Advancing Equity

“I feel very strongly that, at its heart, occupational therapy is about understanding other people,” reflects Saloni Patel, ‘24. “It involves learning about different cultures, how different people see things, and what their hopes and dreams are.” At Tufts, Patel has worked with a broad array of populations, including people who are experiencing homelessness, children with disabilities, and individuals with severe physical and mental health challenges.

She is particularly proud of her capstone project where she interviewed a number of occupational therapists working in prison settings to better understand their day-to-day work and the impact they can have on clients’ lives. The OTs she interviewed described the interventions they conduct, the challenges they face, and how OTs can reduce recidivism. 

“I conducted an analysis of my interviews and it was very clear how impactful OTs can be in prison settings,” Patel says. “OTs are great at helping people to better adapt to new environments, regulate their emotions, build meaningful routines, and develop daily living skills - all things that are vital for both people in prison and people who have been recently released from prison. This work is an emerging branch of OT, so my hope is to raise awareness about the need for more OTs to work in the criminal justice system.”

Her capstone project as well as her time volunteering at a local homeless shelter has given her a passion for occupational justice, which is defined as the right of all people to participate in activities that are meaningful to them and engender a sense of well-being. “It’s about equity and making sure everyone has the opportunity to choose to live their lives in ways that make them feel healthy and fulfilled,” she says. 

Prior to attending Tufts, Patel worked as a rehabilitation aide in a San Diego hospital and earned an MBA for healthcare professionals. She studied human development at the University of California San Diego and came to Tufts with an interest in pediatrics. “I’m still really interested in pediatrics,” she reflects. “It’s one of my biggest passions, but my time at Tufts has grown my interest in so many different areas.”

In addition to her capstone and volunteer work at a homeless shelter, Patel is working in a virtual reality lab and writing a paper on VR’s ability to help people manage chronic pain. She also earned a hands and upper extremity certificate and has completed fieldwork placements at a community center for older adults, an elementary school, a middle school, and a rehabilitation hospital. Her upcoming placements are at a pediatric outpatient clinic and an orthopedic care center.

“I love OT,” she says. “Tufts provides many opportunities to explore different things and be creative. I also love my cohort - we’re such a collaborative group and all of us came to Tufts with such varied interests and backgrounds. It’s been great learning with and from them. The alumni network has also been an amazing resource for me and my advisor, Mary Barnes, has been a huge support.”

Considering what’s next after graduation, Patel feels that she has no shortage of options. She is considering working in a youth detention center and hopes to start her own business one day, envisioning a fun and dynamic recreation center serving children with disabilities. When Patel isn’t (very) busy studying, volunteering, or working, she enjoys traditional and bollywood dance, cooking, and crochet.