Meet your CAOT-BC Advisory Committee: Inderneet Mann

Background

I still remember the day when my grandmother was discharged from the hospital after her hip surgery.  I helped my father put a raised toilet seat and a long handled reacher into the truck of his car.  I saw that it was easy for my grandmother to maintain her surgery precautions with this equipment in place.  This was my first introduction to the field of OT.

I decided to volunteer at the local hospital to explore my interests and possible career paths.  I was asked in my interview if I would be interested in volunteering within the rehabilitation unit.  I requested a position where I would be interacting with people – the volunteer coordinator smiled and said to me – this will be a good fit for you!

At the unit, I was introduced to the concept of rehabilitation and to the professions within rehabilitation.  I was able to work with occupational therapists, physiotherapists and speech pathologists.   I was drawn to rehab where I was introduced to the concept of using exercises and activities for treatment.  

The OT in charge was very friendly and she took time to highlight the differences between the rehab professionals.  She also explained the scope of practice of an OT, which helped inspire me. 

One day while setting up for an exercise class, I noticed a leg lifter.  At that time I called it a stick with a loop at the end.  I asked an OT about it and she took me to the equipment room.  There were wheelchairs, walkers, build up cutlery, tons of foam, and plastic moulds, which I later realized were splints.

 During my volunteer experience, my interest in the field of OT continued to grow and lead me to apply to the OT program at Queens’s University.  At Queen’s I was molded to become the OT I am today by experienced and inspirational individuals.

Professional Background
When I graduated, I practiced in different healthcare settings within the OT profession.

I worked in emergency, acute care, orthopedics, rehab units and with the elderly in complex care facilities.  I also worked with people who sustained brain injuries within the community.  Over the years, I had the opportunity to work in both public and private sectors.

My passion lies to help others achieve balance within their lives.  I strive to ensure my clients take care of themselves, while they achieve a balance with their work and personal life.  Working within the community has given me an opportunity to utilize my diverse skill set.   I am able to meet incredible people, formulate unique treatment plans and make a large impact in people’s lives.  As a result, I founded Complete Rehab Solutions with the slogan “Balancing Life”.  Complete Rehab provides a broad range of rehab services for clients, employers and insurers.  We specialize in occupational therapy services, ergonomic assessments, and case management services while communicating fluently in multiple languages.

Personal Interests
When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I love to participate in activities that maintain and enhance health and fitness.

I regularly do yoga for staying grounded and in pursuit of balance in my own life. It helps to calm me down, improve my flexibility, balance and coordination. I enjoy swimming for total body workout and I also exercise at the gym.   

I am a longstanding aficionado of Classical Indian music. I read, write, and play classical music on several different instruments, and I sing vocals as well. From a very early age, I have been drawn to music and its everlasting effects.  As an adult, I have worked towards obtaining my senior diploma in Classical Indian music.

CAOT-BC Advisory Committee

I currently serve on the BC Committee of the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists.  My personal objectives in this role are to:

·         build bridges of active mutual support between and among front-line therapists in BC and the CAOT;

·         enhance the public profile of the OT profession in Canada; and
·         help my colleagues overcome the challenges of everyday professional practice.

I’m enthusiastic about helping the CAOT and its membership, and I encourage you to offer your input to our collective work by visiting our website.

Summary
I’m very happy with the vocation that I’ve chosen for my own career, and I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys helping people overcome adversity and realize or reclaim their full potential.  I feel privileged to share this daily experience with my colleagues and clients, and I look forward to many more years of professional fulfillment as an OT.