Learn at WORK Podcast

In the fourth episode of the Learn at WORK Podcast, Dr. Karen Jacobs and Dr. Jen Phillips venture into an informational discussion on challenging weight bias and stigma in healthcare. Jen starts telling about her time at BU, where her focus shifted from obesity and bariatric care to the pressing issue of weight stigma and bias, especially in healthcare. With obesity rates soaring, reaching nearly 42% in the US, the accompanying weight stigma is becoming increasingly evident. Weight bias involves unfair stereotypes, while weight stigma results in discriminatory treatment, particularly in healthcare settings.

Research highlights the impact of weight stigma on patient care, as clinicians may spend less time with individuals who have obesity, impacting both care quality and patients' willingness to seek help. Addressing weight stigma is vital for fostering inclusivity and effectiveness in healthcare. Join us as we delve into creating environments where everyone feels respected and supported in their healthcare journey, regardless of their weight.

You can read Jen's article "Weight bias and stigma in healthcare: What are we doing about it?": https://content.iospress.com/articles/work/wor246004

In the second episode of the Learn at WORK Podcast, Dr. Karen Jacobs and Dr. Lynn Shaw venture into an enlightening discussion on the concept of "decent work". This dialogue beautifully ties into Lynn's roles as an occupational scientist and therapist, underscoring her dedication to enhancing work quality and access for all individuals.

Further enriching the episode, Lynn shares her extensive involvement with the journal WORK and its impact on her career and the careers of others. From fostering novice researchers to creating opportunities for student engagement in international experiences, Lynn's narrative highlights the journal's commitment to mentorship and knowledge dissemination. The discussion delves into specific initiatives, like opinion columns and special sections for student research, that have provided valuable platforms for emerging scholars to contribute to academic discourse. These endeavors not only support students' professional development but also advance the broader mission of promoting decent work and occupational well-being globally. The episode serves as a testament to the power of mentorship, collaboration, and the pursuit of decent work in shaping the future of work and academia.

Join Karen Jacobs, the founding editor of Work: A Journal of Prevention, Assessment, and Rehabilitation, as she kicks off the Learn at Work podcast with an insightful conversation featuring Leonard Matheson. A trailblazer in neurorehabilitation, Leonard reflects on his extensive career, spanning from pioneering early vocational planning for adolescents facing severe injuries to advocating for accommodated employment. Through poignant anecdotes from his tenure at Rancho Los Amigos Hospital, he emphasizes the importance of intentional vocational guidance for young individuals navigating life-altering circumstances.

In this episode, Leonard sheds light on the underutilization of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and advocates for the integral role of occupational therapists in facilitating transitions from hospital care to thriving workplaces. Join this thought-provoking dialogue that challenges occupational therapists, practitioners, and students to explore the evolving landscape of rehabilitation, encouraging a deeper understanding of work-oriented neurorehabilitation's transformative impact. Subscribe to Learn at Work and delve into this compelling conversation, uncovering the significance of bridging the gap between hospital care and successful, fulfilling work lives.