SPECIAL FEATURE

eastern health alliance (EHA)
Special Features | Healthcare

Helping Others
Live A Full Life

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!