Developing Professional Behaviors

This timely book provides a focused approach for developing a challenging yet vital and necessary area for professional success in health care practitioners -- the development of professional behaviors. It addresses the essential elements that are necessary to perform professionally in society, such as dependability, professional presentation, initiative, empathy, and cooperation. These behaviors are developed through the recognition of skills, practice, experience, role mentorship, and evaluative feedback.The issues of professional behavior are directed specifically toward the health care professional. Emphasizing the importance of these behaviors in students can only help to strengthen them for professional roles. This book utilizes case vignettes, structured learning activities and exercises, and self-reflection and evaluation techniques. It helps to define what professionalism means, and presents strategies to enhance its development. Features Professional Development Assessment. Case Vignettes, Activities, and Exercises. Structured Activities for Professional Behaviors.

Jack Kasar is the founding chairman of the Department of Occupational Therapy at the University of Scranton. He received a B.A. in Psychology from West Chester University, a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from the Medical College of Virginia-Virginia Commonwealth University, and a Doctorate of Philosophy from the University of Pennsylvania.   

Dr. Kasar has been involved in the field of Occupational Therapy for over 25 years. He was an officer in the U.S. Navy Medical Service Corps, and has held several clinical positions, including Director of Occupational Therapy Services at White Haven Center.   

From the past 15 years, Dr. Kasar has worked in the area of Occupational Therapy education and has held the positions of Program Director and Clinical Education Coordinator. He has taught course work in Human Development, Occupational Therapy Theory, Kinesiology, Neuroanatomy, and Occupational Therapy Practice courses in Developmental Disabilities and in Physical Rehabilitation.    

Dr. Kasar is a member of the American Occupational Therapy Association, World Federation of Occupational Therapists, the Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association, and Sensory Integration International. His research interests include: curriculum development, sensory integration and neurological approaches, functional assessments, and in particular, the development of professional behaviors.   

Nelson Clark began his professional career in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam Conflict as an administrative, personnel, and recruiter technician. He completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Therapy at the University of Missouri, and following graduation accepted a commission as an officer in the U.S. Navy Medical Service Corps.   

Nelson served as a staff occupational therapist and department head in many areas, including psychiatry, hand therapy, orthotics, and special needs children. He received a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of San Jose. He eventually attained the position of Specialty Section Advisor for Occupational Therapy to the Naval Surgeon General.  

Following retirement from the military, Nelson entered academics and was Program Director of the Associate Degree program for Occupational Therapy Assistants at Mount Aloysius College for 7 years. During this time, he served for 4 years as a Division Director for Allied Health.   

Nelson has authored and edited a number of books, journal articles, and manuals. As an inventor, he has been awarded two patents for products that are being marketed successfully. He received the Maddock Award twice for his contributions to the profession of Occupational Therapy. Nelson is currently in private practice as a counselor, and is planning to operate and manage his own business, a small golf course, which is scheduled to open in the Spring of 2000.