Shahzia - Trauma, Burns, and Complex Care Team
Occupational Therapist (OT)
Joined team: 1995
As an Occupational Therapist, Shahzia helps patients improve the skills required for self-care, productivity and leisure activities in their daily lives. |
It started as an opportunity to try something new at a hospital she had heard little about. Nearly 15 years later, Shahzia goes home each day feeling as though she has made a difference in somebody's life.
Imagine not being able to feed yourself, bathe, tie your shoes, or participate in the leisure activity you enjoy most. These, and many others, are the occupations of daily living that are often taken for granted. As an Occupational Therapist (OT), Shahzia helps survivors of life-changing injuries and illnesses get back to the job of living.
"These survivors have overcome remarkable odds, and they are motivated to get back to their lives," says Shahzia. "Our job is to give them the tools and coaching they need to function independently in their day-to-day activities."
According to Shahzia, rehab has no boundaries. "Whatever [a patient's] goal is in life or whatever they want to get back to, our job is to help them get there, regardless of age, race, gender, or diagnosis."
"Patients come to the hospital bedridden and dependent," she adds, "the ultimate reward is knowing you were part of the team that helped them leave the hospital, independent and with confidence."
The best part
Throughout her career at St. John's Rehab, Shahzia has had the opportunity to work in several different programs at the hospital, and in many different positions, both clinical and administrative. Shahzia has seen first-hand the value of our interprofessional team approach to patient care.
"Being part of St. John's Rehab means being part of a family," says Shahzia. "No matter your role, we work together and support each other as we strive towards a common goal: rebuilding lives."