Robert K. Bing Occupational Therapy Scholars Program

The Robert K. Bing Occupational Therapy Scholars Program is to promote a scholarship to help ease the financial burden of professional education for occupational therapy students who demonstrate potential for leadership in the field. It is to honor the founder and first dean of the School of Health Professions at UTMB, Dr. Robert K. Bing, who was a nationally acclaimed occupational therapist and educator. It is to attract dedicated students who strengthen the occupational therapy program at the School of Health Professions on their way to becoming competent, contribution practitioners. It is also to encourage students to emulate Dr. Bing’s high standards of scholarship, integrity, professional competence and compassion.

To be eligible to receive this scholarship, you must meet the following criteria:
• First year occupational therapy student.
• Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 while at the School of Health Professions.
• Have no period of academic or nonacademic probation during enrollment in the School of Health Professions.
• Must document membership of the Texas Occupational Therapy Association and the American Occupational Therapy Association.

To apply, you must submit the following:
• CV with leadership and community service included.
• Proposal for a scholarly project (e.g., service project, outreach activities or educational activities) on a topic pertinent to occupational therapy, with a budget for the project if appropriate (please do not submit proposals needing IRB approval) that will be presented during
your senior year.
• Narrative statement that responds to the following topics (no more than 800 words, double-spaced, 12 pt. font)
o Describe your past involvement in service and leadership roles (during and/or prior to enrollment at UTMB).
o Discuss the impact these roles have had on your occupational therapy education and your future plans.
o Describe your future plans in the field of occupational therapy (e.g., specialized field of occupational therapy, rural practice, further formal study, teaching, research).
• Three (3) letters of recommendation from professionals who can speak to the your high standards of service, leadership activities and professionalism. Letters may be written by OT faculty, clinical supervisors, employers or classmates.