What does an OT do?

I'm currently employed in one of India's busiest and most reputable hospitals, a stunning country that can only be described as an exhilarating slew of emotions. This article focuses on my experience as a relatively new occupational therapist in the adult outpatient department of this multi-specialty center that attracts millions of citizens from all over the country and more.  To call it an overwhelming experience is certainly a gross understatement.

First, let me explain what my work usually entails. Occupational therapists are healthcare professionals who focus on the rehabilitation of people with chronic illnesses. We want our patients to be as independent as possible, and we achieve it through various means depending on the condition of our client.

We are a surprisingly multifaceted lot, and are trained to handle nearly all problems that people could face. Do you have rheumatoid arthritis? Here's a customized splint to stabilize your joints. Do you have a missing limb? No worries, we'll make you walk around and scale up any mountain before you know it. Of course, we do all that while educating you on how to keep safe too. We are especially skilled at handling children and senior citizens as well, and trust me when I say we do all this with a smile on our faces. 

The adult OPD has exposed me to a myriad of syndromes and diagnoses, and I especially love it when I get assigned to new conditions. In a way, it really helps me understand the value of my own life, mind, and body. The value of the smallest aspects of our physiology comes to light, making me understand how important it is to be grateful. I am grateful too, because it is an honor to help people restore their premorbid lifestyles. 

The OPD here is unique in the sense that people from all walks of life flock here with completely different conditions and complaints. It's also rather chaotic on busy days, and one can expect to see an OT work on 3-4 cases at once. 

Most times, the therapist forms a very close bond with the patient, and that greatly motivates both parties. The therapist strives to provide the best treatment possible, and the patient gets more consistent with the therapy provided. Of course, it isn't very ideal, since the quality of treatment shouldn't differ based on personal interactions, but it definitely makes a difference. 

The more your therapist knows about you, the better they can assist you with your needs. 

Anyway, I am writing all this as I wait for my allotted patients to arrive. I must leave now, because an appointment has been scheduled and the patient is here.

I hope everyone reading this has a great day, and remembers to be grateful for everything that life has to offer. Some days may be dull, but they make the happy moments all the more rejoiceful.

In case no one said it yet, I'm really happy and proud of you for how far you have come, and how well you're holding up in life. Take care, and have a nice day, you.