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Pfc. Corey Garmon (left), a soldier wounded in Afghanistan, visited a class of occupational therapy students in the College of Public Health and Health Professions with occupational therapist Capt. Erik Johnson to talk about the Wounded Warrior Project.

Corey Garmon may be from Alabama, but he loves the Gators.

Garmon, a U.S. Army calvary scout, was decked out in orange-and-blue when he and Capt. Erik Johnson, an occupational therapist, visited UF occupational therapy students in the College of Public Health and Health Professions in October to speak about the Wounded Warrior Project. The Wounded Warrior Project provides services and programs to severely injured members of the armed forces.

Garmon, 24, was injured on July 11 in Afghanistan when an improvised explosive device, or IED, exploded. His left leg was immediately amputated below the knee, and he later decided to have his right leg amputated, too. His left hand also was damaged.

After the IED exploded, Garmon’s fellow soldiers used Gator football as a way to keep Garmon awake and distracted from his injury.

“He just kept asking me about Florida football because the season hadn’t started yet,” Garmon said. “It took 58 minutes for the chopper to arrive.”

Johnson and Garmon visited the class to speak to students about learning opportunities the Wounded Warrior Project provides and the role of occupational therapy in the military. Johnson told students about his experience helping injured veterans adjust to life with prosthetics.

The occupational therapy students wore orange and blue clothing to honor Garmon’s love for the Gators.

The presentation was followed by a Q-and-A session with Garmon and Johnson.

When asked about his future career plans, Garmon said he would like to become an occupational therapist. His top pick for grad school is UF, of course.

By Mina Radman, first published in The Post

Trained occupational therapy students will lead drivers through a 12-point checklist with their vehicles, recommend personal vehicle adjustments and adaptations, and offer community resources and activities that could make personal vehicles “fit” better or enhance drivers’ safety. An occupational therapist will be on hand to provide information on how to maintain and strengthen driving health.

Participants are asked to call Angela Black at 352-273-6136 to schedule a free CarFit appointment. All ages are welcome.

Supporting sponsorship of CarFit is provided by the UF department of occupational therapy at the College of Public Health and Health Professions. National sponsors include the American Society on Aging, AAA, AARP and the American Occupational Therapy Association.

By Jill Pease

Upon arrival to the reception, please pick up your name card for the announcer, so that you can be recognized by name for your achievements as you walk across the stage.

University Commencement

Please view the university website for additional information.

Commencement website: http://www.registrar.ufl.edu/commencement/
A Graduation Checklist may be found on that site.

Ordering Regalia

The deadline for ordering academic regalia is Friday, October 26, 2012. Information on ordering regalia is available from the UF Bookstore (392-0194) or the bookstore website: http://www.bsd.ufl.edu/G1C/bookstore/graduation.asp

Masters Commencement Ceremony

Saturday, December 15, 10:00 a.m. All candidates must assemble at 8:30 AM at Stephen C. O’Connell Center. The Processional begins at 9:30 AM.

Job postings

Begin your job search here: https://secure.phhp.ufl.edu/ot/resources/jobs.php. Check our department website often as there are new postings every day!

Certification Exam and Licensure

Review your Blue Folder for important information. A letter confirming your completion of the program will be automatically mailed to the State of Florida MQA after we receive your evaluation from your final internship. If you are applying for licensure in a different state please e-mail or mail the required verification documents to mjodom@phhp.ufl.edu.

Medical Errors Course

A medical errors is required for Florida licensure. The Role of Occupational Therapy in Patient Safety and Medical Error Reduction is approved to meet this requirement and is available on line via UF Department of OT at http://ceu.phhp.ufl.edu/. The cost is $25 and you may pay with a credit card. A certificate of completion will be emailed to you as a PDF at the email address you provide on the course website.  If you have questions about this continuing education course e-mail Ms. Emily Pugh at epugh@phhp.ufl.edu or call 352-273-6096.

Congratulations! We are looking forward to seeing you and your family at the MOT Graduation Reception/Awards Ceremony.