My multiple sclerosis diagnosis sharpened my purpose as an occupational therapist

I started the University of Florida occupational therapy program with the goal of helping others reclaim their lives. I envisioned supporting patients through their hardest moments — restoring function, confidence and independence through evidence-based intervention. I did not realize then that my greatest clinical insight would come not from a textbook but from my own nervous system.

In 2023, while in the midst of my doctoral training, I began experiencing neurological symptoms that led to a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, or MS. Navigating that experience alongside my clinical training reshaped how I understand both health care and the role of occupational therapy in daily life.

As a first-generation American and college student, I found myself navigating a complex health care labyrinth without a roadmap. While my family cared deeply, there was a profound cultural and informational gap in understanding how to support a chronic neurological condition. 

At the same time, I felt a strong responsibility to keep up with the demands of my rigorous coursework. This experience opened my eyes to the reality of health care access and disparity. Even with a health care background, I found it challenging to navigate systems, manage appointments and advocate for myself effectively.

However, this experience deepened my insight into the barriers many individuals face.

I found my way through this unfamiliar and uncertain time with the support of the Department of Occupational Therapy in the College of Public Health & Health Professions. This support not only sustained me as a student but also shaped the kind of clinician I aspire to be: one who advocates, guides and empowers others through similarly challenging moments. 

I am especially grateful to Dr. Hongwu Wang, Dr. Consuelo Kreider and Dr. Sanaz Darcy, who championed my transition back to school and supported me throughout this journey. Being named a Laura Joe Artale Scholar further connected me with individuals who, despite facing significant challenges, continue to demonstrate resilience and purpose. Even when I felt overwhelmed, I was never alone, because I was surrounded by a community that refused to let me fall.

In the classroom, I was learning how to be a clinician; outside of it, I was learning how to survive the system. I learned to interpret insurance coverage, manage appointments and adapt to routines in real time. I began tracking symptoms, modifying daily habits and incorporating adaptive strategies into my routines. In many ways, I was applying occupational therapy principles functionally in my own life before I ever applied them to a patient.

Through these adjustments, I recognized the immense impact of energy conservation on quality of life. While fatigue is the most disabling symptom of MS, adaptive equipment is often underutilized or addressed only as a secondary thought. In response, I developed Conserve & Conquer, an occupational therapy-led virtual fatigue management program that integrates evidence-based education with structured adaptive equipment training.

In partnership with MS Focus: The Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, and executive directors Kasey Minnis and Natalie Blake, I collaborated with over 40 neurologists to shape the curriculum. Today, Conserve & Conquer is copyrighted through UF Innovate and is evolving into a nonprofit initiative. Most importantly, it is a program built so that no one living with MS has to face symptom management alone.

Grounded in established theoretical frameworks, the program was designed to be evidence-based and directly applicable to daily life. A pilot cohort of participants helped shape a model that is both practical and responsive to everyday challenges. Preliminary implementation demonstrated strong engagement and meaningful improvements in fatigue-related participation. This work strengthened my perspective as a clinician. 

Since graduating in December 2025 with my Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree, my work has shifted from the classroom to the national stage. As an adaptive equipment education consultant for the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation and a contributor to MS Focus Magazine, I am redefining the “gold standard” for occupational therapy MS support. I was also recently selected for a competitive award to attend the CMSC Annual Meeting in late May, where I will join the MS Mentorship Forum to engage with the very leaders who are shaping the future of MS care.

I began this journey wanting to support others in reclaiming their lives. Through MS, I learned that reclaiming a life isn’t just about “restoring function.” It’s about fierce advocacy, systemic change and creating tools that empower people to conquer their daily lives. My diagnosis did not redefine my path, it gave me the clarity to lead it.

Samia Alamgir graduated from UF in December 2025 with a Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree. She is now dedicated to becoming a multiple sclerosis specialist and consultant, expanding the reach of rehabilitative technology and fatigue management for the chronic illness community. For more information on her Conserve & Conquer initiative, click here.