On October 19, 2020 at 8 p.m. ET, ASHT will launch a new virtual, student-led Journal Club available to all Student members. The Journal Club will create more opportunities for OT and PT students interested in hand and upper extremity therapy to develop important critical examination and dissemination skills. Through these meetings, participants will gain a deeper appreciation for concepts, assessments, interventions, structures and research methods relevant to hand therapy practice. Students who decide to present will gain valuable experience in the range of responsibilities and skills necessary to produce a compelling, scholarly presentation. Finally, the Student-led Journal Club will also create a venue for students in different states, schools and disciplines to connect over common professional goals.
The Student-led Journal Club will mirror the structure of ASHT’s ongoing monthly Journal Club, but with some key differences. This Journal Club will meet quarterly for one hour to discuss a scientific publication relevant to the practice of hand therapy. The intent is to have a group of students organize the selection, presentation and discussion of the chosen article, with responsibilities shifting to a new group of students for each Journal Club presentation. Allowing students to work as a group can help ease the burden of working on extracurricular projects during an already demanding school schedule and curriculum.
Currently, the Student-led Journal Club is managed by four Northern Arizona University OTD students and faculty advisor Dr. Cynthia Ivy. The group has hosted two meetings, initially open only to NAU students and alumni, as part of a phased development and testing process. By the time of launch, the students aim to have a completed list of protocols for selecting and reading an article, creating a presentation, and hosting responsibilities. We look forward to your participation in this project. For questions about how you can get involved, please contact research@asht.org.