Saima's khatta Meetha OT Talk - Dr Zarine Ferzandi (OT)

Introducing the eighteenth guest of my column  is a young professional with thirty eight plus years of experience to the service of this noble profession.She is my teacher, mentor and an inspiration to many budding therapists.An ever smiling and most loved professional.Her work speaks volumes of her passion and dedication that she is continuing till today.

Dr Zarine Ferzandi

Dr Zarine ma'am is a retired Associate Professor of OT School and training Centre, GSMC and KEMh, Mumbai. Ag Head of department OT School, KEMH  (2009-2011)

She Graduated in Occupational therapy in 1976 from Mumbai University and did Post graduation  in 1982.Her area of Clinical and Academic interest of 38 years in Neurology and Psychiatry specially in Substance use disorders.

Currently ,She is Honorary Consultant and Head of Occupational therapy Department at Masina Hospital. Ex Officio of AIOTA ,She is recipient of Professional Excellence Award , Fellow of Academic Council of Occupational therapy Award and Crown of OT-Presidents Award from AIOTA.

Dr Zarine has guided a number of students  and is a PHD Guide. She has authored a number of National and International Publications and Member of Editorial board of IJOT. She has also been editor of IJOT from 2010-2016 and has been member of board of studies for UG and PG under Allied faculties of MUHS.

Lets read her views further:

1)What are the lesser known facts about your professional journey?

My Professional journey has been like a flowing river. I began my journey as Clinical therapist first at Nair Hospital where I worked for seven months and then got selected for the post at KEMh in 1978. I was posted in medical and artificial kidney unit ( AKD) , here I worked with my seniors as I had their experience to back up and gain skills. In AKD I worked with clients who were on dialysis and we worked to improve physical and mental health , from here in 1983 I moved to pediatric and pediatric surgery section where we started the first steps of working on the principles of Jean Ayres and paving way to sensory integration. In 1987 I shifted to neurosurgery simultaneously in those years we also got an opportunity to start dyslexia screening clinic and started using remedial kit which was given to our department by then honorary psychiatrist and then in 1991 I ventured in to setting up the Drug de-addiction unit of Occupational therapy at KEMh. This role was very challenging due to less awareness and reference resources, but I took it up with passion and continued my work for twenty five years and with time proved the importance of Occupational therapy in de-addiction. I retired as Associate Professor of Occupational therapy 1993 to 2016 and restarted my journey by setting up Occupational therapy department at Masina hospital, Mumbai.

2) You have seen decades of professional transformation over years , how do see the future it?

Occupational therapy was a new profession when it developed after world war and today it is widely accepted profession globally and even in India it has picked up momentum where initially there were Otist working in hospitals only but today more and more therapist are venturing in to private clinics, school base, Ergonomic Consultation ,Industries, Hand therapy. This has created a ripple within medical fraternity and acceptance of Occupational therapy has been paved. But I am worried as other health care professionals are overlapping and our roles are getting disseminated.

3) What are the practical changes that can be incorporated in to the grooming of young professionals to be more competent in a multi-disciplinary practice?

We need to be more aggressive, our work has to reach other professionals. Documentation is very important as this is very much needed for analysis and research. Improve communication skills and OT Practitioner should increase the ability to justify the goals and programs laid out for patients to those outside the profession and defend our role.

Do skill assessments, attend workshops & multidisciplinary conferences , present papers ,interact and do collaborate with other professionals.

4) What is your opinion on the skill structure, remuneration and hierarchical growth of occupational therapists in various organizations? 

I would give a thumbs up to a skill structure by which pay or remuneration is linked to the knowledge therapist acquires and adapts to clients ,his skills or execution of abilities. This works as in incentive or reward to perform well at the workplace and there is definite growth and zeal to learn and do better. However there is stagnation as most of the organizations are using the hierarchical growth where pay or remuneration increases because of one’s position or years of experience regardless of the skills they possess which is demotivating.

5) What is your advice to students and young professionals facing difficulty in professional establishment?

It’s easy to advice when I am on the other side of the fence still I would say there is light at the other side of the tunnel, don’t stop and move on ,take risks , be an entrepreneur. Otist can work in any setup. Students who do their post-graduation should continue to strive in the field of specialization as you have mastered it and you will be able to do clinical reasoning better and confidently.


Your highlights:

My Professional strength: I work better under time pressure. I believe in team work, willingness to adapt and learn.


My Inspirational moment: When in 1980 , the head of Medicine Unit asked me how long should he extend the stay of a patient diagnosed with GBS who was receiving Occupational therapy services. That was the day and turning point that my work was appreciated and that brought value to therapy.


My difficult moment: It was challenge setting up Drug De addiction unit of Occupational therapy at KEM and establishing the importance of Occupational therapy.


I am known for: My caring and smiling nature. Honesty and integrity.

P.S: I extend my gratitude to her for her valuable time.See you all next Saturday with another guest.

-SSW