Interview with Hina Mahmood, CAOT-BC Pediatric Practice Network co-chair
Why did you choose OT as a
career?
One of the primary reasons why I chose to pursue occupational therapy as a career is the importance this discipline places on making purposeful changes in peoples lives. I appreciate how OT emphasizes the mind body connection and places the ‘person’ at the center. Occupational therapy is that unique profession that values health and wellness through engagement in meaningful occupation while empowering individuals to engage and participate in their lives as independently as possible.
One of the primary reasons why I chose to pursue occupational therapy as a career is the importance this discipline places on making purposeful changes in peoples lives. I appreciate how OT emphasizes the mind body connection and places the ‘person’ at the center. Occupational therapy is that unique profession that values health and wellness through engagement in meaningful occupation while empowering individuals to engage and participate in their lives as independently as possible.
What is your favourite thing
about CAOT-BC?
As a new therapist I have found CAOT BC to be an invaluable resource, no only in terms of providing support and information but also as a beacon of advocacy – for our profession and for all BC based therapists. I appreciate the ingenuity and creative process with which CAOT-BC engages the public and works tirelessly to ensure everyone realizes the value of occupational therapy.
As a new therapist I have found CAOT BC to be an invaluable resource, no only in terms of providing support and information but also as a beacon of advocacy – for our profession and for all BC based therapists. I appreciate the ingenuity and creative process with which CAOT-BC engages the public and works tirelessly to ensure everyone realizes the value of occupational therapy.
What do you find most
challenging about working as an OT?
Having been a therapist for a year now I find that there is still so much that I need to learn. Two years of schooling is not enough for the lifetime of learning that awaits us as therapists working in the real world. I find there isn’t enough time in the day for me to get caught up on the literature or to keep up with the news surrounding our profession. I am continuing to work on finding that balance.
What has surprised you most about working as an OT?
I find that I am constantly in advocacy mode not only with my clients and their families but also with the general public. Many people are still unaware of what occupational therapy is and how OTs are making a meaningful contribution within our health care system. I find that beyond providing interventions, a large portion of our jobs as therapists is providing education. In my first year of being an OT I have had opportunities to present to parents, teachers, SEAs and even camp counsellors on the principles and benefits of OT - this is something that I intend to continue.
Having been a therapist for a year now I find that there is still so much that I need to learn. Two years of schooling is not enough for the lifetime of learning that awaits us as therapists working in the real world. I find there isn’t enough time in the day for me to get caught up on the literature or to keep up with the news surrounding our profession. I am continuing to work on finding that balance.
What has surprised you most about working as an OT?
I find that I am constantly in advocacy mode not only with my clients and their families but also with the general public. Many people are still unaware of what occupational therapy is and how OTs are making a meaningful contribution within our health care system. I find that beyond providing interventions, a large portion of our jobs as therapists is providing education. In my first year of being an OT I have had opportunities to present to parents, teachers, SEAs and even camp counsellors on the principles and benefits of OT - this is something that I intend to continue.
Tell me about someone who has
influenced your OT practice?
I have had the pleasure of learning from and working with a wonderful mentor who has been an OT for many years. She has provided me with the support and encouragement a novice therapist needs and has challenged me to deepen my understanding of OT best practice. I also find my clients influence my daily OT practice. I have the privilege of working with children and adults with special needs (Down Syndrome, Autism, CP etc.) and my interactions with them teach me how to be a better therapist everyday.
I have had the pleasure of learning from and working with a wonderful mentor who has been an OT for many years. She has provided me with the support and encouragement a novice therapist needs and has challenged me to deepen my understanding of OT best practice. I also find my clients influence my daily OT practice. I have the privilege of working with children and adults with special needs (Down Syndrome, Autism, CP etc.) and my interactions with them teach me how to be a better therapist everyday.
What would you tell someone who
is thinking about becoming an OT?
I have had many such conversations and honestly, I tell them it will be the best career decision they make. I would tell them that this profession requires someone who is willing to learn something new everyday, someone who has a sincere passion and desire for making a difference in someone’s life. Above all I would ensure they understand the vast scope of this profession and that every therapist is likely to find their own niche and specialty where they can make a significant impact.
I have had many such conversations and honestly, I tell them it will be the best career decision they make. I would tell them that this profession requires someone who is willing to learn something new everyday, someone who has a sincere passion and desire for making a difference in someone’s life. Above all I would ensure they understand the vast scope of this profession and that every therapist is likely to find their own niche and specialty where they can make a significant impact.
What do you do when you aren't working and volunteering?
One of my favourite things to do on a day off is to go for early morning walks on the seawall while listening to podcasts. The fresh air and remarkable vistas of our city are a great way for me to recharge. I love to take dance classes, work on my photography and am an avid movie and Canucks/Seahawks fan. Most of all I am grateful to have wonderful family, friends and colleagues that I love to spend time with as well.
One of my favourite things to do on a day off is to go for early morning walks on the seawall while listening to podcasts. The fresh air and remarkable vistas of our city are a great way for me to recharge. I love to take dance classes, work on my photography and am an avid movie and Canucks/Seahawks fan. Most of all I am grateful to have wonderful family, friends and colleagues that I love to spend time with as well.
#OT365
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