Re: [OTlist] Swallowing assessments
2008/11/16 Drzymala, Peter [VA] <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Thanks, michael for your response and contact info re: carol. > Actually, carol was a professor of mine when I studied at > mcmaster university. At the time she did not review or introduce swallowing > in our curriculum. [Michael] Hi Peter: You are very welcome. I guess she moved into swallowing assessment some time after you graduated. This is one of the great things about being an OT - so many new opportunities for an expanded practice. Ontario has recently added acupuncture as a controlled act for OTs. -- <><><><><><><><> Michael W. K. Chan Global Village. Somewhere out there. Third rock from the sun. <><><><><><><><><> -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com
Re: [OTlist] Swallowing assessments
2008/11/14 Drzymala, Peter [VA] <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > hi all, > just wondering if any of you are involved in swallow assessments? > prior to this experience i had not encountered OTs performing swallows > during my 15 years and several positions in several countries. [Michael] Hi Peter: My experience (both in Canada and in the USA) is that OTs are indeed involved in swallowing assessments, and that additional post graduate training is required. I had the good fortunate to take a three day course, many years ago, with Dr. Jeri Logemann, SLP (she has been described as the guru of swallowing assessments by all my SLP colleagues.) She was very adamant that the swallowing assessment is not the sole purview of SLPs and that it should involve an interdisicipliary approach. At the workshop there were OTs, PTs, MDs and RNs (if my memory serves me correctly). The running joke at that time was that the OT facilitates getting the food from the plate into the mouth and the SLP facilitates getting the good from the mouth down to the stomach. If you would like to pursue this further, I would suggest that you contact Carol DeMatteo, Associate Clinical Professsor at McMaster University. She is an OT who is very involved in swallowing assessment with the paediatric population. Her contact infomration is: 905-525-9140, ext. 27805, [EMAIL PROTECTED], I hope this helps. <><><><><><><><> Michael W. K. Chan Global Village. Somewhere out there. Third rock from the sun. <><><><><><><><><> -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com
Re: [OTlist] Conflicted
On Tue, Feb 26, 2008 at 8:12 PM, John Campbell <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: Thanks a lot for your responses and encouragement. I can't tell you > how helpful it is. > *[Michael] You are very welcome John. Glad we were able to put somethings into perspective for you. All the best.. * <><><><><><><><> Michael W. K. Chan Global Village. Somewhere out there. Third rock from the sun. <><><><><><><><><> -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com
Re: [OTlist] Conflicted
On Mon, Feb 25, 2008 at 12:05 PM, John Campbell <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: I'm currently a student completing the prerequisites to pursue a > Master's in OT. This is a career change for me in my early 30s, and I > should be in the program in 2009. *[Michael] Hi John: Congratulations and all the best with your studies. * > I chose OT because it seemed a stable field (growing demand), and because > it focuses on psychological/social skills to a high degree, which really > appeals to me. *[Michael] Yes, like you, I chose OT because of the more holistic approach to treatment. Also, OT provides more opportunities for creativity and problem solving. * > 1) There's generally twice as many PT jobs available than OT, from what I > can tell. So both availability and pay scale seems to be a little more on > the PT side of things. *[Michael] I do believe that the ratio difference is more a function of the setting. One might argue that OT has the upper hand in mental health, driver rehabilitation, vocational rehabilitation and environmental modification. * > > > 2) I keep sensing frustration among OTs and hearing about burnout, > lack of recognition, and being threatened as PT gradually extends its > sphere of learning into OT areas of expertise *[Michael] Having been an OT for almost 25 years (in numerous settings covering three countries) - burnout, lack of recognition or being threatened by PT has never been a major issue for me. I do agree that there may be a lot of negative comments around, but I do think that we need to look at the bigger picture. Just pick up any OT journal and you can see all the great things that are happening in the field and all the spectacular achievements of our colleagues. I believe that professional identity and profession confidence come from within. * > > 3) A couple of times I've heard of OTs doing nurse