Invited Presidential Lecture: The Power of Meaningful Activities and Occupational Therapy....and Other Things I've Learned from My Chair

Psychiatry and occupational therapy are inextricably linked, as OT was founded by a psychiatrist in 1917 and is based on the indisputable evidence that doing things that are meaningful and motivating to us improves our mental and overall wellbeing. This talk will help you understand more about what OT has to offer patients and the lens with which we view disability. In addition, as an OT and a person who was born with osteogenesis imperfecta, I have had the unique privilege of being both a patient and provider. Most people assume the hardest part of having a disability has to do with the physical aspect of disability, but as I share some of the ridiculous stories I have had interacting with people in public as well as some challenging medical situations I've been through, I hope you will see how important your role as a psychiatrist is, as the mental toll of having a disability is far greater than anything physical.

NOTE: THERE IS NO Q&A FOLLOWING THIS PRESENTATION