from ECMO. - 4/2026 |
| OT Lens Through the A-F Bundle - $19 members/$39 nonmembers - 1 PDU Andreana K. Karavias, MS, OTR/L This presentation will explore the role of occupational therapy (OT) within the AF-bundle (ICU Liberation Bundle – ABCDEF), with a focus on functional outcomes in critical care. Case studies will be reviewed to help participants better understand OT’s role in practice and to promote functional recovery. - 4/2026 |
| Addressing Sexuality in the Acute Care Setting - $19 members/$39 nonmembers - 1 PDU Lynn Kim, OTD, OTR/L This presentation will review common impairments affecting sexual function and body image for various diagnoses and review how to address these issues in the acute care clinician’s treatment plan. - 4/2026 |
| Navigating Patients with Dementia in the Acute Care Setting - $19 members/$39 nonmembers - 1 PDU Alisa Kim, OTD, OTR/L This presentation will explore strategies to manage patients with dementia in acute care settings. Topics will include communication techniques, agitation management, interdisciplinary and caregiver collaboration, environmental modifications, and occupational engagement with an emphasis on promoting dignity, optimizing patient participation, and supporting safe and successful discharge planning.- 4/2026 |
| Upper-Extremity Protection and Early Activation After Acute Stroke: Practical Strategies for Occupational Therapy Practitioners - $19 members/$39 nonmembers - 1 PDU Abigail Haury, MSOT, OTR/L; Danny Pavlovich, OTD, OTR/L This presentation will provide a practical, evidence-informed overview of occupational therapy’s role in acute stroke care. Topics will include evaluation and screening priorities, upper-extremity protection and positioning, early activation strategies, visual-perceptual considerations, and trauma-informed interdisciplinary collaboration. Case studies will bring content to life and support clinical reasoning from ICU (intensive care unit) to acute care discharge. The main objective is for participants to leave with tools that are easy to implement in their workplaces to support occupational performance and recovery following stroke. - 4/2026 |
Cancellation/Refund Policy. $35 is retained to cover cancellation/refund processing costs. Written notice must be received in the OTAC office by April 9, 2026 to be eligible for refunds. No refunds after this date. Disclaimer: OTAC reserves the right to make changes to the program. No refunds will made based on these changes.
Past Acute Care Symposiums
2025 4th Annual Acute Care Symposium
| 2025 Acute Care Symposium On Demand Recordings |
| Assessing Visuomotor Function, Visuconstructional Reasoning, and Higher-Order Neurocognitive Capacities - $19 members/$39 nonmembers - 1 PDU Jess Holguin, OTD, OTR/L Patients in the acute care setting, across all diagnostic populations, are at risk of experiencing varying degrees of neurocognitive impairment. Informed in part by advances in neuroimaging and neuroinformatics, there has been a proliferation of neuroprotective protocols developed for both surgical and non-surgical patient populations in the acute care setting. Nevertheless, patients often experience changes in function that escape detection. As supported by the OT practice framework, acute care practitioners are well-positioned to provide invaluable visuomotor, visuoconstructional reasoning, and higher-order neurocognitive capacity screening, assessment, and intervention. This session will overview evidence and in-place practices informing this area of service that directly impacts patients’ outcomes and independent functioning. - 4/2025 |
| From Delivery to Recovery: The Acute Care Occupational Therapy Practitioner’s Impact on Postpartum Rehabilitation - $19 members/$39 nonmembers - 1 PDU Christyna L. Kiesel, OTD, OTR/L, PMH-C This presentation will focus on the critical role of occupational therapy practitioners in the acute care setting for postpartum rehabilitation. Participants will explore evidence-based approaches to screen, evaluate, and treat patients recovering from cesarean sections and vaginal deliveries. Attendees will gain valuable knowledge to address common challenges, promote holistic recovery, and support the patient’s transition into postpartum. This session will emphasize the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and biopsychosocial care in improving patient outcomes. - 4/2025 |
| Interprofessional Collaboration in Acute Spinal Cord Injury Care - $19 members/$39 nonmembers - 1 PDU Jana LaMarca, OTD, OTR/L, ATP, MSC; Colin Lenington, OTD, OTR/L, ATP, CAPS; Joayn Truong, PT, DPT, NCS, ATP This presentation will provide details about traumatic and atraumatic spinal cord injuries. Topics will include evaluations and assessments, projected functional expectations, roles of team members, and trauma-informed care and the management of secondary conditions/sequelae from a spinal cord injury. Case studies will help bring information to life. The main objective is for participants to have tools that are easy to implement in their workplaces. - 4/2025 |
