The purpose of the Boston University MCH Occupational Therapy Leadership Center, supported by a grant from the MCHB, is to "provide a focus on leadership in pediatric occupational therapy education through: 

· post-professional graduate training of occupational therapists for leadership roles in education, service, research, and advocacy related to occupational therapy in programs providing maternal and child health sevices, including those for children with special health care needs,

· development and dissemination of curricula, teaching models, and other educational resources to enhance pediatric content in occupational therapy training programs, and

· continuing education, consultation, and technical assistance in pediatric occupational therapy geared to the needs of the MCH community."

"All MCHB training programs have the common goal of improving the health status of mothers and children.... Within this context, the training programs focus on development of professionals for leadership roles, in addition to advanced professional preparation and scholarship. Training is intended to accomplish the dual objectives of developing high levels of clinical competence and developing leadership attributes which extend beyond clinical acumen and skills. It is with regard to achievement of the latter objective that increased emphasis is placed on those curriculum and practicum areas which relate to:

· whole populations,

· systems of care,

· public health,

· community-based services,

· program administration,

· public policy, and

· research.

With an understanding of and appreciation for these broader issues and aspects of health care, professionals will be more adequately prepared to deliver care and to provide leadership in advancing the field to better serve mothers and children in a rapidly changing health care environment."

We recognize that the leadership training is a developmental process. It is our belief and hope that individuals emerging from our MCH training program will exercise their new knowledge and skills to develop comprehensive, compassionate, family-centered care, including health promotion and disease prevention and related services, for mothers and children."

Quotes from: Maternal and Child Health Center for Leadership in Pediatric Occupational Therapy Education Application Summary, 1997.

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Sharon A. Cermak, Ed.D., OTR/L, FAOTA
Professor and Project Director

 Elsie R. Vergara, Sc.D., OTR/L, FAOTA
Associate Professor and Project Coordinator

 For information about the Doctoral program, contact:

Dr. Wendy Coster, Chair
Boston University
Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
Department of Occupational Therapy
635 Commonwealth Avenue
Boston, MA 02215
(617) 353-2727
e-mail: wjcoster@bu.edu
<www.bu.edu/sargent/programs/>

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