WORK: A Journal of Prevention, Assessment & Rehabilitation is thrilled to present the Learn at WORK Podcast, an interdisciplinary and international platform dedicated to exploring the multifaceted world of work. Through insightful conversations and thought-provoking discussions, we delve into the crucial topics of occupational health, prevention, assessment, and rehabilitation. Since its debut, the Learn at WORK Podcast has been engaging listeners with expert interviews featuring industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and thought pioneers who share their valuable experiences and expertise. We want to be at the forefront of discussing the latest workplace trends, technology, and best practices, ensuring our audience stays ahead of the curve.

Guiding us on this journey is Dr. Karen Jacobs, Editor-in-Chief of WORK and a distinguished expert in the field. Her extensive knowledge and experience bring listeners closer to the forefront of occupational health and rehabilitation. The Learn at WORK Podcast is more than just a series of discussions; it's a commitment to fostering a community of learning and knowledge-sharing. It offers a unique platform for staying informed, inspired, and engaged with the latest developments in our field.

We invite you to stay tuned for more episodes and updates from the Learn at WORK Podcast. As we continue to grow and evolve, we look forward to sharing these valuable discussions with you.

Disclaimer: The podcasts discuss the speakers’ careers and personal reflections and do not necessarily reflect the views of WORK or the editorial office.

Coming up

Episode 5: Dr. Valerie Rice on her practice in the Vital Life Center, mindfulness, and her experience being on the editorial board

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?" here. 

Listen now on Spotify or watch the video below!

In the third episode of the Learn at WORK Podcast, Dr. Karen Jacobs and Dr. Rob Orr venture into an enlightening discussion on Physical Employment Standards and Mentoring. Rob shares his enduring mentorship journey with Professor Rod Pope since 1996, highlighting the perpetual learning cycle in mentoring. Karen emphasizes the importance of studying mentorship's impact on work and life. Rob discusses the significance of instilling values in the workplace for positive impacts, particularly in healthcare.

The conversation shifts to the Physical Employment Standards Conference, which focuses on determining physical requirements for various jobs, initially in the military and now expanding to other physically demanding occupations. Rob emphasizes the importance of understanding job physicality for fitness and rehabilitation purposes, which is the conference's primary focus.

Listen now on Spotify or watch the video below!

Episode 2: Navigating Equitable Work Transitions with Dr. Lynn Shaw

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.

Listen now on Spotify or watch the video below!

Episode 1: Bridging Hospital Care to Workplace Success with Leonard Matheson

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.

Listen now on Spotify or watch the video below!