DGMC hosts Occupational Therapy Open House

  • Published
  • By 60th Medical Operations Squadron
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Occupational therapy enables people of all ages to live life to its fullest by helping them promote health, prevent or live better with injury, illness or disability. It is a practice deeply rooted in science and is evidence-based, meaning that the plan designed for each individual is supported by data, experience and "best practices" that were developed and proven throughout time.

"Serving as an occupational therapy technician in the Air Force is an honor in itself," said Master Sgt. Tanya Evans, 60th Medical Operations Squadron noncommissioned officer in charge of the occupational therapy clinic at David Grant USAF Medical Center. "The most gratifying reward is receiving the thanks from patients who are on their road to recovery and know that we are contributing to the mission."

Occupational therapists and occupational therapy technicians focus on doing whatever occupations or activities are meaningful to the individual. It is occupational therapy's purpose to get beyond problems to the solutions that assure living life to its fullest. These solutions may be adaptations for how to do a task, changes to the surroundings or helping individuals to alter their own behaviors.

When working with an occupational therapy practitioner, strategies and modifications are customized for each individual to resolve problems, improve function and support everyday living activities. The goal is to maximize potential. Through these therapeutic approaches, occupational therapy helps individuals design their lives, develop needed skills, adjust their environments (i.e, home, school or work) and build health-promoting habits and routines that will allow them to thrive.

By taking the full picture into account -- a person's psychological, physical, emotional and social makeup as well as their environment -- occupational therapy assists clients to do the following:

· Achieve goals;

· Function at the highest possible level;

· Concentrate on what matters most to them;

· Maintain or rebuild their independence;

· Participate in daily activities that they need or want to do.

"I enjoy knowing that when I come to work every day, I am making a difference for my patients and assisting them in their recovery process," explained Staff Sgt. Anthony Flores, a 60th Medical Operations Squadron occupational therapy clinic physical medicine technician.

Founded in 1917, the American Occupational Therapy Association represents the interests and concerns of more than 140,000 occupational therapists, assistants and students nationwide. The Association educates the public and advances the profession of occupational therapy by providing resources, setting standards including accreditations and serving as an advocate to improve health care.

Based in Bethesda, Md., AOTA's major programs and activities are directed toward promoting the professional development of its members and assuring consumer access to quality services so patients can maximize their individual potential. For more information, go to www.aota.org.