Khatta Meetha OT TALK-Dr SHRUTI MORE(OT)

Introducing the fifth guest of my Column " Khatta Meetha OT Talk" is a professional who stands high as an epitome of inspiration. She has established herself with an international reputation for her dedication and service .

Dr Shruti More

Dr Shruti More (OT) is Bachelors in Occupational Therapy from Seth G.S Medical College and KEM hospital. She has done Diploma in CBR from CBR Network South Asia.

She is Certified in Sensory Integration ( Module 1 and 3 )

Certified In REBT ( Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy) and counseling

Dr Shruti is Working with Handimachal, Kullu as Executive Head and Occupational Therapist.

She is Board Member and Program Director( Disability)  on CHAI ( Canadian Himalayan Association for Innovation ) 

She is also recipient of following Awards/ Scholarships.

International Scholarship by American Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine.

Young Connectors of Future by Swedish Institute

Award in Social Work by Ministry of Women and Child Development( Kullu District)  

Among-st all this she is passionate about mountaineering,cycling and music.

She is a dynamic professional with excellent leadership and decision making. She has made remarkable difference in many children's life and has significant contribution in the field of Occupational therapy.

So let's read her views further:

1)Can you tell us more about your journey from being a student in Mumbai to Executive head of Handimachal unit?

I'm the Executive Head at Handimachal and Occupational Therapist. My passion for Mountains bought me to Kullu, where I came across Handimachal Therapy Center. A personal experience made me choose to relocate to Kullu from Mumbai, to work in area where I think I could use my educational skills optimally and pursue a lifestyle which suits my passions.

2)What is the most challenging aspect of being an OT?

I some times find it challenging that under OT, there are many domains we cover,which sometimes becomes overwhelming and I find it difficult to focus on a specialty. But I try to work around it by  looking at it with a different perspective, making it a strength and that which separates us from other Rehabilitation practices. I often joke, I'm a OT who is jack of all trades, and master of none.

3)What aspect of your professional identity reflects in your personal life?

As an Occupational Therapist, we focus on the meaning of occupations, the quality of it more than the quantity of it. In my personal life too I aspire to engage my self in meaningful pursuits which make sense to me. I have consciously made choices to not follow a herd mentality and try to live a life based on my Individual life plan, like how we make Individual OT plans for our clients.

4)Today many OTs who are fresh graduate find it difficult to place themselves in their desired job ,How do you look at this?

I faced the same dilemma. The available arenas of job did not excite me. I gave my self time to think what I really wanted to do, instead of pursuing Masters in US, which is general norm for OT graduates. I had a opportunity to travel, which bought me to what excited me to contribute my skills. There is need for more diverse work arenas available and more stories of OT doing all kinds of different work to be highlighted.

5)What would be your advise to the younger OTs who aim to make a remarkable recognition in their professional sphere?

Keep looking for what really holds meaning to you. Take risks! Start working in new ventures, volunteers, collaborate, make something new. Be brave with the skills you have. You are needed! You can make difference!

Your highlights:

My professional experience:

I have been working at Handimachal Therapy Center, Kullu for 6 years as an Occupational Therapist. I lead the organization in the capacity of its Executive Head today. My specialization is in Pediatric  OT and Community Based Rehabilitation.

My strength: I have varied interest which I'm able to collaborate to build something new.

My moment of inspiration:As a OT, there are moments of Inspiration in every therapy session. When the first step is taken, when the first step is taken, when the first word is spoken, when a first alphabet is written.

The word that describes me: Incidentally, Shruti mean to listen. I'm a good listener. Shruti suits me best!

P.S:I extend my gratitude to her for giving me valuable time.Thank you for reading,see you all next saturday with another guest.