Outstanding OT of the Year 2021 Interview
Why
did you choose occupational therapy as a career?
When I was accepted into UBC’s combined OT/PT Rehab Medicine program - way back in the day - physio was my sole focus. Then came my first occupational therapy placement, with Cara Shorter at the old Shaughnessy Hospital. Watching her work over the weeks of the placement, my eyes were opened to occupational therapy’s unique combination of practicality, creativity, and therapeutic action. I feel very fortunate to have been able to choose occupational therapy as a career.
What
is your favourite thing about CAOT-BC?
CAOT-BC is providing a place and opportunities for OTs to build community amongst ourselves, such as with these Connect articles, which are an honouring of the experience of being an OT.
Where
have you worked over your career? Where do you work now?
My OT career started in 1986 with the Arthritis Program at G.F. Strong, then I travelled, and worked in a progressive psychogeriatric program in London. When I came back to Canada I joined what was then a new, collaborative and fast-paced program in Victoria called the Quick Response Team. In 1992, Ts’ewulhtun Health for Cowichan Tribes hired me to start an Elders Program, which most wonderfully grew in response to what the Elders said they needed and wanted. Since then I’ve worked directly for coastal First Nations, with a variety of community-based focuses.
What
has been your most interesting job?
A Spaniard once told me his favourite olive was ‘the one in my hand in the moment’ - I love that because it’s how I feel about OT work. These days I’m blessed with three places of very engaging and fulfilling work: for Kitasoo Xai’Xais Health in Klemtu, for Wuikinuxv Health in Wuikinuxv/Rivers Inlet, and with Community Health in Duncan. I wish I could share with you here the many cultural health programs I have been privileged to participate in and support.
A contract I particularly relished was to assess the living situation of all Nunavummiut in Nunavut-funded care outside the territory, with the summary report contributing to the expansion of community-based care in Nunavut. The travel included 5 provinces and 2 territories and provided a snapshot of the variability of provincial/territorial health services across our country; it became apparent what a deeply positive effect a robust provincial or territorial health service has on the well-being of citizens.
Tell us
about someone who has influenced your OT practice.
Working sole-charge for many years has intensified the meaningfulness of interactions with my colleagues. With all honesty I can say every OT I’ve interacted with professionally has influenced my practice - I’ve benefitted greatly from the openness with which experience, support, and expertise is shared amongst OTs. Here’s a big Thank You to all my colleagues!
Two non-OTs influenced my practice; Lise Haddock the first Executive Director for Lalum’utul’ Smun’eem (Child and Family Services) for Cowichan Tribes, and Heather Payne the first Health Director for Ts’ewulhtun Health. Like a thirsty desert, I drank up their skillful real-world role-modelling of active listening, conflict resolution, healthy and practical professional boundaries, and facilitation of community engagement.
Hay ch’qa Si’em to Kathy David, my mentor and partner of many years on the Elders Program. The teachings she shared profoundly influenced my personal and professional life.
What
has surprised you most about working as an OT?
I have been surprised how much I love being
an OT. What a privilege it is to do this
work with individuals and communities - I simply cannot imagine a career I
would love more.
The adventurous Cloe Whittaker, OT, is acknowledged for her kindness and generosity in submitting Carmen’s name for this award.
Carmen welcomes engagement from readers and can be reached at cgendron@island.net"
#OT365
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