What qualities are you looking for in potential applicants?
We are looking for candidates who take initiative and who demonstrate self-directed professional development with support from mentors throughout. Strong applicants are those who strive to participate in research based clinical care, have a desire to pursue scholarly activities and use this specialized learning to advance the treatment for functional vision loss.
As a full-time employee, how is the fellow compensated? Is there tuition involved or is it waived by being a full-time employee?
The fellowship position is a full-time salaried position paid at 32 hours/week with benefits. You may also be able to defer your student loans during the year of your fellowship. There are no additional years of commitment from the fellow or the organization upon completion of the program.
How will the additional hours of synchronous training and educational opportunities be completed each week? Will this additional training require weekend participation?
All synchronous, asynchronous and educational training will be completed during the work week and will be completed during 1:1 synchronous interactions with the OT mentor, Vision Rehab team mentor or asynchronously during the regular work week. Some of the educational training may be in a classroom format with a group, and some will be completed independently.
Who are the faculty and mentors of this program?
Faculty and mentors are the same and are the current staff of Vision Rehabilitation team. During each Module, the faculty who is teaching also may participate in the mentoring process. The fellow will still be involved in at least 4 hours of mentoring per week.
Should the letters of recommendation be sent directly by the writers or should it come with the rest of my application?
Your references should be included with the rest of your application packet and emailed in a single Zip folder directly to Fay Tripp.
Do fellows work weekends?
No, fellows do not work weekends since the Eye Center does not currently provide Vision Rehabilitation services on the weekend.
How many people are usually accepted into the program each year?
One occupational therapy fellow per year will be accepted.
Does Duke University affiliate with an occupational therapy school and require teaching in the university setting?
There will be an opportunity to interact with the Duke University OTD program with possible participation in class lecturing (vision rehab topics) or serve as an Teacher Assistant for the Low Vision elective course. The fellow may also participate in providing a lecture to the local COTA program.
Do you accept international applicants?
No, we are unable to sponsor international applicants at this time due to professional OT licensure requirements.