Each month we will host an occupational therapist and/or interprofessional member of the healthcare team to discuss emerging trends and topics in the field of occupational therapy and the Canadian healthcare system. Guests may represent a variety of clinical and non-clinical backgrounds, from different areas of practice, and in varying environments. Episodes will range from 30-40 minutes in length to encourage listeners to be able to tune in on their lunch break or other small window of time. If you are interested in being on the podcast, please email practice@caot.ca with the topic area you would like to discuss. We also welcome feedback, comments or questions.
The opinions expressed by invited guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and beliefs of CAOT. The podcast aims to provide a platform for open and honest discussions with invited guests of varied backgrounds and areas of practice. The language used by guests is their responsibility, and at times may not align with the values or beliefs of the podcast. We aim to promote a space conducive to kindness, growth and learning and we do not endorse disrespectful or offensive language. Listeners should exercise their own judgment and discretion while considering the opinions expressed.
The podcast does not endorse personal, business, or financial benefits for any mentioned entities.
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New! Episode 39: Beyond Surviving into Thriving In Episode 39 of OT Conversations that Matter, host Justine Jecker is joined by occupational therapists Michèle Hebert and Nadine Larivière for 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 podcast episode comes 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. We recognize that this topic can sometimes feel heavy and may bring up a variety of emotions you may have not been anticipating. Please know there are organizations available to provide support if you, a friend or loved one are struggling, including the 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline Service which can be reached 24/7 at 9-8-8. 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 |
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New! Episode 38: Homelessness and Occupation In episode 38 of 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 Roi. 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. |
In Episode 37 of 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.
In Episode 36 of OT Conversations 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 for OTs/OTAs to address personal and professional biases and provide equitable care to all individuals, regardless of their past experiences.
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Episode 35: Reclaiming our OT Mental Health IdentityFebruary 2024 |
In episode 35 of OT Conversations 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 impact OT has 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.
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Episode 32: Team-Based LeadershipDecember 2023 |
In Episode 32 of 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 leadership while navigating 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 by Stefanie Matos and Husna Harmi , two internationally 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 the hurdles faced during the transition to a new country, offering valuable insights into the complexities of professional integration for IEOTs, 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.
In Episode 30 of OT Conversations that Matter: The Podcast, the host, Justine Jecker, explores the intersection of occupational therapy, mental health, and psychotherapy. Accompanying her to discuss the various theories and practices within the psychotherapeutic realm are occupational therapists, Sandeep Marwaha and Sarah Good . In the world of occupational therapy, navigating the nuanced landscape of psychotherapy and mental health remains challenging but essential. Join the discussion as they unravel the complexities and shed light on how occupational therapists actively contribute to shaping the evolving narrative of mental health in Canada.
For foundational information about psychotherapy within occupational therapy practice, visit the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario's psychotherapy webpage .
In Episode 29 of OT Conversations that Matter: The Podcast, host Justine Jecker explores the vital but often overlooked area of practice supporting eating disorders and disordered eating. Joined by occupational therapists Elyse Trudell and Sossy Sahakian , this episode offers a glimpse into how occupational therapy professionals assess, intervene, and provide support to individuals on their path towards enhanced physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being in the context of their relationship with eating and wellness. Join us for an informative discussion that sheds light on a growing area of practice within occupational therapy.
In Episode 28 of OT Conversations that Matter: The Podcast. Host, Justine Jecker dives into the second part of our series on occupational therapy within Primary Care teams with OTs Rachel Degan from Saskatchewan and Lisa Diamond-Burchuk from Manitoba. Our aim with this series is to connect OTs from diverse regions, shedding light on how occupational therapy is shaping Primary Care nationwide. Our first episode featured insights from Ontario and British Columbia. In this episode, we center our focus on the heart of Canada, offering a comprehensive view of our profession's role within this landscape. Discover how occupational therapists contribute to preventive health, holistic care, and client empowerment, all aimed at addressing health issues upstream. Join us as we continue to explore the evolution of primary care occupational therapy skills.
