UB alum Gayle Schutrum reflects on lifelong learning, meaningful work, and empowering the next generation of healthcare professionals.
By Sristhi Bhatia
At the University at Buffalo’s Career Design Center, we’re excited to introduce Industry Insights: Employer Spotlights from the Field. It is a new blog series developed by our Employer Engagement Team to highlight real-world perspectives from professionals across the office’s Career Communities. As the Graduate Assistant supporting this initiative, I’ve had the opportunity to connect directly with employers, conduct interviews, and help shape each feature to offer you insight into emerging trends, career journeys, and the skills that matter most in today’s workforce.
As part of the series we have connected with our partners in the Healthcare, Public Health, Life & Lab Sciences career community this week! In this first spotlight, I spoke with proud UB alum Gayle Schutrum, co-founder of Associated Physical & Occupational Therapists (A.P.O.T.), a standout organization known for its innovative programming and deep commitment to community health.
Through this Q&A, we gained insight into the career journey of a seasoned healthcare professional, explored the essential skills needed for success in this evolving field, and learned how A.P.O.T. continues to support both their therapists and the public in meaningful ways.
(Gayle on her commencement day)
Gayle reflects on her professional journey, shares advice for aspiring healthcare professionals, and discusses how A.P.O.T. continues to grow while making a difference in the community.
Sristhi (SB): What inspired your career path as you navigated options?
Gayle (GS): From the beginning I have been inspired by a desire to learn and grow as a professional. This led me to choose options that provided opportunities for varied experiences, especially in settings that were exceptional.
SB: What early challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them, helping you evolve in this field?
GS: I faced the typical early challenges of being new and having a lot to learn. What helped me in evolving in this field was being a lifelong learner. Learning in a variety of ways, such as through observation of colleagues, asking questions, self-reflection, and attending webinars and conferences, building competence and confidence.
SB: What are the essential skills for success in healthcare and life sciences?
GS: I have found that having the ability to problem-solve, communicate and build rapport with patients and co-workers, and to be adaptable are important skills to be successful in this field. These are all abilities that can be developed and improved over time.
SB: How do you keep updated on the latest research and technological advances in your field, and which emerging trends do you believe will transform healthcare in the next five years?
GS: Keeping updated with advances and research is remarkably easy by attending webinars. World-renowned experts and speakers are accessible to everyone. Undoubtedly advances in AI will transform all aspects of our lives in the next 5 years, including healthcare.
SB: Which internships, certifications, or volunteer experiences do you value most in potential hires?
GS: Internships and volunteer experiences that are translatable to the job role that the potential hire is applying for are very valuable. This is especially so for new grads who may not have a long work history. I am always impressed by new grads who maintain work or volunteer positions while attending college. It demonstrates a strong work ethic, effective time-management skills, and competence if the position is held consistently for an extensive amount of time.
SB: Being a UB Alum yourself, what advice would you give current students to best leverage their academic experience for a career in healthcare?
GS: I would say that I would advise students that what they learn at UB is the foundation for what comes next. Not only in terms of learning important information, but also by developing work habits, resilience, and interpersonal skills.
SB: How does your organization differentiate itself from other organizations and companies in this field while making sure it continues to contribute to improving public health outcomes?
GS: Associated Physical & Occupational Therapists has built a strong system for the professional support and development of the therapists in our group. Through mentoring, an accessible management team, numerous continuing education events, teaming of therapists and staff development therapists are provided with important elements to be successful. We are also committed to contributing to improving public health outcomes by providing programs to the community such as kindergarten readiness groups and summer programming for children with community partners.
SB: On a lighter note, what keeps you going every day in your current role & industry?
GS: I know that it is cliche, but what keeps me going, and has from the beginning, is the desire to make a difference. I am very grateful to have chosen a field that has given me the opportunity to truly make a difference. Occupational therapy has been a great career choice.
We’re grateful to Gayle Schutrum and the team at Associated Physical & Occupational Therapists, PLLC for sharing insights and experience with us. From emphasizing the importance of adaptability and mentorship to highlighting the value of meaningful service, Gayle’s reflections offer valuable guidance to anyone preparing for a career in healthcare. For UB students aspiring to enter the field, there’s a lot to take away, especially the importance of self-reflection, resilience, and a lifelong commitment to learning
Stop by and visit the A.P.O.T. team at the Rehabilitation Sciences Career Fair on October 17, 2025.
