Sept. 16-22 is National Rehabilitation Awareness Week
Each September, rehab employees are honored across the U.S. during National Rehabilitation Awareness Week. From musculoskeletal issues, to joint pain and stroke — they’re the cheerleaders for recovery. Learn more about the rehab field profession from two of our UF Health Shands rehab therapists.
KRISTIN DUFFIELD, O.T., UF HEALTH SHANDS REHAB HOSPITAL
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT BEING AN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST?
I absolutely love working with people, and being an occupational therapist lets me do that every day. I love getting to see people overcome difficult circumstances, get stronger and more independent, and potentially go back home and get back to doing the things that they need and want to do.
WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU WANT YOUR PATIENTS TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?
I love being active in any way possible! Going to the gym, playing sports, canoeing and hiking are all activities that keep me in shape for this very physically demanding job.
WHY DID YOU GET INTO OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY?
I had changed up my career goals multiple times and I began to realize that health care and working with people was my calling. I looked into several options and thought that occupational therapy was the best match for me. I get to work with individuals with different backgrounds and circumstances, be creative and work on a team to help people get better. Occupational therapy helps people be independent — it’s amazingly fulfilling!
HOW DO YOU HOPE TO HELP SHAPE THE FIELD OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY?
As a newer therapist, I like to think that I bring a fresh perspective to my field. It is important to me that my interventions be evidence-based and centered on my patients’ interests and important goals. I have a lot of energy and drive toward being the best therapist I can be.
LUDO DE WOLF, P.T., UF HEALTH REHAB CENTER AT THE MEDICAL PLAZA
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT BEING A PHYSICAL THERAPIST?
Having the time to listen to a patient’s history and bond with them, checking out their movement patterns and trying to figure out the underlying cause of their impairments or pain are the things I love about my job.
WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU WANT YOUR PATIENTS TO KNOW?
Wherever you are hurting is probably not where the problem lies. It is probably a sign that your physical structure is being overstressed because other parts of the body are not being recruited properly.