Join us in celebrating Occupational Therapy Month by highlighting the incredible contributions of occupational therapists across Ontario and Canada, with our special shout-out to all those OTs who have participated in the ECHO Paediatrics continuing medical education program. Discover inspiring quotes and profiles that showcase their dedication to enhancing pediatric care and improving the lives of children and families.
Celebrating Occupational Therapy Month at ECHO Paediatrics
Sarah Ohana
Occupational Therapist, Department of Rehabilitation Services, The Hospital for Sick Children
How does Occupational Therapy play a crucial role within the interprofessional teams for chronic pain?
The chronic pain team at SickKids is comprised of highly skilled and caring clinicians. Occupational therapists add a unique complement to the interprofessional team approach by addressing both mental and physical health. This holistic approach is crucial in supporting patients’ engagement in meaningful activities or ‘occupations.’ Occupational therapists support youth with chronic pain to build skills to return to school, maintain routines (e.g. sleep), participate in activities of daily living (e.g. eating), and return to hobbies. These domains are the cornerstones to provide youth with chronic pain opportunities of mastery and to gain agency in their lives.
What message would you like to share with the community about the value of occupational therapy?
Occupational therapy is a necessary and essential profession on healthcare teams. The healthcare needs of our patients are evolving and occupational therapists offer practical, creative solutions to day-to-day challenges. I am so proud to be an occupational therapist and I am confident that occupational therapists will continue to make meaningful contributions to enhance patients’ well-being.
What inspired you to pursue a career in occupational therapy and what continues to drive your passion the field ?
I was initially drawn to the field of occupational therapy because of the variety of populations and settings occupational therapists work in. I was particularly interested in exploring the intersection of physical and mental health as an occupational therapist. When I approach patient wellbeing in this way, I am able to provide quality care beyond the status quo to my patients. The field is constantly growing and evolving as we gain understanding of the mind- body connection, and I am passionate about participating in professional development opportunities to foster my understanding and application of these concepts to patient care.
Sherna Marcus and Carly Mutch
Occupational Therapists, Department of Rehabilitation Services, The Hospital for Sick Children
How does Occupational Therapy play a crucial role within the interprofessional teams for complex care?
OTs work with families and children to assist children to function as best as they can in their activities of daily living. For example, in complex care, OTs work with in collaboration with the interprofessional team and with families to help children establish oral feeding that is safe and enjoyable.
ECHO Sessions highlighting Occupational Therapy in Chronic Pain Management
- Watch the ECHO Paediatric Chronic Pain Session | OT for Pediatric Pain – Erin Lawson, OT
ECHO Sessions highlighting Occupational Therapy in Complex Care
- Watch the ECHO Paediatric Complex Care Session | The Management of Oral Feeding in Children with Medical Complexity from an OT perspective – Carly Mutch and Sherna Marcus, OTs