Bill Wong
Occupational Therapist
Interface Rehab
Milestones
My road in life has taken me all over.
Got accepted to USC's OT program in summer 2009, after 2 years of unemployment post-undergrad.
Found out that I have Asperger's Syndrome in summer 2010 after I failed my 1st clinical internship.
Got a pep talk from Jaclyn Schwartz, who defeated me in an AOTA OT student leadership position.
Presented at an AOTA Autism Specialty Conference, where I had lunch with OT autism experts.
Completed my 2 required clinical internships in summer 2012 & obtained my OT license 2 months later.
Obtained my clinical doctorate in summer 2013.
Worked 1st OT job- 3 months, failed attempt in private practice- 1 year, before I got into present job.
Presented at TEDxGrandForks in February 2015.
Keep following my journey
Education
High School
Alhambra High School
Alhambra High School
Career
Occupational Therapist
Working around individuals' strengths and weaknesses to get to where they want to be.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Medicine
Education
Helping People
Day to Day
First, I will check my patient schedule for unfamiliar patients and whether I have to do a patient evaluation. I will briefly read charts of unfamiliar patients and check out whether the patient has physical therapy treatment on the day. Then, I will prioritize my day with evaluations first, then short term care patients, then long term care patients. Before end of day, I will note what patients did and complete necessary documentations due that day.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for professionals
Make sure you take the GRE and if you took it, make sure it is within the time period of what the Occupational Therapy program requires. Also, make sure you complete your prerequisite courses that the programs you apply for requires. Next, make sure you find a pediatrics clinic, hospital, convalescent home, or school district where you can get your required volunteer hours. Finally, make sure you have people who can write recommendation letters for you handy.
Recommended Education
My career is related to what I studied. I'd recommend the path I took:
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Parents:
"You are in OT school of all places. How in the world do you think you are autistic?"
Challenges I Overcame
First-Generation Immigrant
Personal Doubts
Learning Issues
