Amy Walz, Jamestown High School Class of 1989
Job title & description: “I am an occupational therapist in the JRMC Rehab Department (this includes: inpatient, outpatient, home health and hospice). Occupational therapy is the only profession that helps people across the lifespan to do the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of daily activities (occupations). Occupational therapy practitioners enable people of all ages to live life to its fullest by helping them promote health, and prevent—or live better with—injury, illness or disability.”
What brought you to JRMC?: “Nine years ago we were visiting family here in Jamestown while our oldest son was attending a summer hockey camp at UND; there was an opening for a full-time occupational therapist position at the Jamestown Hospital at the time, so I called my husband and turned in my application the following day. We had talked about moving closer to Jamestown to be near family and this was life telling us, ‘here’s your opportunity!’ I love working in a hospital this size. You get to work with people you know from all departments and seeing the growth of this healthcare setting is exciting for Jamestown and the surrounding area. I truly look forward to coming to work each and every day due to the fact that I love my role in being able to work with people in my career as an occupational therapist, but also as the ‘Rehab Department Family’ that I am honored to work with on a daily basis. We have accountability in standards of care, customer service initiatives, evidence-based practice guide services, but also the freedom to be creative to personally accommodate a patient’s personal needs to attain their therapy goals.”
What’s your advice to students starting school this fall?: “While you have the variety of classes and clubs to participate in, explore what interests and inspires you as a person and follow that path in your studies and extracurricular activities. Remember why you are there (to learn and listen to what your teachers/mentors and friends have to share 🙂 ), make good choices, give your best effort and keep the love for learning through every stage of life!”
Read more #BackToSchool advice:
Jason Schaffer, Jamestown High School Class of 2001
Stephanie Erlandson, University of Jamestown Class of 2013
Annette Hazelton, Kulm High School Class of 1998
Dane Grebel, Valley City High School Class of 1995
Becca Gussiaas, Carrington High School Class of 2010
Lucas Morken, Dakota Prairie High School Class of 2005
Shar Trevithick, Jamestown High School Class of 2001
Amy Walz is continuing to accept new patients. For a full list of all of her services, visit here- https://jrmcnd.com/patient-care-services/rehabilitation-services/occupational-therapy/