LSU Shreveport science graduates continuing on to professional healthcare programs

LSU Shreveport science graduates continuing on to professional healthcare programs

SHREVEPORT - When Lianne Kho watched her father work closely with patients as a physical therapist in an inpatient rehabilitation setting, she knew what she wanted to do with her life.

While Kho will pursue occupational therapy instead of physical therapy, the desire to assist people gain more independence in their daily lives stuck with her.

Kho is one of three LSU Shreveport science students this semester to be accepted into LSU Health Shreveport's Doctor of Occupational Therapy program.

"Seeing my dad at work is what inspired me to go into my field," Kho said. "Occupational therapy is special to me because it aligns with who I am and is a way to serve my community.

"I like that occupational therapy gives people back their independence. When I observed and interned at various OT practices, I saw how excited patients became when they were able to do even the smallest tasks like making a fist or putting on a sock. I love that OT helps people gain back their sense of self when they feel a bit helpless and brings back that spark in their eyes."

Kho joins Brookelyn Loyd and Alayah Robertson as LSUS students who were accepted into LSU Health Shreveport. Fellow LSUS student Madison Holmes will continue her education in physical therapy at the University of North Texas Health Doctor of Physical Therapy program.

All four students have different majors - Kho is public health (OT concentration), Loyd is general studies, Robertson is occupational physiology, and Holmes is public health (PT concentration) - but all four degrees required copious amounts of kinesiology classes.

Robertson said she's approaching occupational therapy from an exercise science standpoint, which gives her "a strong foundation on how the body works and how people move functionally in everyday life."

"This program helped me understand health from a community to worldwide perspective and strengthened my desire to advocate for people who need support," Robertson said. "I'm drawn to occupational therapy because of the creativity, problem-solving, and adaptability the profession requires.

"Helping people has also been a big part of who I am."

Robertson's uncle lives with Autism Spectrum Disorder, which initially pushed her into the medical realm.

"Growing up with him showed me how meaningful it is to help someone master daily life skills and become more independent," Robertson said. "And I also realized that I gravitate toward kids through volunteering and coaching, so I'm especially interested in pediatrics and working with individuals with disorders."

Placement into professional medical programs such as these has always been an LSUS goal in those related degree programs, but there's been a recent uptick in acceptance rates.

"In recent years, our department has made a real commitment to developing and graduating well-rounded, competitive students into professional healthcare graduate programs," said Dr. Adrienne Brecheen Davis, faculty member in kinesiology and health science. "Under the leadership of Dr. Jill Rush-Kolodzey, we have streamlined the curriculum and placed more focus on high-impact practices like internships and developing marketable real-world skills.

"Brookelyn, Alayah, Lianne and Madison are the products of a culture that we are trying to create and grow within our department. They are committed, empathetic, resilient, and empowered change makers."

While various career pathways and memorandums of understanding between LSUS and LSU Health Shreveport have deepened relationships between the LSU System members in the past two years, these acceptances weren't aided by any particular agreement.

Occupational therapy graduate students complete three years of coursework and off-campus hours at practice sites like hospitals, schools, nursing homes and home health services before finishing their LSU Health Shreveport degree.

The path is similar for UNT Health physical therapy, requiring 33 months with various practicum requirements.

For Kho, LSU Health Shreveport offered a range of professional opportunities while remaining relatively close to family and friends in her native Alexandria.

"I chose LSU Health Shreveport's OT program because of their diverse fieldwork opportunities and the proximity to home," Kho said. "After speaking to their faculty and current OT students, I really liked how intentional their fieldwork placements are and how they prepare their students for them.

"Although I learned about this program through coworkers and family friends, my (LSUS) professors also made sure to have staff and alumni speak to our classes about the school."