OT Conversations that Matter: The Podcast

InEpisode40ofOTConversations that Matter: The Podcast, host Justine Jecker dives into what it means to change occupations with guests Mary Julieth Rivera Rincon and Laura García Diaz. Having spent their early lives outside of Canada, Julieth and Laura share their experiences maneuvering different industries, embracing newfound passions, and engaging in life transitions in the “Canadian culture”. Motivations driving these pivotal shifts, such as professional advancement, personal fulfillment, and adapting to a dynamic job landscape, are highlighted in this discussion. Tune in to hear more about self-assessment strategies, skill honing, and networking essentials that have helped Julieth and Laura navigate these transitions while maintaining personal well-being. Together, they shed light on the challenges and triumphs inherent in reshaping one's personal and professional identities.

InEpisode39of OT Conversations that Matter, host Justine Jecker is joined by occupational therapistsMichèle L. HébertandNadine Larivièrefor an important discussion on suicide prevention within occupational therapy. Focusing on the new Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT) Position Statement, the conversation highlights the need to thrive and live, moving beyond the idea of survival. This podcastepisodecomes on the heals of years of advocacy and numerous publications from the Addressing Suicide in Occupational Therapy Practice Network. Its debut en franglais, marks a first for the podcast seamlessly blending English and French, a true representation of how the position statement came to be. Listeners are encouraged to tune in to explore how everyone can incorporate suicide prevention in their professional practice.

This topic that may be triggering for some individuals. If you are thinking about suicide or know someone who may be in danger themselves, we encourage you to contact 988, Canada’s Suicide Crisis Helpline. Cette conversation parlera de suicide, un sujet qui peut bouleverser. Si vous pensez au suicide ou connaissez une personne qui vous inquiète, nous vous invitons à téléphoner au 988, ligne d'aide téléphonique en cas de crise de suicide.

Resources

• Episode transcript

• CAOT Position Statement- Occupational Therapy to Prevent and Heal from Suicide (2023)
• Prise de position de l'ACE : L'ergothérapie pour prévenir le suicide et soutenir le rétablissement (2023)
• Simon Sineck’s TED Talk on Why? How? What?

Inepisode38of OT Conversations that Matter: The Podcast, host Justine Jecker explores the intersection of occupational therapy and homelessness in collaboration with occupational therapists Becky Marval and Laurence Roy. Together, they discuss the multifaceted approach to acknowledging and addressing homelessness through meaningful occupation using humanistic approaches. From evaluating self-care skills to addressing environmental barriers, OTs empower individuals to regain daily living skills and prepare for housing transitions while providing vital support for mental health challenges, substance use, and social integration. Tune in to learn more about how OTs connect clients with community resources, vocational training, and social activities, fostering belonging and paving the way for a brighter future amidst adversity.

InEpisode37of OT Conversations that Matter: The Podcast, host Justine Jecker is joined by Australian occupational therapist Bradley Williams. Together, they discuss the profound ways occupational therapy fosters meaningful engagement, drawing from eastern ways of knowing such as the Japanese concept of Ikigai which acknowledges the intersection of passion, mission, profession, and vocation. Exploring the interweaving of an occupational therapy professional's work, beliefs, values, passions, and goals, this podcast discussion invites listeners to unravel the essence of occupation and passion in a shared quest for fulfillment.

The Becoming Collective

In Episode 36 ofOTConversations that Matter: The Podcast, host Justine Jecker and occupational therapist Crystal Dieleman, explore holistic occupational therapy service provision with persons in prison and forensic mental health settings, and with clients who have a criminal record. Today, 1 in 7 adult Canadians have a criminal record, but are not in prison or forensic settings. This discussion sheds light on how societal factors influence participation in criminal occupations and emphasizes the need forOTs/OTAs to address personal and professional biases and provide equitable care to all individuals, regardless of their past experiences.

For episode 35 ofOTConversations that Matter: The Podcast, host Justine Jecker is joined by occupational therapist Skye Barbic to discuss the expansive scope of occupational therapy in mental health service delivery. Together, they unpack the profound impactOThas on wholistic well-being and the significance of meaningful occupation. Occupational therapists across Canada are tirelessly advocating for acknowledgment as essential mental healthcare providers. To better understand the current state of affairs, Skye and Justine explore the historical and contemporary perceptions surrounding occupational therapy, especially within current mental health contexts. This episode serves as a navigational compass, guiding the profession on its journey to reclaim its collective identity as mental health service providers.

In episode 34 of OT Conversations that Matter: The Podcast, host Justine Jecker explores the transformative potential of AI with occupational therapists Shelley Vaisberg and Sarah Brzeszkiewicz. From revolutionizing assessment to streamlining administrative tasks and enhancing interventions, this discussion considers the various ways AI is influencing occupational therapy practices and clinical settings. Tune in for a captivating conversation at the intersection of technology and human wellness!

In Episode 33 of OT Conversations that Matter: The Podcast, host Justine Jecker explores the reshaping of Canadian health systems with guests Dr. Ivy Bourgeault and Dr. Ivy Oandasan. Dr. Bourgeault, a Professor at the University of Ottawa, leads the Canadian Health Workforce Network and focuses on gender perspectives in health workforce research. Dr. Oandasan, a Professor at the University of Toronto, specializes in interprofessional education and family medicine. Both became co-leads of a $45.3 million federal-funded project, "Team Primary Care: Training for Transformation." As leaders in health systems transformation, their work significantly impacts occupational therapy amid nationwide discussions on reshaping and enhancing primary care teams. Visit the Team Primary Care website for more information on the nationwide initiative.

InEpisode32of OT Conversations that Matter: The Podcast, host, Justine Jecker, explores team-based leadership with guests, social worker Gayle Adams-Carpino and occupational therapist Kathryn Wise. Aligned with its strategic priorities, CAOT is dedicated to empowering OTs and OTAs to be influential leaders.The podcast dives into understanding interprofessional competencies in the context of leadershipwhilenavigating the shift towards team-based care.Together, Justine, Gayle, and Kathryn skillfully unpack the intricate nuances of team-based leadership within the dynamic landscape of healthcare. Join us to hear more about Gayle and Kathryn's experiences and insights.

In Episode 31 of OT Conversations that Matter: The Podcast, host Justine Jecker is joined byStefanie Matos and Husna Harmi, twointernationally educated occupational therapists (IEOTs).Stefanie and Husna openly share their unique international journeys, shedding light on the various joys and challenges encountered while studying and working abroad.They also explore thehurdles faced during the transition to a new country, offering valuable insights into the complexities of professional integration forIEOTs,a process which in Canada is overseen by the Association of Canadian Occupational Therapy Regulatory Organizations (ACOTRO) through the Substantial Equivalency Assessment Systems (SEAS) program.