Paraig O'Brien is my former boss and an inspiration to me. He has transformed policy around Housing Adaptations for people with disabilities in his native Northern Ireland and across the UK.

He shared some eye-opening experiences of being an Allied Health Professional during the Northern Irish "Troubles" conflict period such as the time he was shot or when there was an attempted car-jacking as he tried to deliver bathing equipment to a service user.

Cross-departmental collaboration has been a theme throughout his career where he has sought to combine the skillsets of Product Designers, Researchers, Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists with the feedback from service users and their caregivers to make sure that equipment and services for those living with disabilities really meets their needs.

Occupational Therapy is a family affair for Paraig, he was originally inspired by his Aunt Brenda and his daughter as an OT is also now the Long Covid lead for Ireland. Paraig and I discussed our personal experiences of injury and how it has allowed us to really feel what it is to be a patient - vulnerable from loss of function and relying on the help of healthcare professionals in our rehabilitation.

Paraig shares his passion for being a keen musician and a sailor. He reflected on how he has had to use his OT skills in a voluntary role he has in a local sailing club for people with issues with mental health or physical disabilities.

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I’d love to hear what you think of this episode - your feedback helps shape future episodes. If you know of a healthcare professional with a powerful story to share, I’d love to connect. Drop me an email at ⁠⁠⁠martina.tierney@seatingmatters.com⁠⁠⁠.

If you like what you've heard I'd be really grateful if you could share it with your friends and on social media.

Thanks so much for listening and supporting the show!⁠⁠

Martina

Charlie Chung presented this year's Elizabeth Casson Memorial Lecture in the UK "Do You Hold the Door Open for Others?"

I loved the thinking behind it... Are we helping others to reach their potential? Am I aware when someone is holding a door open for me, presenting me with an opportunity to grow? Do I accept that opportunity?

In this episode we discuss Charlie's storied career so far where he has combined in-depth academic research with very practical application by Occupational Therapists and Allied Health Professionals.

He has great knowledge and experience in neurological conditions, particularly Stroke care, having helped create the Stroke Pathway in NHS Lothian. Charlie has been appointed as lead for Post-COVID syndrome in NHS Lothian where they are working to understand it better and finding which treatments might help those living with the condition.

We also found out that he is a karaoke king and musician! Charlie tells us about his musical adventures and a Scottish connection to The Beatles.

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I could have recorded another full episode with Charlie, there is lots more still to talk about with him so I hope he'll come back to record another episode.

I’d love to hear what you think of this episode - your feedback helps shape future episodes. If you know of a healthcare professional with a powerful story to share, I’d love to connect. Drop me an email at ⁠⁠⁠martina.tierney@seatingmatters.com⁠⁠⁠.

If you like what you've heard I'd be really grateful if you could share it with your friends and on social media.

Thanks so much for listening and supporting the show!⁠⁠

Martina

Years after a devastating car accident, Kirsty Ryan told her story live on national radio - unknowingly setting in motion a reunion with the Occupational Therapist who had changed everything for her years before.

That OT helped restore Kirsty’s dignity, voice, and purpose - and ultimately inspired her to become an OT herself.

*** This episode release was scheduled to coincide with Kirsty's wedding to her partner Kevin! 💍💐Share your marriage tips for the happy couple in the comments below or leave a simple note of congratulations!

Kirsty continues to inspire many not only through her work as an Occupational Therapist, a Seating Specialist and as Clinical Training Manager at Seating Matters but also through her powerful personal journey - from patient to Occupational Therapist, and now, to becoming a voice of hope and purpose for others.

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I’d love to hear what you think of this episode with Kirsty - your feedback helps shape future episodes. As with Kirsty's life experience, if you know a healthcare professional with a powerful story to share, I’d love to connect. Drop me an email at ⁠⁠⁠martina.tierney@seatingmatters.com⁠⁠⁠.

If you like what you've heard I'd be really grateful if you could share it with your friends and on social media.

Thanks so much for listening and supporting the show!⁠⁠

Martina