Khatta Meetha OT TALK-DR SANTOSH SHINTRE

Introducing the fourth guest of my Column Khatta Meetha OT Talk is a dynamic professional with excellent skills and knowledge

Dr Santosh Shintre (OT)

Dr Santosh ,an Occupational therapist  is currently working in a skilled nursing facility with WYE OAK healthcare,hyattsville, Maryland ,USA.He is a Masters in Occupational therapy (M.OTh) Neuroscience from Seth G.S.Medical college,Mumbai.
He is internationally certified in basic NDT (Neuro developmental techniques).
Also certified in Sensory Integration (SI) Module 1 and 4.
He holds certification in Kinesiotaping 1 and 2.Further he has his expertise in Narrative therapy.
He has conducted workshop for handwriting at Delhi.Has been speaker and facilitator at multiple workshops and training.
He has worked for a long time with Umeed Child development centre in Mumbai and has been actively involved  a part of various studies and training.
Besides this he is also passionate about sports like table tennis,cricket and badminton and enjoys engaging in the same during his leisure time.

I have observed his sessions and had extensive case discussions that always developed an insight to clinical reasoning.I have learnt a lot of professional etiquette and skills from him and i am greatful to him for the same.

So presenting to you all his views on some other dimensions of Occupational therapy.

1)How will you critique Occupational therapy as a career?

Occupational Therapy is a unique healthcare profession with a holistic approach of creativity and scientific methods for assisting the individual towards independent living through all age groups.

2) Describe one moment you felt proud to be an OT?

Every step of my journey in this profession has been memorable for me. And the relationship I could make with various people is my biggest earnings. To be specific in regards to the people I helped is about a person with C5-C7 injury who I started treating since day 1 when even the one of the top most orthopedic surgeon said that he would be on bed all his life and nothing could be done, to get him to stand and walk was a greatest achievement.  The appreciation, the smile and satisfaction that I get from the clients and colleagues will always be a treasure for me.

3) A lot of young OTs find it difficult to make a decision of moving overseas or staying in India What will you advise them? 

In my opinion everyone has their own dreams but staying clear with your goal and knowing what is important and what you want from life will help to make that decision. I feel it's a journey everyone go through and reach their destination. It could may not be clear in the beginning but eventually you will get their.

4)What is your opinion on Monetary remuneration and job opportunities that Ots get in India?

In my opinion, there is difference in what it was when I was in bachelors and now, things are changing. Lot of OT professionals are diverging into different opportunities to be entrepreneurs, overseas. It getting better and people are being more aware. I see it to be more bright as we are indulging in to different streams.

 

5)Do you think professional overlap and encroachment is taking away identity of Occupational therapy?If so how can this be dealt practically?

According to me the overlap is there because OT is more holistic and functional. It's not limited to just cognitive, or pediatric or mental health. But in our minds we need to be more clear with our profession, we should be able to explain others, and we need to be able to demarcate our professional lines with others.  Be creative and not to think just conventional.

Your highlights
*My Professional Strength -I am good with patient communication and very approachable.

*I am fond of-sports, sketches, discussions in person.My profession helps me to unwind myself in ways that I would have never discovered otherwise.

*I prefer the most-I love being flexible.

*Two words for life- Being yourself.

P.S:I extend my gratitude to him for giving me time in-spite of different time zones.Thank you for reading, see you all next Saturday with another guest.

-SSW