What makes Physiopedia special? It’s people like Dr. Angela Patterson, this month’s top contributor. As an occupational therapist working on the International Rehabilitation Education and Training Toolkit (IRETT), Angela brings together her teaching expertise and clinical knowledge to help rehabilitation professionals worldwide learn from each other. Her story shows the heart of what Physiopedia is all about.
Time active with Physiopedia
I joined Physiopedia and the ReLAB-HS Toolkit team in February of 2022.
Current role with Physiopedia
I am currently a volunteer supporting the International Rehabilitation Education and Training Toolkit (IRETT) and engaging with the Physiopedia community.
Where did you go to university/college?
I have a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy (BSOT) from Creighton University in 1999 and an Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) (post-professional) from Creighton University 2015. Creighton University is in Omaha, Nebraska, USA.
Where do you work?
I work as an Associate Professor at Creighton University.
Describe your role
Dr. Angela Patterson is an Associate Professor at Creighton University in the Department of Occupational Therapy and Director of the School of Pharmacy and Health Professions Office of Faculty and Staff Development. She is a core member for the Centre for Interprofessional Practice, Education and Research and serves as the adviser for Alpha Sigma Nu Jesuit Honor Society. Dr. Patterson is a fellow of the National Academies of Practice. She is a volunteer at the Monen Healthcare Clinic and similar organisations who focus on the needs of the mind, body, and spirit of the marginalised.
What is the most rewarding part of being a clinician, or working with Physiopedia?
The most rewarding part is engaging with the Physiopedia community. The others that work and volunteer with Physiopedia. I have made new friends from around the world that are supportive and provide mentorship. I enjoy teaching others about rehabilitation and especially occupational therapy. Advancing clinical skills for the betterment of a population is my goal in whatever activity I do. I enjoy reading about the accomplishments of my students once they become practitioners and the new programs that are put into place through my global work. I really enjoy working with organisations that have a strong mission to serve others and work towards justice.
What are some of the more challenging aspects about your work?
I am challenged by staying within the constraints of the resources available and the regulations in place. It is difficult to mentor others when you know what they need but there aren’t resources for the possible. I have access to many resources in my academic position that are not available to others. I see patients in clinic that aren’t able to prioritise their rehabilitation. I hope they take at least one recommendation from us to improve their quality of life.
What are some of your professional passions?
I do love to teach and support students in their professional journeys. I like to network and help others make a connection with someone or another profession that they didn’t know had merit. I am enjoying my role being in the middle of my career. I get to learn from those with more experience and pass it through to those with less years of service.
What are a few of your personal passions?
My family is my priority. I enjoy seeing them become adults and explore their passions. We love to travel and make memories together. I enjoy walking with my dog and doing yoga. The best time is cooking a good meal to welcome family and friends into our home.
What would be your advice to a newly graduating occupational therapist, physiotherapist or professional?
Our profession is very diverse. Explore it through the lens of being your vocation and find meaning in what you practice and who you work with that way you will enjoy what you do everyday. A new therapist has 30 to 40 years to perfect their practice and find their niche, don’t try to do everything all at once.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I am very content in my work. I hope to continue my current roles for at least the next 5 years.
What are the best things about being part of the Physiopedia team?
The friends I have made and the realization that we truly live in a small world that is interconnected. Our passion for working towards the same goals is notable and supports our strong sense of teamwork. I also appreciate all of the resources I have added to my professional networks, library, and toolbox. Physiopedia has given me the confidence to continue to strive for what I believe in. I also love the interprofessional nature of our team. I have learned so much about Physiotherapy (PT), Speech and Language Pathology (SLP), and Prosthetics and Orthotics (P & O) beyond all my years of working beside them in a hospital setting.
How has being a Physiopedia team member helped your professional development/career progression?
Besides having contacts in many parts of the world, I have new supportive contacts in the USA that are accessible. I see people at conferences from all over the USA that know about or are connected with Physiopedia. These connections lead to collaborative projects that can further my learning as an OT.
What are your hopes and aspirations for Physiopedia?
I hope the IRETT Toolkit is widely utilised and more academic and clinical programs are developed in many countries to increase the access to rehabilitation. The continuous development of Physiopedia pages and plus courses will add to the cadre of resources available to all levels of learners. I hope Physiopedia continues to be innovative and engaged with the global rehabilitation community for all.
What is your favourite Plus course?
I enjoy the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) course. As a clinician in the USA, I never engaged with utilising ICF language. I now understand its importance especially working interprofessionally. I share the course with my students as a learning tool and in hopes to open their minds to a more global perspective of rehabilitation.
Anything else you would like to share?
Keep up the promotion of all rehabilitation professionals. There is much support needed for OT and SLP around the world. Physiopedia helps strengthen interprofessional collaboration in rehabilitation by creating spaces where we can learn from and with professionals across different disciplines.
Through her work with Physiopedia and the IRETT Toolkit, Angela shows how bringing different rehabilitation professions together creates better learning for everyone. Her journey reminds us that connecting with colleagues globally doesn’t just improve our own practice, but helps make quality rehabilitation knowledge available to all.
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