Montréal West Island CIUSSS | Highlighting Excellence at our CIUSSS

Highlighting Excellence at our CIUSSS

(L. to R.): Laurie M. Snider OT, PhD, Director & Associate Dean, School of Physical & Occupational Therapy, McGill University, Willy Huynh, Occupational Therapist and Sara Saunders PhD, OT(c), erg, Director, Occupational Therapy Program, Associate Professor (Professional), McGill University School of Physical and Occupational Therapy

Willy Huynh, an occupational therapist who has been at our CIUSSS for close to five years, was recently recognized for his outstanding work by McGill University and the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists. From his office at the Lakeshore General Hospital (LGH) emergency room, he reflects on all he has accomplished since graduating from McGill University in 2015, and where he is today. Diploma in hand, it wasn’t long before he landed a job at St. Mary’s Hospital Center, and from there he received a very attractive offer from LGH, where he truly feels a strong sense of belonging.

In addition to working in the LGH emergency, every year, Willy Huynh supervises interns who, after completing their studies, will build their careers in one or more areas of practice. “My work in the emergency involves assessing patients and determining whether they’re ready to go home after an incident. Occupational therapy is also very beneficial in long-term care facilities as the focus is on helping elderly clients remain agile,” adds Mr. Huynh, who is supervising an intern at Ste. Anne’s Hospital. “Occupational therapists can also help users with home modifications, enabling them to age in place and stay in their homes for as long as possible. To so do, occupational therapists assess the physical environment, the need for equipment (e.g., handrails, walker, bath chair, etc.), and any other suitable improvements,” says Mr. Huynh.

Involving families
When occupational therapy treatments and home modifications are being considered, the involvement of the family or loved ones is very important. “Our job is to provide support throughout the rehabilitation process in order to make our users as independent as possible so that they may carry out their activities of daily living with ease. However, once we are done with our interventions, loved ones and family members are best positioned to make sure that the living environment is safe and continues to meet the individual’s needs,” says Mr. Huynh. In his opinion, the approaches that are used vary in accordance with the type of clientele and the living environment. He prefers a holistic approach, which involves analysing the client’s needs while taking into account all aspects of their life (physical, mental, family, etc.).

What about the future?
According to Mr. Huynh, because of factors such as the aging population, occupational therapists will be called on to play a leading role in the coming years. “Since home modifications and home support are sought by society today, occupational therapy will be instrumental in helping people take ownership of the safety of their homes and continue to live at home with total peace of mind. It’s clear that for our overall health, aging in place is what’s best,” concludes Mr. Huynh.

The Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists’ Award of Merit was presented to our colleague Willy Huynh on April 20. Congratulations!