Author: IADMS Student Committee 

Student representative Jill Descoteaux tells us a bit about herself and her role in IADMS. Jill was previously a member of the IADMS student committee and is currently a doctoral candidate in the Interdisciplinary Program at Ohio University, combining professional counseling with athletic training. 

How did you first get interested in dance science/medicine?
I was in the process of changing majors from Health Promotion to Athletic Training as an undergraduate student when I started to become more active in observing, learning, and practicing dance. Combining these two areas seemed very practical to me, so as a student I found creative ways to supplement my athletic training education with more opportunities in clinical practice with performing artists such as shadowing a dance-specific physician in Boston and providing supervised care for a dance team at the private high school where I was placed for my clinical rotation. 

Can you tell us a bit about your role in IADMS?
While I am still learning what my role is, I am representing the student voice on the board of directors. Because a certain percentage of the membership is made up of students, my elected position is to give that percentage of the membership representation when discussing the direction of IADMS and expressing the needs of that membership. 

What are you looking forward to in your role as student representative?
So far, I am really enjoying getting to know the other professionals who make up the board. These are people who have dedicated a lot to the field, and working alongside them is an honor. Second, I really look forward to addressing the needs of the students and bringing those needs and concerns to the board and finding ways to guide the organization to better serve that membership. Ideally creating opportunities and efficient means of connecting students to each other and other professionals is what I want to encourage over the next two years. 

Are you currently participating in research? Can you give us your elevator pitch about your research area?
I am in the depths of my dissertation at the moment! In a nutshell, I am comparing the lived experiences of dancers in Australia to the experiences of dancers in America in terms of their relationship with health care. I am interested in access, communication, satisfaction, and knowledge under this umbrella. My data comes from in-person, in-depth interviews that I’ve just finished conducting this past August in Sydney. 

In which ways has IADMS helped you grow in your field of study?
I would say IADMS has motivated and validated my career path of choice. Through meeting other members and being inspired by their local dancer-care services and structure, I feel that the work that I do fits into something greater and even crosses national borders. Feeling a part of that international community is really wonderful when in New Hampshire, I don’t have that community per se. Just as one example, I used IADMS to find Dr. Claire Hiller who is serving as the dance-specialist on my dissertation committee and without her help, my three months in Sydney may have been impossible. This relationship was formed through another connection that I made through the IADMS membership directory.