Stephanie Canham Email & Phone Number

West 5Th Campus

Bangladesh

I had the opportunity to work with the International Centre for the Advancement of Community Based Rehabilitation (ICACBR) on the Interprofessional Project on Maternal and Child Health (IPODMCH) in Bangladesh. This short three week placement in the city of Savar, Bangladesh required months of planning and individual research on maternal and child health and disability in addition to the work for the project. Alongside another student, we created an initial draft of a disability manual based on the training program used by IPODMCH. A highlight of this placement was the opportunity to plan an organize a feedback workshop to facilitate collaboration and interaction with women with disabilities from the Centre for Rehabilitation of the Paralysed (CRP) in Bangladesh. On a personal note, I was able to act on my interests in evidence-based practice and held an inservice-education session for Occupational Therapy staff at CRP and leaders at the Bangladesh Health Professions Institute (BHPI). This placement was a wonderful experience that challenged my creativity, flexibility and communication skills to suit the demands of the international development scene.

Kingston, On

Occupational Therapy services at PC-MHS demands creativity, initiative and multidisciplinary collaboration to provide effective recovery-oriented care for all patients. During my student placement I gained experience working with persons with severe mental illness who were admitted to the inpatient mood disorders unit. I gained skills in observational assessment, interprofessional communication, and creative thinking to ensure quality, holistic care. I also had the opportunity to co-lead an outpatient mood disorder group based on the 2-day workshop "Action Over Inertia". Additional highlights of this placement include a self-initiated progressive muscle relaxation group and application of coaching theory into practice.

Belleville, On

Occupational Therapy in the Complex Care Unit focuses on interdisciplinary rehabilitation services for individuals with high needs and complex medical conditions. OT’s are responsible for identifying and prioritizing performance impairments in collaboration with clients, families, and the multidisciplinary healthcare team. OT’s play a unique role in evaluating the physical and cognitive status of patients using both standardized and non-standardized assessment tools in order to predict present and future level of independence. In Complex Care Units, OT’s are primarily responsible for prescribing mobility equipment (i.e., wheelchairs), educating clients and families about supports and services in the community, and providing treatment interventions based on identified needs and collaborative goal setting with the client. In collaboration with a multidisciplinary health care professionals, the team works together to facilitate the transition of each client from an acute setting to an agreed upon destination.

Oshawa Outpatient Hand Therapy Clinic

Completed ROM and strength assessments generally with all clients ranging from tendon injuries to fractures. Performed multiple initial interviews, which included edema, sensibility, wound and splint assessments. Fabricated more than 10 splints for protection/stability following injury or for progressive static splinting to improve ROM. Determined home exercise programs and strength exercises. Performed countless ultrasound, scar massage and paraffin wax treatments. Provided patient education on the role of the OT and the pathology of many hand impairments.

Master Of Science (Msc), Occupational Therapy/Therapist

Bachelor Of Arts (Ba), Kinesiology And Exercise Science