In Episode 27 of OT Conversations that Matter: The Podcast, host Justine Jecker initiates a two-part series exploring the role of OTs within Canadian Primary Care teams. This discussion stems from insights gained at the 2023 CAOT Conference in Saskatoon, highlighting OTs' significance amid Canada's Health Human Resource crisis and the call for an expanded role in primary care in a paper entitled Occupational Therapy and Primary Care: A Vision for the Path Forward by Donnelly and colleagues (2022). Our guest OTs, Maryann Gardhouse and Gina Hargreaves, shed light on how OTs operate across diverse clinic settings, leveraging interprofessional support, and caring for clients from diverse backgrounds. Join us as we gain firsthand perspectives from Ontario and BC, into the heart of Canada's interprofessional care team evolution.
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Episode 26: Let Food Be Thy Occupation...September 2023 |
For episode 26 of OT Conversations that Matter: The Podcast, host Justine Jecker explores the significance of what we eat, how we eat, whom we eat with, and where our food comes from with occupational therapist Ryan Osal and local food activist Justin Cantafio . Together they discuss the role of food as medicine and the diverse occupations involved, from seed to table, in settings like farmers' markets and healthcare clinics. Tune in for a conversation on the intersections of sustainable food systems and occupational participation.
Resources:
- American Psychiatric Association (2022, June 18). Extreme heats impact on your mental health
- Gaples Institute & Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Department of Nutrition (2023). Sustainable Diets .
- Farmers Markets of Nova Scotia
- Canadian Farmers Markets
For episode 25 host Justine Jecker is joined by occupational therapists (OTs) Dianna Fong-Lee and Heather Gillespie. Their discussion centers around Occupational Therapist Assistants (OTAs) and their vital roles within the profession. This episode continues the exploration initiated in the first OTA-focused podcast, episode 21, shedding light on the variety of ways OTAs are trained in Canada. Dianna and Heather, known for their work on OT and OTA collaboration, also contributed to the 2019 OTA/PTA Vision Project, advocating for enhancing the roles of OTAs and PTAs in the profession.
For Episode 24 of OT Conversations that Matter: The Podcast, host Justine Jecker delves into the topic of sustainable occupational therapy practice with guest occupational therapists Janet Craik and Ben Mortenson. This episode builds upon the insightful discussions from Episode 22, which considered the role of occupational therapy in the context of planetary health and climate change. The conversation explores "sustainable health equity" and how the well-being of our society is intricately intertwined with the health of our planet. Tune in today to discover actionable steps to foster a healthier future for both your community and the environment!
For episode 23 of OT Conversations that Matter: The Podcast, host Justine Jecker is joined by occupational therapist Jennifer Berg-Carnegie and Carol MacDonald. Together, they delve into the topic of 'traditional' versus 'non-traditional' occupational therapy and innovative practices. With their extensive backgrounds as entrepreneurs spanning several decades, Jennifer and Carol share their thoughts on the significance of embracing innovative approaches within the ever-evolving dynamics of the profession. Join us as we explore the exciting intersection of tradition and innovation in occupational therapy.
In this episode, host Justine Jecker welcomes occupational therapist, Giovanna Boniface, and family physician, Myles Sergeant, to discuss the importance of planetary health and sustainable action in the face of climate change. As climate change impacts every person on the planet and their daily occupations, it is crucial for clinicians to understand the opportunities for engagement and action. With a focus on expanding knowledge, time, and resources towards sustainable action, the conversation explores how occupational therapy can contribute to a bottom-up approach in addressing climate change. Tune in to the first episode of a three-part series to learn more about how we can work towards a healthier planet and healthier individuals.
For episode 21 of OT Conversations that Matter: The Podcast, host Justine Jecker is joined by occupational therapist assistant (OTA) Debra Cooper, and occupational therapist (OT) Teresa Avvampato. Together they explore intra-professional collaboration and its links to building capacity in occupational therapy service delivery. They share with us their thoughts on strengthening OT & OTA relationship building and how the profession could better support the development of these relationships.;
For episode 20 of OT Conversations that Matter: the Podcast, host Justine Jecker, is joined by guest OTs Shiyen Shu and Gillian Barrie. Through discussing questions such as "could OTs have more of an impact around the world if they knew how to be better leaders?" and "how can we support leadership development for OT graduates, clinicians, and OT leaders?" they explore what it means to grow leadership in occupational therapy. Tune in today to hear more about Shiyen and Gillian's leadership journey!
