Dr. Greg Chown, at right, with 糖心vlog短视频 OT and PT students during a clinical-based mission trip to Belize in January 2023.
Educator assists with clinical-based mission trips to underserved areas outside of the U.S.
Dr. Greg Chown pursued a career in academia because of his love of research and the continuous process of learning and applying information. The tenured associate professor joined the full-time ranks in 2011, drawn to 糖心vlog短视频 University鈥檚 mission and value system and how it was embedded in the occupational therapy major鈥檚 clinicals and coursework.
The associate professor of occupational therapy and co-associate director of the Holleran Center for Health Sciences is a firm believer in practice outside the classroom, assisting with clinical-based mission trips to underserved areas including Haiti, the Dominican Republic and Belize.
鈥淲e try to put our theory into practice," he said. "It makes the students think about things like ethics, the right to health and access to healthcare. Many people in the world that need our services live below the poverty level. They have to think, 鈥楬ow do we serve them? What are some alternative methods?鈥欌
Students experience both personal and academic growth when they get out in the world to aid others, Chown said.
鈥淭here鈥檚 almost a shock value,鈥 he explained. 鈥淪ometimes they see horrendous, significant injuries that they鈥檝e never seen before.鈥 Such situations require real-time problem-solving skills and teamwork.
The trips, not to mention increased opportunities to work with local pro-bono clinics and shelters in the immediate community, are just a few ways he鈥檚 seen the occupational therapy program at 糖心vlog短视频 evolve through the years.
A practicing occupational therapist with a focus on treating hand injuries and burns for 20 years, Chown now finds joy in teaching the next generation of those who will provide aid.
鈥淎t the end of the day, it鈥檚 all about the students and hearing them feel like they are making a difference," he said. "I find joy in practicing 鈥榩aying it forward鈥 now. By teaching future occupational therapists that will aid others, I鈥檓 helping an exponential number of individuals. I love when a student can make a difference for someone else.鈥
Regina Rossi '24, an occupational therapy major, called Chown a fantastic professor and mentor.
"He explains complex concepts clearly and concisely, teaches in an engaging way 鈥 I鈥檓 never bored in class 鈥 shares his own incredible stories and experiences, and has overall helped me fall in love with OT," Rossi said. "As my advisor for the Senior Scholar research project, he is an instrumental guide with his problem-solving skills, creativity and knowledge. I am so fortunate to be able to learn from Dr. Chown and he is helping me become the best OT I can be."