| Occupational Therapy in the Emergency Department: More Than Just Discharge Recommendations Occupational Therapy in the Emergency Department: More Than Just Discharge Recommendations - $19 members/$39 nonmembers - 1 PDU Alyssa Cormack, MSOT, OTR/L (CO); Ashley Thompson, MSOT, OTR/L (CO) Colorado's largest and nationally ranked hospital has made a home for occupational therapy practitioners within its emergency department. With a large focus on preventing readmissions and supporting safe discharges, OT is now consulted on numerous cases that include physical, cognitive, and psychological needs. Years of data collection support the presence of a full-time occupational therapy practitioner within this hospital's emergency department. In the emergency department, OT provides more than just discharge recommend-ations, and we have proven ourselves as an integral part of the interdisciplinary team. We will share about how OT's presence within the emergency department improves medical work-up and diagnostics, short and long-term care planning, cognitive and psychosocial considerations, and reduces rehospitalizations. - 4/2025 |
| Team Dynamics: The Contribution of Occupational Therapy in the Multidisciplinary Neurological ICU - $19 members/$39 nonmembers - 1 PDU Patrick Harding, OTD, OTR/L Occupational therapy practitioners’ presence in the neurological ICU is powerful, coordinating the care of complex patients, engaging families, and navigating nuanced conversations with other medical team members. Through this presentation, specific instances where the unique lens of our profession served patients in this setting, even within the context of severe illness will be discussed. - 4/2025 |
2024 3rd Annual Acute Care Symposium
| 2024 Acute Care Symposium On Demand Recordings |
| Case Management in Acute Care: Understanding Clinical Implications- $19 members/$39 nonmembers - 1 PDU Carnie Lewis, OTD, OTR/L, CLT; Kelsey Peterson, OTD, OTR/L This presentation will cover the role of case management in the acute care setting including the history of case management, clinical reasoning of the case manager, and case manager considerations for discharge. Emphasis will be placed on occupational therapy’s impact on the case management process (e.g., communication methods, best practice documentation) to optimize the patient’s care and discharge. - 4/2024 |
| Incorporating Occupational Justice into Acute Care - $19 members/$39 nonmembers - 1 PDU Julianne Angel, OTR/L, CSRS, CBIS Patient care in acute care is heavily influenced by the biomechanical model and respective hospital cultures. Being mindful of occupational justice concepts can assist occupational therapy practitioners in providing holistic client-centered care in this high-demand environment. - 4/2024 |
| Occupational Therapy’s Distinct Value in Working with Patients Post-op Vaginoplasty and Creating a Culturally Humble Environment - $19 members/$39 nonmembers - 1 PDU Carlos Cruz, OTD, OTR/L This presentation will discuss the integration of culturally humble care in the acute care setting and cover gender affirming services performed at CHLA (Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles) and clinical indications of the surgery. Also to be covered is the OT distinct value in working with patients post-op vaginoplasty, rehab consideration, precautions and contraindications. - 4/2024 |
| OT Role in ALS: OT Interventions and Management of Persons With ALS/MND in the Acute Care Setting - $19 members/$39 nonmembers - 1 PDU Bryan Guderian, MOT, OTR/L A brief overview of motor neuron disease (MND), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) disease process with be presented. The presenter will lead discussion on possible roles of OT in acute care setting for persons with these diagnoses including appropriate therapy interventions, splinting and positioning options, hospital environment considerations, community resources, equipment options, and disposition considerations. - 4/2024 |
|
Small Babies, Large Hearts: Supporting Babies and Families in the Intensive Care Nursery - $19 members/$39 nonmembers - 1 PDU Margaret Miller MS, OTR/L, C/NDT, CIMI, NTMTC, CNT; Carolyn Ibrahim, OTR/L, CNT, CIMI, CLC The audience will be introduced to concepts supporting infants and families in the NICU, including description of developmental risks for babies and families, key developmental concepts underlying therapy support, and examples of supportive care. The presenters will review background of practitioners working in this setting, recommend resources and pathways for clinicians interested in working in the NICU, and provide guidance on materials for practitioners new to this advanced area of practice. - 4/2024 |
2023 2nd Annual Acute Care Symposium
| 2023 Acute Care Symposium On Demand Recordings |
| Factoring Mental Health Issues into Treatment in Acute Care - $19 members/$39 nonmembers - 1 PDU Don Gordon, PhD, OTR/L Mental health issues can emerge in the acute care setting in sometimes unpredictable ways. This presentation will endeavor to help attendees better understand signs related to mental health challenges and provide tools to facilitate coping. - 4/2023 |
