Hi Emily! I've only been an OT for 2 years but I love it. It is a 2nd (or 3rd if you count being a stay at home mom) career for me and I spent 5 years researching what I wanted to be when I "grew up."
Every occupation has its detractors and there are always going to be days that you hate what you do or where you work no matter what you do. There are politics in every industry that will affect the way you are able to do your job. OT is definitely at a critical period in its development as a profession since the medical model doesn't fit us very well and that's our main payment source. Unfortunately for us, PTs seem to have taken this to heart and are fighting hard to get direct access and to add some of our domain to their practice. I am very lucky in my job that I work with a great team of OTs, PTs and speech therapists that work well together. We constantly work together and play off each other's strengths. In addition, the staff of the facility are great to work with and seek us out when they have issues with patients that are therapy related. Hope this helps! Mary -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Emily L. Sent: Saturday, May 05, 2007 11:59 PM To: [email protected] Subject: [OTlist] Do you regret becoming an OT? Hello, I'm an undegraduate human biology major looking into going into some sort of health care. I have experience on the "other end" of OT (Cerebral Palsy) and like the patient-centered nature of OT. I'm looking into doing some observation hours with OTs this summer to get a better feel for the profession, but in the mean time, I'd like to know what you think of the profession. I've heard from some OTs who left the profession to become MDs, citing thw "anti-inlellectual" nature of OT, the fact that they felt like they could basically be replaced by a CNA, and the lack of respect. What do you think about these things? Idf you could do it again, would you stay an OT? Why or why not? Thanks, Emily --------------------------------- Ahhh...imagining that irresistible "new car" smell? Check outnew cars at Yahoo! Autos. -- 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 ******************************************************************************** ****** No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.467 / Virus Database: 269.6.5/791 - Release Date: 5/6/2007 9:07 AM No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.467 / Virus Database: 269.6.5/791 - Release Date: 5/6/2007 9:07 AM -- 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 **************************************************************************************
