Tell us about yourself and the journey that led you to study occupational therapy.
My name is Shir Grunebaum and I’ve concluded my first year of an MSc Occupational Therapy (pre-registration) course at Oxford Brookes University. From a very young age, I always dreamed of studying occupational therapy. My grandmother was among the first to graduate from occupational therapy in the country where she was born and watching the impact that she had on the lives of others was incredibly inspirational. I completed my undergraduate honours degree in Canada, studying Kinesiology and Health Sciences, the study of human movement and health. Through this programme, I learned the value of rehabilitation and evidence-based practice. I am eager to continue to learn to integrate this into my practice of occupational therapy.
What was it that attracted you to occupational therapy?
Occupational therapy is such a unique profession which is so incredibly patient-centred and allows therapists to incorporate all the factors that contribute to an individual’s identity into the therapy process. Unlike many other interventions which focus primarily on singular barriers or limitations that an individual may face; occupational therapy is centred on wholeness and individuality. As a healthcare professional, I believe that being able to integrate a person’s interests, personal factors, environmental factors and wellbeing into therapy is essential. Occupational therapy is also such a comprehensive and inclusive therapy modality, allowing therapists and service users to work together to develop goals, plans and tools.
What are you enjoying most within your studies?
I am enjoying every aspect of my studies–the opportunity to learn from my experienced lecturers and peers, to acquire new knowledge and skills, to develop hands-on clinical skills and to progress as an individual and as a healthcare practitioner. Thus far, the experience that I have enjoyed the most was my first practice placement. Having the opportunity to integrate theory and foundational knowledge into practice and thereby make a positive impact on the lives of others was so fulfilling and enriching. My first placement provided such a valuable learning experience and I am eager to continue to develop my skills and knowledge in the classroom setting which I can then apply to my future placements and career.
What would you say to someone considering occupational therapy as a career?
I would recommend anyone who is considering a career in occupational therapy to explore this and learn about the wide-ranging settings, roles and opportunities available. Many occupational therapy students I have met throughout the past year have indicated that they were not aware of the day-to-day responsibilities of OTs in different practice settings. Through my past experiences, I was able to learn about the incredible opportunities available in the field of occupational therapy and would urge others to explore this as well to ensure that this career is the right fit for them.
What would be your dream occupational therapy job?
My dream occupational therapy job is difficult to define so early in my occupational therapy educational experience as there is so much I haven’t yet been exposed to and don’t yet know about. However, throughout my life, I’ve always wanted to work within a paediatric practice setting and have always been drawn to the energy and enthusiasm possessed by this population. Working with children and being able to provide support for families is something I hope to do throughout my future career.
What elements of being an RCOT member do you enjoy the most?
I enjoy most the opportunity to build connections and identify new learning opportunities. Through continued professional development events, I have learned so much about occupational therapy in the United Kingdom, the large variety of practise areas, critical findings of new research and the different topics essential to practising occupational therapists. As a result, I have developed a better understanding of my future career options, research concentrations and established areas of personal interest.
Would you recommend RCOT membership to other students?
Yes, I would recommend other students join RCOT. Through being a member of RCOT, students gain access to a wide range of resources, forums and guidance. In addition, through my student membership, I have been able to access specialist forums and engage with a network of occupational therapists that specialise in different practice areas, thereby allowing me to develop a better understanding of the areas in which I am most interested.
Are you an OT student that needs more support throughout your studies and career? Join us and become a student member – explore what we have to offer!
If you’d like to share your own story on how you started your occupational therapy career, we’d like to hear from you! Contact us at marketing@rcot.co.uk and we’ll make your voice heard.