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For second-year occupational therapy student Phoebe Stobart, choosing a career path was about more than just health care — it was about connection, purpose and empowering people in their everyday lives. With a background in psychology and a growing interest in mental health, Phoebe was drawn to occupational therapy for its holistic approach and wide-ranging impact across communities.

We caught up with Phoebe following her first fieldwork placement at a regional health centre in rural Saskatchewan. She shared what inspired her to pursue OT, the valuable lessons she learned during her placement and how the experience deepened her understanding of the profession’s role in supporting individuals and strengthening communities — especially in underserved areas.

What drew you to occupational therapy?
I was drawn to occupational therapy because of its vast scope within health care. As a psychology undergraduate student, I was interested in working in mental health and helping people find purpose through activities that are meaningful to them. I came across OT and instantly fell in love with its philosophy and diversity of services. With its holistic and personal approach, I can really make a difference in people’s lives.

Tell us about your recent placement.
I completed my first placement at a regional health centre in Outlook, Sask. Along with another student, we worked under our preceptor to assist in acute care, long-term care, out-patient appointments, home visits and more.

Being in a rural setting meant that we had many hands-on opportunities. We also witnessed the importance of social connection in a rural setting, built relationships with the residents and hospital staff, and saw how OT supports individuals and communities in a rural context. My preceptor was a first-hand example of how a warm smile, active listening, and treating each client with respect and dignity can transform someone’s day. This was especially evident in the long-term care homes. The joy on residents’ faces when we entered the room, even just to talk, play a game or listen, was moving. Many of them longed for conversation and someone to sit with. I saw how OT stands out as a profession that asks people about their daily lives, listens intently and values who people are as purposeful “doers.” I left this placement feeling inspired by and grounded in the values that shape OT practice.

What impacted you the most?
What stood out to me was the prominent barriers to care that rural communities face. All charting was done by hand, and with patients frequently being moved between hospitals, information could easily slip between the cracks. Transportation for patients and their caregivers was also difficult, and accessing the care they needed was much harder for the people in these communities. This awareness has deepened my sense of advocacy and strengthened my leadership skills.

How will you apply what you learned to your professional and student life?
My first placement in a rural setting was extremely helpful to my learning and growth as an OT student and leader. I am bringing a deepened sense of advocacy for underrepresented voices into my role as a student leader in the OT program.

Where did you experience the most personal growth through this placement?
The whole OT program has been an incredible learning experience in finding out who I am, what moves me and how I can apply this in practice to help improve and transform my future clients' lives.

How has this placement impacted you as an occupational therapist?
My fieldwork and leadership experiences have strengthened my skills as a clinician as well as my belief in care that is grounded in relationship and community. I look forward to continuing my growth as a change agent and community-builder through my final months of the OT program and bringing this into my practice as a health-care professional.

What do you see in your future as an occupational therapist?
I'm very interested in doing an international fieldwork placement and am so grateful that the U of A offers this! I hope to learn more about the OT profession and interdisciplinary collaboration in international settings, and how this can grow my practice.

What advice would you like to share with future students in this program?
I would like other students to know that you can surprise yourself with how much you are capable of. But you have to give yourself the chance to do so! With the responsibility of a health-care position, it can be intimidating to try things you may be unsure about, but the point of the program and your fieldwork placements is to learn what works and what doesn't — for your clients and for you! Your professors, peers and preceptors are there to support you and they want you to succeed.