2023 Sylvia Docker lecture: Ignite your passion, and connect, to make a difference

Area of Science:

• Occupational Therapy
• Health Professions Research
• Doctoral Studies

Background:

• The profession of occupational therapy faces challenges requiring research-informed solutions.
• Occupational therapists and health professionals undertake doctoral studies (PhDs) to address these challenges.
• This lecture explores the research journeys of individuals within the profession.

Purpose of the Study:

• To share collective journeys of occupational therapists and health professionals engaged in PhD research.
• To explore themes of passion (WHY), experience (LIVING), and impact (MAKING A DIFFERENCE) in research.
• To provide inspiration and pathways for creative careers in occupational therapy.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative exploration of lived experiences of PhD students, emerging, and experienced researchers.
• Utilized natural language processing for story summarization and topic identification.
• Concept mapping and interpretation within theoretical models.

Main Results:

• Key topics include clinical/personal motivators, the value of networks, and research impact.
• Discoveries and outcomes highlight the importance of people and networks.
• Synthesizing concepts: passion, networks, knowledge translation, opportunities, supervision, and communication.

Conclusions:

• Collective research journeys offer inspiration and career pathways for occupational therapists.
• Strong connections exist across passion, networks, knowledge translation, and communication.
• Occupational therapists are encouraged to reflect on their passion and research impact.