Document Type
Student Paper
Publication Date
2019
Abstract
Objective: The purpose of the study is to provide current and future generations of occupational therapists a view of the history and how occupational therapy practice has evolved from its inception to current practice through the life history stories of occupational therapists who have held leadership roles at the national level and beyond. It is anticipated that the life history process will be a powerful way to gather this information.
Method: The participant was assigned to the project directors through purposive sampling. Two, 60-minute, semi-structured interviews, guided by the Kawa model, were conducted with Dr. White through a video chat application at the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and then broken into codes, categories, themes, and a final assertion.
Results: The predominant categories that represented the major elements of his career were Leadership and Involvement, Education and Work Experiences, and the Impact of Occupational Therapy.
Conclusion: Dr. White is a passionate, knowledgeable, and proficient leader who has created positive change for the profession of occupational therapy. The passion Dr. White has for occupational therapy is shown through his multiple leadership positions, international work and travel, and work with occupational therapy students. Dr. White serves as an inspiration for many, and he is a great example of an occupational therapist that many aspire to achieve.
Recommended Citation
Malea Peters and Brandon Steffen. "Evolution of Occupational Therapy Practice: Life History of John White Jr. PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA" (2019). Oral History Student Papers. 57.
https://commons.und.edu/ot-oral-histories-papers/57