This Occupational Therapy Month, we’re highlighting the inspiring story of Rosanna Wegner, recipient of a COTF Research Grant.
Returning to school
After nearly two decades in clinical practice, Rosanna made the decision to return to school for a Master of Science in Rehabilitation Medicine. What she jokingly calls a “midlife crisis” was spurred by the longing to keep learning and to avoid feeling stagnant in her career.
Rosanna’s current research and practice interests lie in supporting individuals living with chronic pain. Her experience working in the community supporting people living with chronic diseases made her wonder how community occupational therapists can further contribute to enhance the quality of everyday life for those living with chronic pain. This question led her to take on qualitative research project to learn about the lived experiences of people attending a group-based virtual pain management program.
“Occupational therapy has given me a world view to see and understand people holistically and recognize its complexities.”
The impact of a COTF Research Grant
Leaving a steady income to return to school full-time wasn’t an easy decision. For Rosanna, the COTF Research Grant made a meaningful difference by helping offset expenses like research software and participant honorariums. It also made it possible for her to attend the CAOT Conference — an invaluable opportunity to share her work and connect with colleagues from across the profession.
“This scholarship helped to reduce my financial burden by paying my out-of-pocket research expenses. It also enabled me to attend the CAOT conference this year, an important venue for us occupational therapists to showcase and share our clinical and academic work.”
Advice for future COTF scholarship applicants
For future students considering applying for a COTF scholarship, Rosanna’s advice is simple:
“Highlight the impact or contribution of your work from an occupational therapist lens.”
Life outside of occupational therapy
Outside of work and her studies, Rosanna enjoys drinking good coffee, sharing laughs with family, gardening, baking cakes, and making jam from the bounty of her garden.