Celebrating our Deadly Occupational Therapists for 2020 OT Week! Meet Rory Busch
Meet IAHA Member Rory Busch! We asked him a few questions during 2020 OT Week.
What got you into studying OT? And why?
Being born and raised in Mt Isa, you either work in the mines or go to university once you finish school. Leaving school, I knew that I wanted to work in health (and in an airconditioned office). I selected to study OT not knowing much about the profession other than it ticked my pre-requisites above. After my first semester I knew that this was the career for me, I found a job where I can meet new people every day, have a yarn to them and make a difference in their lives. Completing my placements had only reinforced my passion for the job as I got to work with so many unique individuals. To be able to hear patient stories and assist them in, any way possible, so that they can regain meaning in their lives is truly an excellent way to spend Monday to Friday in my opinion.
Why is OT important for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people?
Occupational Therapy is important for our mob because it considers both physical and emotional wellbeing of health, two key factors in understanding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ health. Culturally safe OT’s understand the importance of culture and how it influences health, as well as the connection to home, community and environment. Occupational Therapists are also able to explore the importance of spiritual and social connections individuals have as well. By being able to recognise the importance of these factors, Occupational Therapists will have a better understanding of Indigenous health and can apply these principles to health-related interventions, making OT an invaluable service to our mob and people.
What’s it going to be like being a future OT?
As a future OT it’s going to be quite an adventure! I hope to take my newfound skills throughout all of Australia and potentially the world. I am very excited but a little nervous to transition from a student to professional, however, I have had some great role models and mentors to prepare me for that change. I look forward to being given the chance to make a difference in our mobs health and to create more equal health opportunities for those out there who need it
