APTQI Celebrates National Occupational Therapy Month with Victoria Silversmith M.S. OTR/L

April is National Occupational Therapy (OT) Month, a time to celebrate and honor the profound impact OTs have on the lives of countless patients and providers. This year’s theme is “Occupational Therapy: Inspiring Hope, Changing Lives.” And that’s exactly what OTs like Victoria Silversmith are doing nationwide.

APTQI recently had the opportunity to sit down with Victoria Silversmith M.S. OTR/L, the Director of Compliance at Metro Physical & Aquatic Therapy, a partner of APTQI member USPh to learn about her career journey as an occupational therapist. Keep reading to learn more about why she became an OT, the impact OT has had on her life and her patients, and the important role that advocacy plays in protecting the profession!

Victoria grew up in a family of swimming instructors and after working as a lifeguard at the local pool was inspired to begin teaching swimming lessons for children with disabilities. This transformative experience, helping students with disabilities like cerebral palsy, solidified Victoria’s desire to become an occupational therapist. She was immediately inspired to pursue a healthcare career helping patients become healthier and more independent.

After completing her OT training, Victoria went on to work in many different care settings including adult neurological rehabilitation, assisted living, outpatient care, and home health. In every role, Victoria has found inspiration in the patient-centered, holistic approach of OT – whether it be casting a custom splint or helping a patient recover from a traumatic brain injury. Now as the Director of Compliance at Metro, her work is rooted in educating and mentoring other OTs to foster a supportive culture and encourage personal development.

Victoria also recognizes the important role advocacy plays in protecting the OT profession and patient access to care. Her interest in advocacy started when she was still in school, taking part in the student delegation of her university’s OT student association. Fostering that passion for advocacy, she recently traveled to Washington, DC with other APTQI members to meet with lawmakers and urge them to address Medicare Physician Fee Schedule payment cuts and pass the Stopping Addiction and Falls for the Elderly (SAFE) Act (H.R. 1171).

Victoria encourages all OTs—regardless of their previous experience with advocacy—to make their voices heard. “You don’t have to be an expert to make a difference. You can be afraid, but do it anyway,” she says.

As APTQI celebrates National OT Month, we thank occupational therapists for their immense contributions to patients and their efforts to shape the future of the profession!

To take action and urge your lawmaker to pass the SAFE Act, CLICK HERE.