| Occupational Therapy and Burn Injuries - $19 members/$39 nonmembers - 1 PDU Dawn Kurakazu, OTD, OTR/L This presentation will discuss the role of occupational therapy in the care of the burn injured client through the different phases of the burn injury. Focus will be on the emergent and acute phases of the burn injury with some discussion of the rehabilitation phase. Topics will include the evaluation of the burn injured patient as well as treatment strategies. - 4/2023 |
| OTs in the ICU: Our Role in Organ Transplantation - $19 members/$39 nonmembers - 1 PDU Nicolette Longo, MS, OTR/L The needs of the organ transplant patient population are diverse and continue to evolve as there is an expansion in donor pools, improved mortality rate, and advancements in multi-organ transplantation. Occupational therapy practitioners (OTP) are tasked with implementing evidenced-based measures to evaluate and treat patients undergoing organ transplantation in the ICU setting. This presentation will highlight the OTP’s role on the interdisciplinary team for the transplant patient and discuss evidenced-based assessments and how they are used to measure functional progression and participation in selfcare. Additionally, this presentation will emphasize case studies and goal setting across the ICU and acute level of care. - 4/2023 |
| Severe Traumatic Brain: Assessment and Treatment - $19 members/$39 nonmembers - 1 PDU Seth D. Herman, MD This presentation will focus on the assessment of disorders of consciousness and take attendees through the potential treatments and journey through the rehab process to home with potential complications that may arise. - 4/2023 |
|
The OT/OTA Collaboration in Acute Care - $19 members/$39 nonmembers - 1 PDU Sharon Pavlovich, EdD, COTA/L; Farman Boayes, COTA/L; Amy Brown, OTD, OTR/L, CLT This presentation will focus on what the roles, responsibilities, and supervision parameters are for the OT/OTA working in acute care. Possible barriers as well as what collaborations may look like for this valuable partnership will be discussed. - 4/2023 |
2022 1st Annual Acute Care Symposium
Registration Brochure| 2022 Acute Care Symposium On Demand Recordings |
| Feel the Beat: Occupational Therapy for Patients with Cardiovascular Conditions - $19 members/$39 nonmembers - 1 PDU
Elyse Peterson, OTD, OTR/L Cardiovascular care is expanding across the continuum of disease prompting a variety of opportunities for occupational therapy services. Occupational therapy practitioners are poised to provide care ranging from patients who are newly diagnosed, to patients recovering from cardiothoracic surgery, to patients with end-stage heart failure. This session discusses best practices including current evidence, clinical experience, and multidisciplinary collaboration to provide care for patients of varying acuities. - 5/2022 |
| Navigating the Complex Treatment of Traumatic Brain Injury - $19 members/$39 nonmembers - 1 PDU
Liz Zborowski, OT/L, CLEC Annually, 2.8 million people sustain a traumatic brain injury (TBI), with some 280,000 resulting in hospitalizations. Information on etiology, evaluation, and progression of treatment beginning in the ICU through the continuum of care in the acute care setting will be reviewed. TBI levels of recovery will be discussed, as well as recommendations for assessment tools, goal setting, and treatment interventions at each stage of recovery. - 5/2022 |
| OTs in the ICU: The Power of Patient and Family Engagement - $19 members/$39 nonmembers - 1 PDU
Amy Godwin, OTR/L The role of OT in the ICU has evolved and grown over time and has become even more essential over the last several years. This presentation will examine how OTs promote human connection and engagement in the acute critical care setting. Evidence-based assessment and intervention strategies will be discussed to empower the OT practitioner and highlight the unique contribution of OT in this setting. - 5/2022 |
| Rebuilding What We’ve Lost in COVID: A Perspective from the ICU - $19 members/$39 nonmembers - 1 PDU
Dr. E. Wesley Ely This presentation will describe the difficulties that health care professionals are currently experiencing in our desire to provide best care to ICU patients in the midst of the COVID pandemic. The presentation will explain a scientifically proven method for amplifying humanism and dignity that can work, one patient at a time. Additionally, the presentation will use the power of human story to identify aspects of patient suffering that are epidemic within the pandemic and offer hope and strategy for rebuilding what was lost amid the pandemic mayhem and discuss a path forward. - 5/2022 |
| The Trauma-Informed Approach and Concepts of the Post-Traumatic Growth Model for the OTP - $19 members/$39 nonmembers - 1 PDU
Kristen Gill, OTD, OTR/L Along their journey to healing from an acute event or a life altering injury, our clients can feel "stuck." Understanding what roadblocks that they may be facing, consciously or unconsciously, and how to navigate through is an important aspect of occupational therapy intervention. Taking a trauma-informed approach to practice is essential to understanding and connecting with patients who have experienced trauma. Concepts in post-traumatic growth offer great potential to enhance occupational therapy practice to propel clients forward into achieving more meaningful and satisfying lives following trauma. - 5/2022 |