activities. Helping > someone learn to transfer themselves into a shower is one thing, but > cleaning their diaper just seems like something I wouldn't expect an > OT to have to do, and certainly something I'd never want to do. Is > this something that all OTs have to do from time to time, *[Michael] I do appreciate where you are coming from - I doubt any of us entered into OT to change diapers. But if we are to call ourselves professionals, we need to go beyond the proverbial call of duty and do what is best for the patient/client at any particular time and place. There may come a time when it is appropriate to assist a patient/client to change the diaper, and then continue on with our intervention. * *It is not my place to say what others should do, but the phrase 'It is not my job." just does not cut it for me if the patient/client has to sit there and wait for the nurse while I twiddle my thumbs or head off to do something else. Just my two cents worth. * <><><><><><><><> Michael W. K. Chan Global Village. Somewhere out there. Third rock from the sun. <><><><><><><><><> -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com
Re: [OTlist] universal healthcare
On 2/3/08, Elayne Haley-Ververis <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > thank you Aine, Peter, Michael and David! *[Michael]* *You are very welcome. I am so glad that there were so many other responses from others. This is indeed a complex issue and you will get many different perspectives. Also, the experience will differ in different part of the country and from urban to rural areas.* ** *As Aine Suttle's experience high-lighted, in Canada you are indeed well cared for when you really need it - regardless of your ability to pay. Also, you are not likely to be bankrupt from a catastrophic injury or illness. But you may need to wait for other non-emergency or elective procedures. No pot is ever bottomless and we have to accept limitations for the common good. The Canadian system has been more astutely described as a health care safety net as opposed to a health care hammock.* ** *My personal experience has been similar to Aine's. Please feel free to pose specific questions.* <><><><><><><><> Michael W. K. Chan Global Village. Somewhere out there. Third rock from the sun. <><><><><><><><><> -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com
Re: [OTlist] universal healthcare
On Feb 2, 2008 9:36 PM, angela jones <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > Hello, > My coworkers and I were tossing the issue around today at lunch and > wondering how the therapy world might change if the U.S. ever takes such a > leap. > *[Michael] Hi Angie: Greetings from Canada. You have posed a most interesting question. I would be happy to discuss this further with you as I worked in the US for almost ten years and have seen the differences between the two systems first hand. Just for starters, there really is no 'best' system. It all depends on which side of the fence you are looking from. There are good points and bad points about both health care systems. * *My standard line as a health care consumer: If I was rich or had a great employee health care plan, I would prefer the American system. But if I was poor or did not have a great employee health care plan, then I would want to be in Canada. But in generality, I would say that the Canadian system is more humane. But as a health care provider, the situation is much more complex. The one thing that the US system does better is documentation in terms of accountability and justification for services provided. If you can pose a few questions, I will try to answer them accordingly. Thanks. * <><><><><><><><> Michael W. K. Chan Global Village. Somewhere out there. Third rock from the sun. <><><><><><><><><> -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com
Re: [OTlist] Hello!
On 4/13/07, Becky Heath <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > > Hi Michael > Unfortunately after the technicians get to level 3 they are stuck. If they > want to become a fully fledged OT they have to go off and train. [Michael] Hi Becky: Thank you for your continued responses and educating us on the OTA situation in the US. It does sound very exciting being involved with OTA education :-) [Michael] Yes, I taught at the OT (Master's) level for five years and two years at the OTA level. This is my first year in a combined OTA & PTA programme. They are all very rewarding tracks. All the best. <><><><><><><><> Michael W. K. Chan Global Village. Somewhere out there. Third rock from the sun. <><><><><><><><><> -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED] ** Enroll in Boston University's post-professional Master of Science for OTs Online. Gain the skills and credentials to propel your career. www.otdegree.com/otn **
Re: [OTlist] Hello!
