Skylar Warmund, OTD, OTR/L, CSRS serves as an instructor and admissions coordinator for MUSC’s residential Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program, helping future occupational therapists navigate the same path she once pursued as a student.
Her journey at MUSC has come full circle—from earning a Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) degree to returning as a student in the Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate (PPOTD) program and ultimately stepping into an academic leadership role.
In this Q&A, Warmund reflects on the experiences that ultimately led her into a full-time faculty role within the institution that helped shape her career.
Can you briefly share your path from MUSC MOT student to Post-Professional OTD student, and what motivated you to pursue the PPOTD program?
After graduating from the MUSC MOT program, I spent a few years away from Charleston but always knew I wanted to return and give back to the institution that gave me so much. Once I began my new role at MUSC Health, Dr. Cristina Smith and Dr. Amanda Giles invited me to guest lecture and later serve as an adjunct in their courses, where I discovered my passion for educating future OTs.
Those experiences led me to pursue my PPOTD, and given the extraordinary mentorship I experienced as an MOT student, MUSC was the only place I wanted to continue my training.
In what ways did the PPOTD program help you grow clinically, as a leader, or as an educator?
The PPOTD program connected me with exceptional faculty, clinician leaders, and classmates who challenged me to think critically and grow beyond my current practice. Through collaboration, scholarship, and exposure to diverse perspectives, the program broadened my scope and strengthened my confidence as an emerging educator.
Was there a specific course, faculty interaction, or experience that was especially influential in shaping your journey?
Every course and faculty member has played a meaningful role in my journey. As an MOT student, Dr. Smith served as my advisor and was instrumental in building my confidence, and Dr. Giles profoundly shaped my growth as an educator. She recognized my potential early on and has remained a consistent mentor throughout my PPOTD experience and transition into faculty. All MUSC faculty are deeply invested in their students and continue to support and shape my journey even now as I work alongside them.
How has your PPOTD education influenced your current role?
My PPOTD education prepared me to step into my dream role as a full time faculty member in MUSC’s residential OTD program. It opened doors to scholarship, national presentations, student mentorship, and my current role as admissions coordinator, where I help inspire future occupational therapy students.
What excites you most about working with and mentoring OTD students?
I love inspiring future occupational therapists and witnessing their “aha” moments. Every student has a unique story and reason for entering this profession, and it is incredibly meaningful to watch them grow into confident clinicians ready to make an impact on their patients and the field.
Looking back, what would you say to someone who is considering the PPOTD program?
Just do it! You will grow in ways you never expected, be challenged and inspired, and leave prepared to make a profound impact. It is a rare and special opportunity that I would encourage anyone to embrace.
Looking to advance as a clinician, explore leadership opportunities, or prepare for a future in academia?
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