Meet the Students of PHHP: Isabel Curtis, Doctor of Occupational Therapy

Meet the students from the College of Public Health and Health Professions, a diverse group dedicated to improving health and well-being in communities around the world. These students come from various backgrounds, united by their passion for health and their commitment to making a positive impact. They bring unique perspectives and experiences to their studies, preparing to become the next generation of health professionals who will address pressing health challenges and advance their field.

Isabel Curtis stands indoors in front of colorful paintings depicting palm trees and water, wearing a gray patterned dress and facing the camera.

Meet: Isabel Curtis

Program: Doctor of Occupational Therapy

Hometown: St. Augustine, FL

Educational background: Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Bachelor of Arts in Spanish, minor in Disabilities in Society from the University of Florida

Why did you decide to join your program?

My passion for occupational therapy began while volunteering at a camp for children and adults with disabilities and grew through my undergraduate service and shadowing experiences. I love how OTs empower people to live their lives to the fullest through activities that are most meaningful and valuable to them. I chose the UF O.T.D. program because I heard wonderful things from now-alumni, and I was also glad to become a double Gator! The program offers an incredible education and prepares us well in the clinical skills we need through coursework, hands-on practice, fieldwork experiences and the capstone project.

Six students wearing navy blue UF T-shirts pose together outdoors on a shaded campus walkway, with trees, benches, and a brick academic building in the background. They are arranged in two rows, smiling at the camera.

What have been some of your favorite moments in your program?

Some of my favorite moments have included serving as an O.T.D. Ambassador and giving tours to prospective students, serving as Volunteer Coordinator and as a student clinician on the OT Equal Access Clinic Board, and volunteering at events like Hand Camp and the Einstein School Fall Festival. I have loved bonding events with cohorts, like Friendsgiving and kickball, and seeing OT in action within the community, such as when we had class at Lake Wauburg! My favorite moment from this year was attending and presenting our summer fieldwork poster at the Florida Occupational Therapy Association conference in Miami.

What do you plan to do with your degree?

While I am open to many OT settings, I am most interested in adult inpatient rehab or inpatient pediatrics, particularly within the neuro population. I am looking forward to my upcoming fieldwork and capstone experiences to further guide my career path.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

In my free time, I love spending time with my friends and family, reading, working out and watching the Gators and the Jaguars. I also enjoy doing anything outdoors, especially going to the beach or exploring new trails!

What would you like to share with others who may be considering the same program?

This is an amazing program, with an extremely supportive faculty and tight-knit cohorts. Everyone supports your success, but more importantly, ensures that you have balance and supports your well-being. I have learned so much about the field of occupational therapy and how to provide the best client-centered care. UF O.T.D. encourages us to enhance our knowledge on evidence-based practice to become clinician-scientists.