One of the Perks of being a Stroke Survivor.

Not really, because today for the third consecutive year I [along with several other stroke survivors] participated in a series of Patient Simulation Interviews with Third Year Occupational Therapy students at the Australian Catholic University, North Sydney Campus.

To spend time with these future clinicians, as a Stroke Survivor and talk about my stroke, my rehab journey, insights, and learnings I view this activity as a real \{and possibly only bonus\} or perk of sustaining a Left Lacunar Stroke.

The facilitator for this now annual event was/is Ms. Helen Badge, Lecturer in Occupational Therapy, School of Allied Health, Faculty of Health Science (North Sydney campus) Australian Catholic University.

These interviews form an important and integral part of their pathway to becoming an occupational therapist, and consisted of a 1-hour interview with me with the objectives being-

• To provide the students with an opportunity to meet a REAL stroke survivor

• To be able to learn of the impact of the stroke on my life and day-to-day activities.

• To have the opportunity [where necessary] to develop a rehabilitation plan which would address an existing condition.

• To provide an opportunity to practice/refine their clinical skills with a REAL stroke survivor.

I was quizzed by the students about the following topics -

• My stroke story, my life and lifestyle before the stroke.

• A ’normal day’, my current interests and hobbies.

• The impact of stroke on my daily life- any changes/adjustments that I have had to make.

• Any challenges I still face.

• My future life/lifestyle goals.

I was also asked to perform a basic activity that is both challenging and important. For me it was donning my beloved all-weather sailing jacket.

In total I met with 3 groups of 4 students each - all groups went over the time allotted, such was the level of interest and engagement.

These meetings with future clinicians are a task that I thoroughly enjoy, it is an important element of my Giving Back strategy, an activity that forms a huge and satisfying task in my Post Stroke Life.

I am continued to be impressed by the standard of these and other students I have met through my involvement with the University who are the future of stroke rehab- they are motivated, highly intelligent and came to the interviews fully prepared and armed with many searching questions.

A credit to their lecturers.

I asked each one of them why were they planning a career in Occupational Therapy and the responses convinced me they were there for the right and proper reasons.

I am not a stranger to this campus as for the past 5 years I have met with Final Year Physiotherapy students to discuss my stroke, my rehab journey, and my insights and learning.

These lectures were at the invitation of Dr. Simone Dorsch, Senior Lecturer, School of Allied Health, Faculty of Health Science (North Sydney campus) Australian Catholic University and a noted and renowned Stroke clinician and educator.

It is an activity that I value and intend to continue in the years ahead. So, a big THANK YOU to Helen for organizing this

And yes, it is a REAL PERK!!!

Happy Trails,

Brian A Beh

Stroke Survivor, Life Member of the Hopalong Cassidy Fan Club

Poet, Philosopher and Child of the Cosmos.

Winner,’ Improving Life After Stroke Award’

Stroke Foundation of Australia National 2021 Awards.