01/18/2024

Friends of Franz Podcast S3 E7: It's Going Tibia Good Day with Occupational Therapist Emily Longwell-Grice (That OT PhD Life)

There are what seem to be rudimentary acts in our daily life that we do without a second thought, to the point that we refer to them as "second nature." Whether it's buttoning our shirts, turning a doorknob, or using a fork to eat, these are things that our body has already memorized, like taking a breath. However, what happens when we lose the ability and autonomy to perform the most mundane of skills due to sudden and unforeseen circumstances in life? According to a 2022 study by The Official Journal of the Japanese Association of Rehabilitation Medicine, only 25% of severe stroke survivors recover from hemiplegia, the paralysis of one side of the body. And according to the Mayo Clinic, common incidences such as falls, motor vehicle accidents, and sports can all result in paralysis secondary to spinal cord injuries. The loss of function in performing activities of daily living from these occurrences can result not only in decreased quality of life but also in mortality. The field of Occupational Therapy is a beacon of hope that seeks to help restore this lost independence and ensure a capacity to return to one's normal life.

We are joined in this episode by Milwaukee-based certified acute care occupational therapist Emily Longwell-Grice, also known by her renowned blog as That OT PhD Life. Having been an occupational therapist for a decade, Emily has worked in different clinical settings, including long-term acute care units, intensive care units, and skilled nursing facilities. Outside the clinical and into the classroom, she is a Physical Rehabilitation and Acute Care Lecturer for Master's OT students. She extends her love for expanding research and education within the field of occupational therapy through social media, where she educates the public about fine motor skills, adaptive equipment, home safety, and body mechanics for healthcare workers.