Skip to main content

Part of UT Health San Antonio

School of Health Professions, UT Health Science Center San AntonioSchool of Health Professions, UT Health Science Center San Antonio

Part of UT Health San Antonio

Give
Search

Quicklinks

School of Health Professions logo

Logins

  • LiveMail
  • Canvas

Schedule/Calendar/Catalog

  • Class Schedule
  • Catalog
  • Academic Calendars

Health/Wellness

  • Student Health Center
  • Needlestick Guidelines
  • Needlestick Incident Report
  • Insurance
  • Counseling Services

Technology

  • Service Desk
  • Password Reset
  • TechZone (Computer Store)

Other

  • Student Directory

 Close Quicklinks

Menu
  • Home
  • About
  • Programs
  • Admissions
  • Tuition and Financial Aid
  • Research
  • Student Life
  • Alumni

You are here

  • School of Health Professions News
  • OT student is TOTA student representative and Presidential Ambassador Scholar

OT student is TOTA student representative and Presidential Ambassador Scholar

Time & Date

Tuesday, March 24, 2020


By Kate Hunger 

Occupational therapy first-year student Jennifer Sanchez decided she wanted to become an occupational therapist after her older brother suffered a spinal cord injury in a car accident. She was 13 years old. 

After the accident, her brother had limited function in one of his arms. Occupational therapy services helped him make huge progress and made a big impression on Sanchez.

“He went from being completely immobile to regaining almost everything—his dexterity, strength, and mobility,” she said. “It was an unparalleled experience. I was able to see how client-centered this profession is and just how the quality of life changed for my bother, for me and for my family. I wanted to have a career that allowed me to do that.”

Sanchez hopes to bring her passion for occupational therapy to her new role as the student representative for the Texas Occupational Therapy Association (TOTA). In her role, she will serve as a student liaison to the more than 1,000 student members of TOTA, with the goal of serving as a bridge between practicing clinicians and students as they prepare to become first-year clinicians.

The OT program has helped Sanchez discover her passion for patient advocacy to address healthcare disparities. After practicing as an occupational therapist, she said she plans to go to law school in order to advocate for patients in the legal system.
 
Sanchez also was recently selected as the 2020 Presidential Ambassador Scholar representing the School of Health Professions. Each year, one student from each school within UT Health San Antonio is selected for the award, which includes a $5,000 scholarship and the opportunity for scholars to represent their schools at presidential events and during visits by distinguished guests.  


Share this news item
Jennifer
Map image of UT Health San Antonio location

UT Health San Antonio
School of Health Professions

7703 Floyd Curl Drive
San Antonio, TX 78229
Contact Us
Admissions: 210-567-6220

1-866-802-6288

Connect with us

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Maps & directions
We make lives better ®

The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, also called UT Health San Antonio, is a leading academic health center with a mission to make lives better through excellence in advanced academics, life-saving research and comprehensive clinical care including health, dental and cancer services.

Web Privacy | Links from websites affiliated with UT Health's website (uthscsa.edu) to other websites do not constitute or imply university endorsement of those sites, their content, or products and services associated with those sites. The content on this website is intended to be used for informational purposes only. Health information on this site is not meant to be used to diagnose or treat conditions. Consult a health care provider if you are in need of treatment.