Conference Programme 2026

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Climbing the career scaffolding: careers options you've never thought of

26 Nov 2026
Theatre 3
Career development, leadership and professional practice
There has never been a more exciting - or more diverse - range of career opportunities for occupational therapists. From leading quality improvement across NHS organisations, to pioneering specialist services, influencing international healthcare projects and developing entirely new areas of practice, the possibilities extend far beyond traditional career pathways.
 
Join three occupational therapists who have built careers that look very different from the conventional route. Alex Fisher will share how curiosity, advocacy and seizing unexpected opportunities led her from specialist clinical practice to leading an international project supporting families affected by Huntington's disease in Latin America. Dr Gemma Styles will explore how occupational therapists are uniquely equipped to lead quality improvement and system transformation across healthcare. Larissa Naccarato will discuss forging a career in neurodiversity, developing specialist expertise, and creating new opportunities where services don't yet exist.
 
Followed by a candid audience Q&A, discover not just what these careers look like, but how they built them - and leave with practical ideas for shaping your own career, wherever you are on your occupational therapy journey.
Speakers
Alex Fisher, Spec Occupational Therapist/Hon Clinical Lecturer - BSMHFT/University of Birmingham
Gemma Styles, Service Improvement Business Partner, Improvement Hub - The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust
Larissa Naccarato, Occupational Therapist

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