We perform many tasks daily that give meaning to our
lives and help us work and live productively. But when
injury or disease renders even the simplest task diffcult,
occupational therapists step in to develop and maintain
patients' capacity to perform the tasks and roles
essential to their daily lives.
Healthcare Scholar Mohsin Zulimran knew
little about occupational therapy prior to
pursuing his Diploma in Occupational
Therapy at Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP). However, he
came to learn more about occupational therapy at
the NYP Open House, where he had the opportunity
to speak to one of the lecturers.
Mohsin went on to do more research on the
profession and participated in a one-day attachment
at a hospital. He recalls, “The experience was really
meaningful and played a big part in my decision to
take up occupational therapy.” Now an occupational
therapist at Changi General Hospital, Mohsin tells
us about his career in helping others regain function
and live a full life.
What Sparked Your Interest In
Healthcare? What Led You To Apply
For The Healthcare Scholarship?
Mohsin Zulimran: I’ve actually always looked
forward to a healthcare career since a young age. Although I did not know which area I wanted
to specialise in then, I knew that I wanted to be
able to touch people’s lives. The idea of making a
difference in another person’s life appeals to me
and it’s what I look forward to as I leave home for
work every day.
"The scholarship also meant that I did not
have to worry about my finances at all as all my
educational expenses were covered. The freedom
this offers cannot be understated and really allows
you to focus on learning."
I also decided on my course before settling on
the Healthcare Scholarship. The few years I spent
in NYP learning about occupational therapy helped
me decide that it was something I would love to do
in the long-term. Only then did I make the decision to
apply for the Healthcare Scholarship – the obvious
choice for someone interested in healthcare.
Tell Us More About Your Job. What
Is Your Job Scope Like And What Are
Some Of Your Key Responsibilities?
Mohsin: As occupational therapists, we look
at empowering and enabling people to develop,
maintain or return to meaningful activities. We see
our patients in a variety of settings, be it a hospital ward, an outpatient clinic or their homes. Our
approach is a holistic one, where we look at various
factors affecting the patient and come up with
ways to improve their lifestyle.
When a patient is admitted to the hospital, we
will explore the limitations to participation in daily
activities that may be caused by sickness, injury
or even the environment. We will then devise
a treatment plan to address the problems,
modify the environment or even the
task to ensure that patients are able
to carry out an activity efficiently.
We also assist in planning for
a safe discharge for patients
from the wards to integrate
them back into their homes
and community.
What
Opportunities
Have You Enjoyed
As A Healthcare
Scholar?
Mohsin: As a
scholar, you’ll have more
opportunities. For instance,
you may get to meet with
the board of directors of a
company before you even
join. I’ve also had the chance to
attend conferences on healthcare
to stay up to speed on the latest
developments.
While I was pursuing my degree in
occupational therapy at the Singapore
Institute of Technology (in conjunction with
Trinity College Dublin), I participated in a six-week
attachment in Dublin, Ireland. This comprised
of visits to clinical sites in Dublin and helped me
learn more about the Irish healthcare system
and its various programmes and services. This
experience has opened my eyes and broadened my
mindset when it comes to exploring new areas to
look into in Singapore.
The scholarship also meant that I did not
have to worry about my finances at all as all my
educational expenses were covered. The freedom
this offers cannot be understated and really allows
you to focus on learning.
Share With Us Some Highlights
From Your Scholarship Journey So
Far.
Mohsin: The six weeks I spent in Dublin definitely
tops the list as it was my first time experiencing
first-hand the sheer scope of services that
occupational therapists are involved in. It made
me realise that there is so much room for growth
for occupational therapy in Singapore, and I look
forward to being involved in pilot programmes that
are based in the community. Many of our services
are still based in hospitals, and I greatly anticipate
the chance to work in the community and engage
patients in their homes, schools and workplaces!
Mohsin Zulimran
Healthcare Scholar
Designation:
Occupational Therapist,
Changi General Hospital
Studied:
Bachelor of Science (Occupational Therapy),
Singapore Institute of
Technology-Trinity College Dublin
Diploma of Occupational Therapy,
Nanyang Polytechnic
One of the more memorable aspects of my
work is the chance to guide a patient through their
rehabilitation and recovery and watch as they
gradually regain function and become stronger. My
work with post-stroke patients has been particularly
meaningful. I assist them in re-training their upper
limb functions and assist them in resuming their
daily activities. It’s immensely gratifying to be able
to see them require rehabilitation sessions less
frequently and gain independence.
"One of the more memorable aspects of my work is the chance to guide
a patient through their rehabilitation and recovery and watch as they
gradually regain function and become stronger."
What Advice Do You Have For
Aspiring Healthcare Scholars?
Mohsin: You should have the passion and heart
to care for and serve others. All else will fall into
place when your heart is in the right place. Finally,
you should be prepared to work hard as healthcare
is a challenging path to take!