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Episode 19: Occupational Therapy "For the Love of It"!February 2023 |
For episode 19 of OT Conversations that Matter: the Podcast, host Justine Jecker is joined by special guest Phillip Wendt, OT & President of CAOT. Together they explore the motivators to becoming an occupational therapy practitioner and the links that unify OTs everywhere. Phillip shares with us how his journey to becoming President of CAOT and his experience working with people with varying health conditions has shaped his views of the profession.
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Episode 18: Reflective & Reflexive PracticeJanuary 2023 |
For episode 18 of OT Conversations that Matter: the Podcast, host Justine Jecker is joined by guest OT Monique Lizon to discuss reflective and reflexive practice. Monique, is completing a Master of Public Health with a Specialization in Indigenous and Northern Health at Lakehead University and is currently a Policy Analyst at CAOT; she shares with us her reflections and some lessons learned throughout her research journey which focused on the response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) of Canada Calls to Action by OT professional associations and regulatory bodies.
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Episode 17: NeurodiversityDecember 2022 |
For episode 17 of OT Conversations that Matter: the Podcast, host Justine Jecker is joined by guest OTs, Naomi Hazlett and Melissa Croskery. Together they discuss neurodiversity's origin, its evolution since 2020, and the understanding and relationship OTs have with neurodiversity and neurodivergent clients. Tune in today to hear Melissa and Naomi share more about their personal and professional experience with neurodiversity!
In this episode, host Justine Jecker is joined by occupational therapist Julie Entwistle to discuss leadership. While leadership is not a new topic in health care, or in occupational therapy, its recent prominence in national discourse led us to engage in discussions on specific styles of leadership and how those might be reflected in day-to-day practice. Julie is a fervent leader who has donned many hats throughout her career including that of clinician, business owner, regulator, and Board Director.
For OT Month, OT Conversations That Matter: the Podcast is releasing a special extended episode focusing on the new textbook Promoting Occupational Participation: Collaborative Relationship-Focused Occupational Therapy. For episode 15, our host Justine Jecker is joined by OTs Gayle Restall and Mary Egan, editors of the new textbook representing over three dozen authors.
Through answering questions from our members about the new book, this episode explores the fundamental purpose of occupational participation and the book’s emphasis that occupational therapy is focused on collaborative relationships with individuals, families, communities, and populations. Considered an evolutionary advancement in our thinking, the publication introduces three important developments: how OTs characterize relationships with clients, the primary aim of practice, and how the profession is responding to justice, equity, and rights for individuals and collectives. Justine, Mary and Gayle also explore the new framework, the Canadian Occupational Therapy Inter-Relational Practice Process (COTIPP), and further elaborate on the evolutions towards the CanMOP and COTIPP from the Enabling Occupation II textbook which focuses on the CMOP-E and CPPF.
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Pour l'épisode 14 partie 2 de OT Conversations that Matter : Le podcast, Émilie Montour, Responsable de projet à l'ACE, anime notre tout premier épisode en français sur le thème de l'identité professionnelle. Émilie est en compagnie de Yasmine Frikha, une ergothérapeute canadienne d'origine française qui fait actuellement son doctorat sur le thème de l'identité professionnelle à l'Université Laval au Québec. Yasmine a été motivée à approfondir le concept d'identité professionnelle lorsqu'elle a constaté, à travers son expérience clinique au Québec, qu'il s'agissait d'un enjeu courant dans la profession. Au cours de cet épisode, Yasmine et Emilie explorent les nombreuses raisons qui poussent les cliniciens de notre profession à remettre en question leur identité professionnelle et ce qui pourrait aider les ergothérapeutes à surmonter certaines des difficultés qu'ils rencontrent.
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For episode 14 of OT Conversations that Matter: The Podcast, our host Justine Jecker is joined by Yasmine Frikha, a Canadian OT originally from France who is currently doing her PhD work on the topic of professional identity at the University of Laval in Québec. Yasmine was motivated to dive deeper into the concept of professional identity when she recognized, through her clinical experience in Quebec, that it was a common practice issue. During this episode, Yasmine and Justine explore the many reasons that lead clinicians within our profession to question their professional identity and what could help day-to-day practicing OTs work through some of the struggles they experience.
