Connect with Nima Nassouti

Nima Nassouti- University of Alberta student representative, CAOT-BC Advisory Committee (2015-2016)

Why did you choose OT as a career?

As far back as I could remember, I always imagined myself working within a healthcare team. Being interested in medicine, I studied Biomedical Physiology in Simon Fraser University, British Columbia. While finishing up my degree, I had a personal experience with injury and rehabilitation, which provided me with a lifelong personal investment in my career objective. My mother was a victim of a dangerous motor vehicle accident, where she suffered severe injuries to her lower body, developed high levels of anxiety, and often confessed feeling isolated and helpless.  During her recovery, she was regularly seen by an occupational therapist, who proved to be indispensable in helping her overcome the physical and emotional barriers she faced.  Seeing my mother recover from her life-altering injuries to full independence continues to be my inspiration as I seek to help others recover from similar challenges.

What is your personal philosophy about volunteering and giving back to the profession?

Giving back to the community has always been very important to me. The inner reward of being able to help others is completing gratifying, especially knowing that I have made a difference in someone’s life. I am a firm believer in the golden rule: “Treat others, as you would like to be treated,”--- with benevolence, compassion, and respect. I relish diversity, which has truly enriched my life. My academic and professional life has enabled me to interact with others from various backgrounds, and to mobilize and respect our differences. It is differences that make life so interesting and rewarding for me.

What do you like about OT?

Its holistic lens! Occupational therapy is unique in a way that its primary mission is to improve the quality of life rather than merely increasing its longevity. Us OTs address not only the physical needs of patients, but their psychological and social needs as well; thereby offering holistic care to our patients. During my first placement at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital in Edmonton, I experienced what it meant to spend time with patients, listen to their perspectives, validate their emotions and connect with them in a way that would best help them.

What has been your most interesting job?

During my undergrad, I became involved with the Big Brothers program of Greater Vancouver, where I spent four hours weekly with a 12-year old boy with cerebral palsy who also suffered from depression. Because of his disability, he faced many social barriers, which severely impacted his self-esteem and motivation. Over the course of two years, I attempted to shift his attention from his limitations to his unique capacities, while helping him accept his condition as one aspect of who he is. It was gratifying to see him progress and build confidence to forge meaningful relationships with others.