Supporting My Occupational Therapy Fieldwork in Uganda

Hi everyone!

My name is Lauren Hickey, and I am a Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) student at the Medical University of South Carolina. In May 2026, I have the opportunity to participate in an international Level I-A occupational therapy fieldwork experience in Uganda through One World Health. This experience will allow me to expand my clinical skills while working alongside local healthcare providers to support individuals, families, and communities with limited access to rehabilitation and healthcare services.

Why Global Health Occupational Therapy Matters

Occupational therapy focuses on helping people participate in meaningful daily activities — such as self-care, mobility, work, play, and community engagement. In low-resource settings like rural Uganda, access to rehabilitation services is extremely limited, yet the need is significant.

During this fieldwork experience, I will be involved in:

• Supporting individuals with physical disabilities, neurological conditions, and chronic health conditions
• Assisting with functional mobility, self-care training, and adaptive strategies
• Learning how occupational therapy is delivered in community-based and global health settings
• Collaborating with local clinicians and community partners to provide culturally responsive care

How Your Support Will Be Used

As part of this international fieldwork experience, students are responsible for covering travel and program-related expenses. Funds raised will help support:

1. International airfare to and from Uganda
2. Program and clinical placement fees through One World Health
3. Required vaccinations, travel health needs, and safety preparation
4. Educational and clinical materials

Every contribution, regardless of size, helps make this opportunity possible and directly supports my professional education.

Why This Experience Is Meaningful to Me

As a future occupational therapist, I am committed to learning how to deliver meaningful, client-centered care across diverse cultures and environments. This opportunity will strengthen my clinical reasoning, cultural humility, and ability to adapt interventions in resource-limited settings — skills I will carry with me throughout my career.

I am incredibly grateful for any support, encouragement, or sharing of this page. Thank you for being part of my journey and for helping me take this important step toward becoming a compassionate, globally-minded occupational therapist.

With gratitude,

Lauren Hickey