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Madeline Hingston’s path to occupational therapy began through her work as a kinesiologist in a mental health clinic, where she was inspired by the holistic, client-centered approach of the occupational therapists on her team. Realizing that her own values aligned closely with OT, she decided to pursue the profession to further explore this integrated model of care.

Now an OT student, Madeline is preparing for her first fieldwork placement at Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary, where she’ll gain experience across multiple departments, including burns and wounds care, plastic surgery and the emergency department. With a strong interest in mental health and an eagerness to explore the full scope of OT, Madeline is embracing every opportunity to step outside her comfort zone. Her advice to future students? Stay open to new experiences — because in a profession as diverse as OT, growth often happens in the unexpected.

What drew you to occupational therapy?
I previously worked in a mental health clinic with an interdisciplinary team that included OTs. I really appreciated and resonated with the way OTs approach care by working through a holistic lens. I had realized that this was the way I was approaching my practice as a kinesiologist and was inspired to pursue OT to be able to further explore this holistic approach to care. 

I also really love how diverse OT is and the broad range of experiences I will be able to have.

Where did you just complete your placement, and what was your role?
I will be completing my introductory placement at Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary in the burns and wounds care, plastic surgery and emergency departments.

Tell us about your experience there.
I will be completing this placement in November,  and I am excited to learn and be involved in so many different departments in such a small amount of time.

What do you see in your future as an occupational therapist?
I came into this program most drawn to mental health, but with how diverse the program is, I am excited to have as many experiences as I can.

What advice would you like to share with future students in this program?
Be open to new experiences! With the profession being so diverse, get comfortable with getting outside of your comfort zone. This was advice given to us during our orientation days, and it has been so helpful so far in allowing me to learn new perspectives and get the most out of the program.