cOnnecT with Sarah Slocombe

An interview with CAOT-BC Service Coordinator, Sarah Slocombe, OT

Why did you choose OT as a career?

I completed my undergrad in psychology in 2010, and I was planning on pursuing a career in dietetics. I knew that I wanted to work in healthcare, but I wanted to do something that allowed for a holistic view of health and well-being. While waitlisted for the pre-requisites for dietetics I volunteered with an OT in Richmond working in community mental health. I worked with her to plan and implement a skills group for adults in the community. It was the best part of my week.  At the end of my time there, the OT running the group told me that she knew I was set on dietetics, but that I would make a really great OT. I met with her a couple more times to learn more about the profession and did some job shadowing. The more I learned about OT the more excited I got about the profession – it seemed like it was created just for me! I applied for the program that fall and was accepted to UBC.

What do you like about working for CAOT-BC?

I was a fieldwork student with CAOT-BC for my final placement, and I loved it. I felt almost more immersed in occupational therapy than I did in my clinical placements because it helped me see the profession from a broader view. Working for the professional association gives me the opportunity to directly influence the issues affecting occupational therapy in BC and Canada, which is so exciting. I love feeling like my work is supporting all the occupational therapists in this province to do the amazing things they do. Plus, the flexibility of my job also lets me work two days a week at VGH, so I can continue to build my clinical skills.

Tell me about some people who have influenced your OT practice?

Denise Kendrick was my preceptor at the MS Clinic. She is so skilled as both an occupational therapist and teacher/mentor. She has an amazing ability to very clearly articulate her message, whether it’s providing resources or education to a patient, providing feedback to a student, or communicating her clinical recommendations to colleagues. She can handle almost any situation with tact and professionalism. I learned so much from working with her.

Giovanna Boniface, being both my past preceptor and current supervisor, is another occupational therapist who continues to influence my practice. Her passion for the profession of occupational therapy is inspiring. I feel lucky to work with someone who is so knowledgeable!

What would you tell someone who is thinking about becoming an OT?

Get as much exposure to the profession as you can. When I was first thinking about pursuing OT I found it hard to get a good grasp on what it is that occupational therapists do. We work in so many different areas and it can be challenging to fully understand the profession without some direct experience. Volunteering with an OT or participating in a job shadow are great ways of learning more about the OT role. If it seems like a good fit, go for it! Working as an occupational therapist is so rewarding and the career opportunities really are endless!

What do you do when you are not working or volunteering?

I really enjoy being active. I run the sea wall, I do kickboxing classes, barre fitness classes and I love going for walks and exploring Vancouver – especially in the summer. And it’s a good thing I’m so active because I also love cooking! I enjoy making up new recipes and visiting Granville Island to find fresh and interesting ingredients.

What surprised you most about working as an OT?

How varied the profession of occupational therapy is. Once you have that OT lens, you see a role for occupational therapists everywhere. Our skill set and knowledge base is applicable to so many different settings and populations. I think the challenge is communicating this to those outside of our profession and helping policy makers and employers understand how almost anyone can benefit from OT services.

By Nicole Matichuk, fieldwork student with CAOT-BC