Hello Emily: I have also been "motivated" by what other's have written. I'm going to write my answer in two parts, What I "hate" and what I "love" about OT.
For me, being an OT is a "love/hate" relationship. There are things I love and things I really dislike. Primarily, I dislike the way OT is SOOOOO under represented in the physical rehab world, at least outside the realm of hand therapy. I dislike that we can NOT open a home health episode of care. I hate that there are so few men working in OT. I dislike that it seems that so many OT's have little passion for being OT's. I dislike that so many OT's are trained as UE physical therapists. I dislike that explaining OT is VERY difficult and that I am always trying to explain it! Now, the good stuff! I don't like that some of us (including me) compare ourselves to other professions. I like that OT is so eclectic in our treatment approaches. I like that we see people as people and not problems. I like that we are still trying to evolve ourselves. I like that we have a National organization that does good job representing our interests. I like that we have OTnow! I like that OT's are an 'interesting bunch of people'. I like that we learn a little about a LOT. There's are probably more like/dislikes but I can't think of any. The answer to the question of "would I do it again" is tricky. I must admit that at times I've felt that my private practice suffered because I offer only OT. And that if I were a PT, things would be much easier. But, these thoughts and feelings may be related to self-pity rather than actual facts. I guess that the bottom line is that I don't know if I would do it again, because I don't really know what it's like to be anything else but an OT. Oh, I had a life before being an OT, but it was completely unrelated, OT is the only professional life I've ever had. Again great question, with GREAT answers!!! Come on people, step up to the plate!! R ----- Original Message ----- From: Emily L. <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Saturday, May 05, 2007 To: [email protected] <[email protected]> Subj: [OTlist] Do you regret becoming an OT? EL> Hello, EL> I'm an undegraduate human biology major looking into going EL> into some sort of health care. I have experience on the "other end" EL> of OT (Cerebral Palsy) and like the patient-centered nature of OT. EL> I'm looking into doing some observation hours with OTs this summer EL> to get a better feel for the profession, but in the mean time, I'd EL> like to know what you think of the profession. I've heard from some EL> OTs who left the profession to become MDs, citing thw EL> "anti-inlellectual" nature of OT, the fact that they felt like they EL> could basically be replaced by a CNA, and the lack of respect. What EL> do you think about these things? Idf you could do it again, would EL> you stay an OT? Why or why not? EL> Thanks, EL> Emily EL> --------------------------------- EL> Ahhh...imagining that irresistible "new car" smell? EL> 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 **************************************************************************************
