Dream Job Spotlight: Alexander Lopez, Occupational Therapist

Occupational and physical therapists are some of the only professionals who can actually say they’re still in demand right now.  And Alexander Lopez, who is an occupational therapist and also vice chairperson of the occupational therapy program at my husband’s alma mater, Stony Brook University, has even more of an edge – he’s involved with his third-party association, the American Occupational Therapy Association.  If this career path sounds interesting to you, here are some of the details courtesy of Alexander.

What made you become an occupational therapist?

When people ask me what I do for a living, I can say I am an attorney, professor, or community advocate. However, those professional designations do not define my professional identity. Occupational therapy was an unintended discovery. It was not a profession that was on my radar. I became fascinated with the profession when introduced to it when I was in the military. My initial exposure to the profession revealed a world of opportunities of which I had not encountered.  Nevertheless, what made me choose the profession is not as important as the person I have become because of occupational therapy. The therapeutic process between a client and practitioner is collaborative and bidirectional learning process. It is through occupational therapy and my interactions with the clients I have served that I have become a better father, husband, friend, and person. So the answer to the question is…there are thousands of really great reasons to become an occupational therapist, however, the real reason to become one is because it is a profession that allows you to learn and grow as a person. You do not have to sacrifice your identity, your values, and your integrity for career advancement.

What is day to day life like for an occupational therapist?

An occupational therapist starts his or her day with a plan—a plan that focuses on the client’s needs and desires. Occupational therapists have a unique opportunity in health care. Unlike other health care providers, occupational therapists spend a significant amount of time with their clients. A therapy session can be anywhere from 15 minutes to three hours depending on the type of facility in which the therapist is working. During that time, occupational therapists can really hone in on a client’s needs.

How does the academic side differ from the clinical side?

The transition from clinic to academia was a difficult one for me. When entered the role of academician, I missed the client-therapist experience. It was as if I had to reinvent my identity. However, I have become increasingly inspired by the work of occupational therapy scholars and students. Through community participatory research and community programming, I have rediscovered a new world of occupational therapy.

Why is OT a hot career today?

One can say occupational therapy is hot because of it is “recession proof.” However, if one knows the true nature of the profession, they will find that it is more than a job—it is a passion. Occupational therapy is a hot career because it is holistic. It encompasses every aspect of living. Its theoretical foundations in arts and sciences are not only practical but necessary in helping restore our clients’ sense of meaningful existence.  

What advice would you have for people who are interested in getting into occupational therapy?

I say take a personal inventory. Identify your personal vision and mission. Once you have done so, compare it to the profession’s vision and mission. You will find that the pursuit for self-actualization can be found in noble and enriching profession like occupational therapy.

Thanks Alexander!

Comments

[jay hofmeister]

Great post, it is great to know there are some industries that are still actively hiring.

Jay Hofmeister
www.theresumebay.com

[Alexandra Levit]

@Jay: Thanks for reading and for the comment. If you know of any others, feel free to share and I'll profile them here!

[LisaCHT]

Nice write up. I too am an occupational therapist. I have to say living in Michigan that this profession is not absolutely recession proof. I have been laid off in the past year. I thankfully was able to find work due to being a certified hand therapist as well. At the same time, without finding full time employment the opportunity to earn a living as an OT through "as needed" help was available which makes the career a bit resilient even in an area facing tough economic times.

[Anna Kershaw]

Your post has inspired me. I just turned 50 and after being laid off from a career in purchasing/procurement I was lost until just a moment ago when I found your article and Alexander's words. I was a philosophy and psychology under graduate who got caught up in the business world, but I remember when just out of high school I thought about becoming an Occupational Therapist. Do you think it is too late? I want to help elders with dementia and Alzheimer's Disease - I'm working as an Office Manager now at a Memory Care facility in Atlanta. Anyone know how to obtain education funding and where I can obtain the degree & certification in Atlanta?
annapk@comcast.net

[Pediatric Physical Therapy]

Very interesting blog. I would like to know more about that association

[Alexandra Levit]

@LisaCHT: Thanks for the additional insights...helps to hear from real people out there on the front lines.

@Anna: Have you been in touch with AOTA? I doubt it would be too late, but you might require some additional coursework. They would know better.

@PPT: I recommend contacting them. They're really nice over there!

[Dental Research]

Interesting questions and answers Alexander, Congratulations and thanks for your labor.

[David Miller]

I would like to commend you on achieving such. I want to be an occupational therapist also and maybe can see you by then.