Volunteering as a Guide Runner

"Running is Being. Running is Trying. Running is Falling. Running is Flying. Running is Dreaming." -E.T.

Felt like quoting a fellow colleague, classmate, past-housemate, friend and "bro". I agree with his words. Especially the "Falling" part. I see running as a constant series of falling and picking yourself back up --again and again. Once you learn to do it, there's no "try" in running, only Do. And with that, you can fly and dream...

I had decided before even starting my placement, that I would find time to volunteer as a guide runner. I literally typed in "guide runner in Hong Kong" and after a series of emails, got in touch with someone from the Fearless Dragon (猛龍隊) running group. I love to run, so why not learn to be a guide runner?

Did you say "Communication Breakdown"?

I've had my share of these moments over my placement.
If a picture is worth 1000 words, then this video can be worth all the words between my preceptor Past-preceptor and I over the last 3 weeks. I applaud Dory for her perseverance!

Goodness of Fit

As I'm reading up on Sensory Integration (SI) theory and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), I come across the term "Goodness of Fit" which is a concept that I can really relate to.

But wait.
Hold up!
Why am I reading about SI and SPD, when I'm at a placement focused on orthopedics?? Ok. Let's back up a bit.

Same Material means Less Friction

A lesson in physics and cultural competency.

A middle aged female patient comes in with carpal tunnel syndrome, and the OT decides to treat here with a static wrist splint. I'm watching from the side, because at the time, I was practicing how to mold my own paddle splint (which was and is still going terribly...). When it came time to start making her cast, the patient says that she won't be able to take off her jade bangle. She had put it on in her younger days and after two pregnancies, her wrist had grown and now the bangle no longer comes off. She tells the OT that she's fine with going home to have her husband brake the bracelet off with a hammer, but the concern was that it would be done in an unsafe manner, potentially causing further harm to the patient's wrist. My preceptor is called in to help take it off.

Who am I out of context? Part 1

Inspired by 5 second rule's post "Who are you out of context?", where she asks the thoughtful question:

When you travel, do you think you become more or less who you truly are? 

Congee vs. Soup vs. Water

A lesson in burns and cultural competency.

As my preceptor was teaching me about burns management, he asks me the question of whether having hot water splashed on you or hot soup would hurt more. And I responded...

Going international for Level III placement

Why an international placement? I've been asked this question many times, both in Canada and Hong Kong (HK), by family, friends and colleagues. This moment right now is a good chance to remind myself of why I chose to be on the other side of the world for my final placement. Especially since I will be writing my placement goals soon!

Why go international?

• To be fully immersed in the Chinese culture, as more than just a tourist.
• As a CBC (Chinese born Canadian), I've only identify with my Chinese culture through my parents. This is a chance for me to really experience Chinese culture and better develop a sense of what "Being Chinese" means to me.
• To see and learn about how OTs work on the other side of the world.
• To learn about the healthcare system and Hong Kong.
• To continue to gain self-awareness about what kind of OT I want to be.
• To develop my skills in cultural competency.