Division of Health Sciences
School of Health Sciences
School of Health Sciences
John Bauer
My work as an occupational therapist involves almost exclusively psycho-social rehabilitation where I work with clients with chronic mental illness to develop social, recreational, living and return to work skills.
Occupational therapy is very, very broad and it’s not all about physical movement.
Studying at UniSA equipped me to think very broadly and holistically. The work placements associated with the degree were fantastic. I did two placements in rural community health centres which enabled me to develop clinical skills and experience a range of occupational therapy, medical and surgical practices. The placements also helped me identify areas I was interested in working in. During my fourth year of study I participated in a three-month exchange program with Chiang Mai University in Thailand where I worked with two other students at a rural psychiatric rehabilitation facility. It was an amazing experience which taught me, among other things, to be more resourceful and self-reliant.
UniSA teaching staff were also wonderful. They were always available, always encouraging and always professional. They were very dedicated to study and research and kept up-to-date with the latest developments and trends in the field. We all learnt and benefited a great deal from their experience, expertise and guidance.
