Occupational therapy (OT) stands as a cornerstone of healthcare, offering transformative support to individuals striving to regain independence and improve their quality of life. By addressing physical, emotional and cognitive challenges, occupational therapists empower patients to navigate daily tasks with confidence and purpose.
TCU’s new Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program is poised to make a significant impact on the healthcare landscape by addressing critical gaps in access and specialized care. Designed with a comprehensive curriculum and hands-on training, the program will equip students in its inaugural cohort to meet the growing demand for occupational therapists in diverse settings. By emphasizing holistic, patient-centered approaches and fostering innovation, TCU’s OTD program will prepare practitioners to tackle challenges like aging populations, chronic illnesses, and the need for rehabilitation services in underserved communities. This new program not only advances healthcare education but also empowers future occupational therapists, like Sage Gideon, student in TCU’s OTD program starting this June, to impact the lives of their patients for the better.
For Sage Gideon, the significance of this field is deeply personal. During her sophomore year in high school, her grandfather suffered a severe brain injury after falling from a ladder. The physical and emotional toll of his recovery left him bedridden and dispirited. OT became the turning point in his journey, gradually restoring his strength and independence. Sage vividly remembers her grandfather’s joy when he proudly called to share, “I did five minutes on the bike today, Sagie!” Witnessing the spark return to his eyes and the pride he felt in every milestone cemented her admiration for OT.
This experience inspired Sage to pursue a career in OT, dedicating herself to giving back to a profession that transformed her family’s life. As a movement science major while completing her bachelor's degree at TCU, she delved into subjects like biomechanics and disability-focused physical activity, gaining invaluable skills for her future career. Hands-on experiences, such as working with individuals with intellectual disabilities, deepened her commitment to advocating for those in need even further.
Sage’s passion for OT culminated in her acceptance into TCU’s inaugural OTD program. Thrilled to join the program, she sees it as a unique opportunity to pioneer a legacy of excellence in healthcare.
“I’m so excited and blessed to have accepted my seat,” Gideon shares. "I looks forward to honing my skills and championing the voices of others, just as my grandfather’s therapists once championed his recovery."
With her unwavering empathy and determination, Sage is ready to make a lasting impact in the field of occupational therapy, honoring the transformative power of this vital healthcare profession.