Join Dr. Brenda Vrkljan, Editor-in-Chief of the Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy (CJOT) and professor at McMaster University, and host Justine Jecker to explore why, amongst ongoing debates about accessibility, responsiveness, and the evolving definition of "evidence," peer-reviewed journals remain important today.

Brenda reflects on her journey to becoming CJOT’s Editor-in-Chief, the challenges of engaging newer generations of occupational therapy practitioners with scientific journals, and her thoughts on the future of academic publishing in occupational therapy.

La pandémie de COVID-19 a profondément transformé le quotidien des individus, des communautés et des professionnels de la santé, entraînant des défis sans précédent et nécessitant une adaptation rapide de la pratique et de la recherche en ergothérapie.

Dans cet épisode du Balado Conversations qui comptent en ergo, l’animatrice invitée, Josée Séguin, accueille deux expertes en la matière : la professeure et ergothérapeute Émilie Lagueux et l’ergothérapeute Dobrochna Litwin. Ensemble, elles explorent les répercussions de la COVID longue sur l’ergothérapie, les défis rencontrés par cette clientèle et les ressources mises en place pour les accompagner. Une discussion essentielle pour mieux comprendre le rôle des ergothérapeutes dans ce contexte en constante évolution.Ressources:

• Communauté de pratique COVID-longue et ergothérapie
• Ressources de COVID-19 de longue durée pour les ergothérapeutes
• Projet Co-Vie

OTA and Juno-nominated R&B artist Angie Akhinagba – known musically as Zenesoul – explores the intersection of occupational therapy and creative expression with host Justine Jecker. By day, Angie supports patients in the rehabilitation department at Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital, but in every spare moment, she’s crafting soulful music, often from the front seat of her car.

Dive into conversation with Angie to hear how she seamlessly blends her passions for therapy and music, highlighting creativity as an essential occupation. You’ll discover how personal passions can enrich professional practice!

Explorez le rôle essentiel des ergothérapeutes en tant que facilitateurs de changement avecSoëla Bandaly, notre nouvelle animatrice de la version francophone du balado, et ergothérapeutesAnne Pascale Ménard etGiovanni Arcuri. Ensemble, ils abordent des stratégies pour simplifier le langage, renforcer l’identité professionnelle et favoriser la collaboration interprofessionnelle. Ce nouvel épisode de Conversations qui comptent en ergo met en lumière l’importance du bien-être mental et des approches préventives en ergothérapie. 

Rejoignez-nous pour une discussion qui invite à repenser la pratique afin d’avoir un impact optimal auprès de la clientèle. Cet épisode fait écho à l’épisode 49, Facilitating Meaningful Change in Occupational Therapy Practice.

Discover the resources and support available to you as you approach graduation and begin your new career as an OT or OTA. CAOT has been helping new occupational therapy professionals navigate this important passage for decades, and can equip you with the knowledge and confidence you need to navigate your transition into the profession with ease. 

Tune in to hear Christine Dettwiler, CAOT’s Membership Team Manager, and Dustin Gelowitz, a new graduate leader, as they chat with host Justine Jecker about the unique pathways to practice, and how CAOT can help you be prepared for the exam, protected from liability, supported by our diverse resources and programs, and find a position that matches your distinct skills. CAOT is your career partner for life!

The Canadian OT Grad Guide: Start your career off right!

In 2025, OT Conversations that Matter: The Podcast will focus on innovative educational practices shaping the future of occupational therapy. To kick off this theme, Episode 51 highlights a capstone course for second-year occupational therapy students at McMaster University.

Join guests Sandra Moll and Briano DiRezze, OTs and McMaster University faculty, and host Justine Jecker as they discuss design thinking and entrepreneurship in occupational therapy.

The conversation explores how the McMaster course bridges design and business education with occupational therapy, strengthens connections with the occupational therapy entrepreneur community, and emphasizes the importance of exploring business-related competencies and strategic partnerships for advancing the profession.

Tune in now to hear about the benefits of equipping future occupational therapists with the skills to innovate and lead in a dynamic health care landscape!

In episode 50 of OT Conversations That Matter: The Podcast, host Justine Jecker is joined by OT Katie Churchill and former OT Amanda Björn to explore the intersection of professional identity and leadership in occupational therapy. They discuss why many OTs relinquish their title when stepping into formal leadership roles like CEO or Director, the challenges of maintaining a protected title, and how self-worth shapes leadership in the field. Tune in for a reflective conversation on the “art of occupational therapy” and the critical role of clear communication in defining professional identity and building meaningful connections.

In this episode of OT Conversations that Matter: The Podcast, host Justine Jecker is joined by occupational therapists Anne-Pascale Ménard and Giovanni Arcuri for a conversation on empowering OTs as transformative change makers. They discuss the critical role of de-jargonizing OT to build stronger client connections, help practitioners reclaim their professional identity, and strengthen interprofessional collaboration, ultimately driving meaningful change in practice. With their expertise in mental health and OT education, Anne-Pascale and Gio also emphasize the value of centering mental well-being, preventative care, and collaborative approaches to improve outcomes for those accessing occupational therapy services.

In Episode 48 of OT Conversations that Matter: The Podcast, host Justine Jecker sits down with occupational therapist and influencer Adam Ly to explore how OT practitioners identify and build on foundational skills to advance the profession, notably in the area of cognitive rehabilitation. They discuss the importance of grassroots-level education, advocacy, and innovative strategies for sustainable system transformation and the need for OT practitioners to get actively involved in post-licensure education both as participants and leaders. With advancements in AI, interprofessional collaboration, and complex knowledge systems, Adam emphasizes how understanding and strengthening core foundational skills is key to becoming effective advocates and leaders in the field. 

In Episode 47 of OT Conversations that Matter: The Podcast, host Justine Jecker and occupational therapist Stephanie Bizzeth delve into the impact of dominant cultural practices on occupational therapy service delivery. Drawing on their shared experience organizing and facilitating the CAOT 2024 Professional Issues Forum on Mental Health with a team of researchers and clinicians, they reflect on critical discussions around equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (EDIA) practices, as well as the systemic structures that continue to reinforce dominant cultural norms. Together they explore the fluid nature of dominant culture and ways to challenge, transform and influence dominant Eurocentric norms within the Canadian context. Tune in for a meaningful dialogue on building a more inclusive, culturally responsive approach to healthcare.