On 4/7/07, Becky Heath <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > > >Becky says: -yes. Technicians also have levels. Level one is the lowest > and > >it goes up to level three - where you are practically an OT. [Michael] I see. What kind of education do the technician need to progress through the levels? Then after level three, what can they do to become a full fledged OT? > Becky says: -But atleast there are programmes set in place, thats a start. [Michael] Thanks. Yes, it is a very exciting time to be involved in OTA (and PTA) education in Canada right now. All the best for the Easter Weekend. -- <><><><><><><><> Michael W. K. Chan Global Village. Somewhere out there. Third rock from the sun. <><><><><><><><><> -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com ** Enroll in Boston University's post-professional Master of Science for OTs Online. Gain the skills and credentials to propel your career. www.otdegree.com/otn **
Re: [OTlist] Hello!
On 4/7/07, Becky Heath <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > > Hi Michael > There isn't any educational requirements to become an OTA in England, > although I believe it is different for Scotland. [Michael] Hi Becky: Thank you for your response. However during the period when I was working at the hospital, the assistants who wanted a chance to become technicians could do competencies - [Michael] This is indeed interesting. So a technician is 'ranked' higher than an assistant? I know it is very different for the States and Canada? [Michael] Well, yes and no. In the States, it is a two year accredited associate degree program for OTAs. They have to take a national exam to become a COTA - Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant - and they are regulated in most cases by state licensure. In Canada, there are two year diploma programs (many if not most are combined OTA & PTA), but the programs are not accredited as yet and there is no national exams. Hence no regulation either. <><><><><><><><> Michael W. K. Chan Global Village. Somewhere out there. Third rock from the sun. <><><><><><><><><> -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com ** Enroll in Boston University's post-professional Master of Science for OTs Online. Gain the skills and credentials to propel your career. www.otdegree.com/otn **
Re: [OTlist] Hello!
On 4/6/07, Becky Heath <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: we have OTA's - I was one in a orthopaedics team in a hospital the next step is OT techs [Michael] Hi Becky: I am a Canadian OT. Can you tell us more about the educational requirements to be an OTA in the UK and are the OTAs licensed or regulated in any fashion by the government? Thanks. <><><><><><><><> Michael W. K. Chan Global Village. Somewhere out there. Third rock from the sun. <><><><><><><><><> -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com ** Enroll in Boston University's post-professional Master of Science for OTs Online. Gain the skills and credentials to propel your career. www.otdegree.com/otn **
Re: [OTlist] Help w/ Marketing
On 1/20/07, Ron Carson <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: Hello All: > I am getting ready to start marketing a lymphedema treatment program > and need some input. I will be visiting doctor's offices to give the > MD's a short presentation on lymphedema and complete decongestive > therapy. Obviously I want to leave some material that will promote > referrals. Here's what I'm thinking: [Michael] Hi Ron: Congratulations and good luck with your new venture. You are certainly off to a great start with the presentation material. Just a quick note - I am assuming that your 'short presentation' is about 15 - 30 minutes? The one key area you might wish to highlight above all else are: (1) how will this benefit their clients/patients - i.e. faster recovery and reduced expenses. This will improve their patients' level of satisfaction as well making them look good to the third-party payers. All the best. <><><><><><><><> Michael W. K. Chan Global Village. Somewhere out there. Third rock from the sun. <><><><><><><><><> -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com ** Enroll in Boston University's post-professional Master of Science for OTs Online. Gain the skills and credentials to propel your career. www.otdegree.com/otn **
Re: [OTlist] OT Courses - Need some feedback
Hi Wade Fantastic idea and thank you for all the work involved. I am sure it will be useful to many others besides potential students. By the way, any plan to compile one for Canada? -- <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> Michael W. K. Chan, MBA, OTR/L, OT(C) Global Village. Somewhere out there. Third rock from the sun. <><><><><><><><><> -- Unsubscribe? [EMAIL PROTECTED] Change options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com Help? [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: [OTlist] questions
> > Response: AOTA YES > STATE YES > NBCOT YES WFOT YES -- > <><><><><><><><> > Michael W. K. Chan, MBA, OTR/L > Global Village. > Somewhere out there. > Third rock from the sun. > <><><><><><><><><> -- Unsubscribe? [EMAIL PROTECTED] Change options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com Help? [EMAIL PROTECTED]
