Dr Angela Murphy described how Leeds Beckett University has been setting up a mentorship programme in occupational therapy higher education .
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Passionate about improving diversity in the profession
Dr Angela Murphy described how Leeds Beckett University has been setting up a mentorship programme in occupational therapy higher education .
As an occupational therapy team passionate about improving diversity in the profession , the occupational therapy team at Leeds Beckett University has developed a mentorship programme for students .
This was on the basis and understanding that students who are underrepresented within our profession are often experiencing intersectional issues that influence their learning , progression , attrition and grades .
There is not , according to Beer ( 2015 ), a university in the UK for whom diversity is not an issue . It is well documented that factors such as lack of role models , discrimination and curriculum representation impact students ’ experiences , sense of ownership and belonging to courses ( Beer 2015 ; Webb et al 2021 ), the profession and to the community of health and social care . Ultimately , it results in professions that are not representative of the communities we serve and has moral , ethical and financial implications ( Adeboale and Rao 2020 ).
42 OTnews February 2024