MAS Weekly

A few months ago, while going to bed and listening to a podcast on space health, a sudden question formed in my mind:

“Does Occupational Therapy have a role in space?”

I searched instantly—and what I found amazed me. Articles from the American Occupational Therapy Foundation, research on astronaut behavioral health, and studies on human performance in space all opened a new world of possibilities.

That one late-night question led me to explore deeply, and eventually inspired me to write my own article:
“Occupational Therapy at NASA: Caring for Health Beyond Earth.”

It reminded me of something simple and beautiful:
Great ideas often begin with small moments of curiosity. Even in the dark, a single question can lead us to a whole new universe.

https://medium.com//occupational-therapy-at-nasa-caring-for-health-beyond-earth-00f261a460bc

Four Rotations, One Purpose — Empowering Lives Through Occupational Therapy

Completed my journey through four rotations in my 3rd-year Occupational Therapy clinical placements.

Choosing Occupational Therapy was never a random decision — it grew from a deep passion for mental health and human connection. In a country like Bangladesh, where mental health often remains overlooked, I wanted to be part of a profession that not only heals but empowers people to live meaningful lives.

1️⃣ Psychosocial Placement – Rabia Noor Centre

My journey truly began with my psychosocial rotation, where I experienced the real essence of mental health care. Those 21 days at Rabia Noor were filled with compassion, learning, and discovery. I saw how Occupational Therapy can transform confusion into confidence, isolation into participation, and pain into purpose. It wasn’t just a placement — it was a turning point that shaped my understanding of what healing really means.

2️⃣ Orthopedic Rehabilitation – NITOR

The next chapter took me to NITOR, the largest orthopaedic hospital in Bangladesh. Here, I observed how Occupational Therapy plays a vital role in helping patients regain independence after injuries and surgeries. Working alongside the multidisciplinary team, I learned to bridge physical recovery with emotional resilience. One of my proudest moments was presenting about our profession to the MDT team — an opportunity to raise awareness where OT is still growing but immensely needed.

3️⃣ Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) – Kulaura, Sylhet

From hospitals to the heart of the community — the CBR placement opened my eyes to the power of inclusion. We surveyed local households, mapped the needs of persons with disabilities, and offered solutions through environmental modifications and adaptive tools. Beyond therapy, we worked for empowerment and awareness, helping people live with dignity. Despite challenges like language barriers and long travel routes, the warmth and cooperation of the villagers made every step worthwhile.

4️⃣ National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) – Final Rotation

My final placement at NIMH brought my journey full circle — back to mental health, where it all began. Bangladesh faces frequent climate-related disasters that affect not just the body but also the mind. I observed how occupational therapists can play a crucial role in crisis response — supporting those traumatized after major tragedies, including students and fire victims. Through this, I realized that Occupational Therapy is not just a profession — it’s a service of humanity, helping people rebuild routines, restore confidence, and rediscover hope.

Each rotation was a new door opening — not just for learning, but for empathy, adaptability, and purpose. As I complete my 3rd year, I feel deeply grateful for every supervisor, client, and community who became part of this incredible learning journey.

Mahim Khan
3rd Year, B.Sc. in Occupational Therapy
Session: 2021–2022

Completed Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR) placement.

Occupational therapy holds an important role in communities worldwide. Through CBR, therapists not only provide treatment but also empower people with disabilities to live with dignity. Globally, around 15% of people live with disability, yet access to therapy is very uneven—high-income countries may have 420 therapists per million people, while low-income ones often have fewer than 75.(WHO,2011)

As a 3rd-year student, I realized how different CBR feels compared to hospital placements. In our first three days, we surveyed the area to understand the prevalence of persons with disabilities and their daily challenges. From this, we chose individuals who could benefit most from occupational therapy, focusing on environmental modifications and simple adaptations.

We also prepared a social map and raised awareness about common health issues, prevention, and treatment. Our placement in Gubindopur Union was memorable. The village was naturally beautiful, and its people were incredibly welcoming and respectful.
Though we faced challenges like language barriers and difficult transport, the support of our supervisors and the cooperation of the community helped us overcome them. More than just a placement, it became a journey of learning, growth, and unforgettable memories.

Mahim Khan
3rd year,B.Sc. in occupational therapy
2021-22

Completed second rotation 3rd year clinical orthopedic rehabilitation placement at NITOR.

Another rotation, another journey, and another new experience!
During my placement, I learned how Occupational Therapy plays a vital role in acute orthopedic conditions and how we work together as part of the MDT team. I also got the wonderful opportunity to present my profession by a presentation in front of doctors.

Proud to share that this was at NITOR – the largest Orthopaedic hospital in Bangladesh, where the role of OT is truly crucial even though the number of therapists is not yet sufficient. Truly, this experience will always remain a special milestone in my learning journey. ✨