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In this episode, Emmanuelle Pichard-Jolicoeur, OT & CAOT Global Health Practice Network Co-Chair, and Deb Cameron, OT and founder of the International Centre for Disability and Rehabilitation at the University of Toronto, join us to talk about the Global Health Practice Network, what it means to be a global health OT and how being a Global OT ties into the concepts of Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.
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Dr. Shirley Ha, neuro-rehabilitative optometrist (OD) and Fellow of the College of Optometrists in Vision Development, and Pamela Chinchilla, vision therapist and former practising optometrist in Colombia, join us to talk about OTs working alongside vision specialists. We explore different ways OTs and ODs could successfully build interprofessional relationships to better support and inform each other's practises and ensure optimal client care.
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In this episode, Emilie Montour, CAOT Policy Analyst, and Holly Reid, OT and UBC PHD student, join us to talk about advocacy within the OT profession. We look at where advocacy is featured in the new Competencies for Occupational Therapists in Canada (2021) and what these advocacy competency indicators may look like in practice. We also explore the relationship between advocacy, OTs, their clients, and social, economic, political, legal and institutional barriers to participation and occupation.
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Episode 10: Socially Accountable MentorshipMarch 2022 |
In this episode, Joy-Ann Perry and Amie Tsang join us to talk about socially accountable mentorship and their work with Occupational Therapists for Equity Advancement (OTEA). OTEA is an independent network of Occupational Therapists from historically marginalized groups, founded by Black, Indigenous and 2SLGBTQ+ occupational therapists that collectively support the enhancement of inclusion, diversity, equity and access within occupational therapy in the Greater Toronto Area."
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Episode 9: Outdoor Accessibility and AdventureJanuary 2022 |
In this episode we are joined by Anna Braunizer and Tanelle Bolt to talk about branching away from the medical model and toward thinking about occupations beyond basic self-care. As the pandemic continues to disrupt our way of life, we can reflect on how COVID has changed individual and societal level awareness of how spaces are designed and used.
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Episode 8: Culturally Appropriate Health Care Services?November 2021 |
This episode features occupational therapists Jennifer Bertoni and Justine Jecker. To close the 2021 year, we will be talking about culturally appropriate interprofessional health care services for First Nations and Indigenous populations. Both of our speakers today have worked with First Nations populations in northwestern Ontario with communities identifying as Anishinabek peoples. They both have a focus on culturally safe health care practices and how interprofessional teams appropriately service the needs of those in First Nation communities. If you'd like to connect with Jen, she can be reached at j.bertoni@queensu.ca.
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In this episode we return to the discussion surrounding social accountability to explore common downfalls and the ever-growing opportunities for change. This is the first episode with a guest who isn’t an occupational therapist but who has been strongly tied to the world of occupational therapy over the past few years. Thank you to Samira Omar for joining us!
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Episode 6: Social Accountability and Social ActivismOctober 2021 |
This episode focuses on social accountability with considerations of how this contrasts social activism. Holly and Justine engage in a conversation about what it means to be accountable and who we are accountable to, what constitutes activism, and how disrupting and professionalism can co-exist.
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Episode 5: OTs and Change AgencySeptember 2021 |
Justine Jecker and Melissa Croskery discuss occupational therapists as change agents. This was examined in the context of where our profession came from over time, and where we can hope to be going over the next 100 years. We consider change agency in a generalist context and from the perspective of leadership and discuss whether OT can exist without change agency.
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Justin Turner and Holly Reid, two occupational therapists, engage in a conversation on double-discrimination related to queerness and race, as well as discuss how the historical context of occupational therapy has been either a support or barrier to accessing healthcare services.
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With us today we have Kathryn Lambert and Justine Jecker, who engage in a conversation about what OTs bring to the table when doing research, involving patients and clients as partners, and what message they have for OTs who want to engage in research but do not have the time or resources to enroll in in a 4-year PhD or longer.
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How can occupational therapists have the language and knowledge to know how to support and advocate for an 2SLGBTQIA+ client when this is not readily taught in the institutions educating OT students? Reflections from 2SLGBTQIA+ OT’s, students and stories of lived experience.
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