During Black History Month, the School of Physical and Occupational Therapy is highlighting the achievements of Black members of our community. In this article, we meet Maria Harewood, erg., a Â鶹´«Ã½ÍøÕ¾ Occupational Therapy graduate and mentor, who shares her experiences and reflections on representation, education and giving back.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
For 11 years now, I have been working for Physiotherapie Universelle, a private clinic in Montreal, Quebec. I see a variety of clients for either physical health issues, home evaluations and management, hand therapy and ergonomic assessments.ÌýI have been a mentor to Â鶹´«Ã½ÍøÕ¾ Occupational Therapy students since 2022 and have recently become more involved in the profession at national level, joining several committees at the Canadian Association for Occupational Therapists.
Fun fact: I am fluent in English, French and Spanish!
Why is it important to you to be a mentor for future Occupational Therapists?
When I began my career in a private clinic, I felt like a fish out of water! It was an area which I did not have the opportunity to experience during my clinical placements. At that time, I received immense help and support from my colleagues; while also using the tools and skills I had gained in my various experiences at school and in life.
I believe that mentorship is of vital importance to the professional health and well-being of any occupational therapist, especially at the early points of their careers. I don’t believe that I would have remained in private practice if I didn’t have someone to provide me with guidance, tools, and encouragement. With more than 8 years of taking on student clinical placements, I enjoy giving back what I received and hopefully that inspires my mentees to also give back one day.
Why is it important to role model for both Black and non-Black students?
I believe that representation in every field of life is important to see and highlight because it opens the mind to the possibility of opportunity, value, and purpose. I’m still shocked when I walk into conferences and I see little to no other Black Occupational Therapists. I hope that with the work I plan to do with promoting the profession in high schools and CEGEPS will inspire others to consider Occupational Therapy as a career choice.
What helps create a more inclusive and supportive environment in health care?
Respect. Being open to un-learning internal biases. Fostering healthy communication which requires active-listening, and the willingness to learn and compromise. Appreciating the differences that make us human, whether that be in culture, race, sexual orientation, etc.
Finally, educating ourselves about the past and continued disparities that happen in our healthcare settings, and actively engaging in making the necessary changes to improve.
----------
Maria Harewood erg., M.Sc. Applied (’12) is a Â鶹´«Ã½ÍøÕ¾ alumna working in a private clinic setting, Physiotherapie Universelle, Montreal, Quebec. She is an active member of the Â鶹´«Ã½ÍøÕ¾ Occupational Therapy Mentoring Program, clinical supervisor for Â鶹´«Ã½ÍøÕ¾ Occupational Therapy students, facilitator in Â鶹´«Ã½ÍøÕ¾ Interprofessional Education courses, and active member of the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists.
More information on the Â鶹´«Ã½ÍøÕ¾ Occupational Therapy Mentoring Program
More on Black History Month at Â鶹´«Ã½ÍøÕ¾
Ìý
