A proud mention in the Elizabeth Casson 2017 lecture
The Casson Lecture is a prestigious annual lecture awarded to an occupational therapist that is considered to have made and be making a significant contribution to the development of the profession. In 2017 it was delivered by Diane Cox, a prolific occupational therapy researcher and influencer, who has made research in occupational therapy approachable and accessible. She eloquently spoke on the topic of ‘Life as an occupational being’ and reiterates the challenges that occupational therapists can have in both describing and carrying out their roles.
We were delighted to read the following as part of the lecture transcript;
Can you define what you do, describe what you do – could what you do be replicated?
I remember hearing a programme on BBC Radio 2 (Simon Mayo Drivetime, June 2016) where someone who was obviously an occupational therapist was referred to by the family of the client as a nurse. Based on the amount of Twitter and other social media activity that resulted, many listeners realised that this was an occupational therapist, although that was not said. This was followed up next day by an interview with another occupational therapist, who explained in simple terms the complexity of occupational therapy. She clearly described the importance of participation in activities and our understanding of the importance of daily routines and engagement in occupation for occupational wellbeing. It can be done: we can explain what occupational therapy is, and what we do.
For those ‘in the know’ you will recognise the OT in question as our founder, Nikki Thompson who was invited to speak on Simon Mayo’s show last summer about just this challenge. Nikki explained to Simon and his listeners how OT’s can sometimes find it challenging answering that infamous question ‘ so what do you do?’.
In relation to the reference in the Casson lecture, Nikki replied;
‘For the interview to be have been part of the 2017 Casson lecture is a real honour and hopefully indicative of the changing and modernising face of our profession’.
