1991 Sylvia Docker Lecture Communicating A Professional Image

Abstract

Presented at the Australian Association of Occupational Therapists 16th Federal Conference in Adelaide, 4–7 September, 1991.

Deconstructing the concept of profession: A prerequisite to carving a niche in a changing world

“…Thus, much of the recent occupational therapy literature exhorts occupational therapists to engage in scientific research and theory building (Do Rozario, 1991;Mocellin, 1992;West, 1990). Lyons and Rodgers (cited in Bell, 1991) noted that 'for a profession, research activity is one indicator of professional maturity' (p. 131). In an earlier article, Barker (1984) painted a grimmer picture of the position of occupational therapy and its knowledge base when she warned 'occupational therapists will not survive past the twentieth century unless a concerted effort is made to develop a scientific body of knowledge which supports and justifies the work of the profession' (p. 102).…”

Footprints on the Sands of Time – Reflecting on the Impact of Attitude

“…In her 1991 Sylvia Docker lecture, Janet Bell addressed the very issue of "communicating a professional image" and reminded us of our individual responsibilities as ambassadors for the profession (Bell, 1991). Or, in the words of my school hymn: a// shaN share in each one's honour, shame of one is shame of ah'.…”

Employment trends for occupational therapists: An analysis of employment advertisements in the Sydney Morning Herald 1984–90

“…The recent fiftieth anniversary of occupational therapy in Australia has prompted considerable examination of the status and issues facing the profession (Bell, 1991;Griffin, 1990;Poulden & Oke, 1990). The early history of the profession has been well recorded by Anderson and Bell (1988), and supplemented by the many notable speakers invited to contribute over the years to the Sylvia Docker lecture series (e.g.…”

“…Occupational therapy in Australia has enjoyed considerable success since the Occupational Training Centre was established in Sydney in 1942. From these humble beginnings seven university-based teaching programmes have been established with the University of Sydney student intake now being the largest in the world (Bell, 1991). The growth of the profession is reflected in the membership of the Australian Association of Occupational Therapists (AAOT), which grew by 52% from 1889 members in 1984 to 2863 in 1994 (figures obtained from State occupational therapy association branches).…”