My Why

 Hypothetical person: The CEO/head administrator of a large hospital system who says they have heard of OT but isn't clear on the difference between that and PT.

Occupational therapy is a healthcare profession that promotes health, well-being, and participation through occupations, whereas physical therapy is also a healthcare profession however, its main focus is to restore health through strengthen exercises/treatment. There are several settings, in which OT practitioners can practice in. These include skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, outpatient clinics, schools, and home-health. Occupational therapist/therapy uses a unique approach compared to other healthcare professions. We like to use a "top-down" approach. This means the practitioner evaluates the client's status in relation to their occupations and develops an intervention based on the client's ability to participate in those occupations. Physical therapy/therapist use more of a "bottom-top" approach. They look more into the diagnoses/injury of the person first. OT is also very client-centered, we like to look at the person "as a whole", that is why we use the word client instead of patient. When most people hear the word patient, they automatically think they are sick/ill, for many people that is not accurate, therefore using the word client is more respectful. 

I first heard of OT through my aunt, which is an OT, many years ago. In high school I took several health classes and got to actually learn what occupational therapy. In college I pursued my career in health sciences. Senior year I had the opportunity to intern at Memphis Family Connection Center as an OT intern, specifically in pediatrics. I fell even more in love with the field! I know I want to make a difference in somone's life. OT emphasizes the importance of the "whole-body" of an individual, which is something I value tremendously! Having the ability to make a positive difference in somone's life will be such a rewarding experience!

Retrieved from: Clipart-library.com

References: 
Occupational therapy practice framework: Domain and process—Fourth edition. (2020). The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 74(Supplement_2). https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2020.74s2001