Student Spotlight: Valerie Aziegbe

The PP-OTD program has attracted so many motivated, disciplined, and creative OTs, who have joined us to prepare for advanced roles in academia, healthcare administration, public policy, and research. We’re happy to highlight one of our current class members: Valerie Aziegbe, OTR/L. Valerie also received her master’s degree in occupational therapy from NYU Steinhardt in 2019, and it has been a pleasure to welcome her back for the PP-OTD program.

Valerie is an Occupational Therapist (OTR/L), Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) and Certified Ergonomics Evaluator (COEE). She currently specializes in treatment of the hand and upper extremity at NYU Langone Orthopedic center, and her clinical areas of interest include shoulder and elbow rehabilitation, sports rehabilitation, neurological conditions, and orthotic fabrication. We asked Valerie to share her experiences in the PP-OTD program so far – please read on to hear about how she is taking advantage of this exciting opportunity for growth and advancement with us!

What led you to NYU OT initially (in the MS program)?

What initially sparked my interest in occupational therapy was its ability to address both the physical and psychosocial aspects of health. When I looked at master's programs, NYU’s reputation for a strong, evidence-informed curriculum really resonated with me. Plus, the dynamic environment of New York City and the promise of diverse clinical placements was incredibly appealing.

And now you’ve come back to complete your doctorate! Why did you decide to pursue the post professional degree, and what was it about the PP-OTD program at NYU that made it the right choice for you?

My primary motivation for pursuing the PP-OTD is to deepen my expertise and expand my opportunities within occupational therapy, particularly in academic settings. With the field trending towards doctoral-level education, this degree is essential for my long-term career goals, which include teaching and mentoring future OTs. As a PP-OTD student myself, I’ve experienced some solid examples of mentorship through my own advisor, who has provided not only guidance on my portfolio topic but has generously facilitated connections to possible content mentors. My experience really demonstrates the supportive environment of this program. They care about your success – a characteristic I value and hope to emulate in the future. The virtual format is also incredibly valuable, allowing me to continue practicing as a CHT while advancing my academic pursuits.

How is the program so far? In what ways is it adding to your professional skills and development?

The PP-OTD program has already been impactful for me professionally, even though it's only been a couple of semesters. One thing that really stood out was the "Teaching and Learning" class. It not only equipped me with the basics of how to teach well, but it also made me think a lot about how I learn and communicate. What's been kind of surprising is how that self-awareness has made me clearer and more effective when I'm working with patients as a hand therapist. So, overall the program is having a broad impact on my professional skills.

What are your plans post graduation?

In the short term after graduation, I intend to continue my work in hand therapy, applying insights and approaches I've gained through the PP-OTD to optimize patient outcomes. Looking ahead, a key goal is to gradually transition into an academic position, allowing me to leverage my clinical experience and the pedagogical knowledge from the program to contribute to OT education. 

As a potential educator I hope to mentor and support students from diverse backgrounds, fostering a sense of belonging, and encouraging their pursuit of advanced degrees. Obtaining my PP-OTD is the first step in this direction, and I aspire to create a theory-based guideline aimed at enriching the diversity in the profession of occupational therapy. As a hand therapist, I am naturally drawn to orthopedics and kinesiology as those areas align with my strengths. But regardless of the specific course, I plan to adopt an andragogical approach to teaching, and facilitate self-directed and engaged learning. I want my teaching persona to convey competence, and I also want to ensure that I am approachable so that I am viewed as a facilitator of learning and rather than simply a source of knowledge. 

And finally, would you recommend the program to other OTs?

Yes, I recommend this PP-OTD program. From my own experience, it’s been practical for working clinicians who are looking to take their skills and careers to the next level. One thing that's been different from the master’s program is the increased opportunity to learn from classmates who are also practicing clinicians. Understanding their diverse perspectives and motivations for pursuing the doctorate has been incredibly valuable. Here, you see people looking to use this program to launch their own clinics or become more competitive for leadership roles. This variety of viewpoints has definitely enriched my learning. If you're someone who wants to become a better practitioner, develop your ability to lead/mentor others, or explore other opportunities, this program provides a solid foundation.