Head, Brenda. Interview. Brenda reflects on her career in Occupational Therapy in St. John's, Newfoundland from 1973 to 2012. Pioneer and one of the founders of modern occupational therapy in the province. Diverse, challenging and satisfying career.

• Main Author: Manojlovich, Mary
• Other Authors: Head, Brenda, Born and raised in St. John's; graduated with diploma in Occupational Therapy from University of Alberta 1973; BScOT (degree completion)University of Alberta 1982; MScOT Dalhousie 2005; worked at Childen's Rehabilitation Centre 1973-76 ;Glasgow School of Occupational Therapy 1976; General Hospital 1976-1985; Occupational Therapy Fieldwork Education Coordinator, Dalhousie 1985-2012.
• Format: Audio
• Language: English
• Published: 2022
• Subjects: Head; Brenda; Newfoundland
• Online Access: http://collections.mun.ca/cdm/ref/collection/occuptherapy/id/21

Brenda talks about receiving a bursary from the Newfoundland government to get her diploma in Occupational Therapy from the University of Alberta; work at the Children's Rehabilitation Centre; small but equivalent to centres elsewhere; only 3 occupational therapists; encouraged to participate in continuing professional education and program development; travelling clinics across the province to see children in their homes and schools;vibrant and diverse workplace;moved to head of occupational therapy department at the General Hospital; moving to Health Sciences Centre as acute care hospital; old General becoming an adult rehabilitation and geriatric centre; large budget for 11 positions and new equipment to develop the occupational therapy service at both sites;challenging to recruit occupational therapists and to increase awareness of the role of occupational therapy; started small and demonstrated value by doing; Atlantic school of Occupational Therapy opened at Dalhousie in mid-80's; Brenda became the Provincial Fieldwork Education Coordinator;recruited Newfoundland students to enroll in OT school;developed fieldwork placements across the province;great support from employers and therapists; linking clinical and academic settings; promoting evidence-based approach to practice; increased recruitment; involvement in provincial and national professional organizations; involvement in Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Occupational Therapists, Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists, Newfoundland and Labrador Occupational Therapy Board; importance of professional regulation; title protection; protection of public; occupational therapy a fulfilling career.