Founder of occupational therapy in Morocco gives interprofessional education presentation at UNE

Said Nafai with Erin Crews, Ginsberg Dupuy, Kathryn Loukas, and Emily McIntosh
Said Nafai with Erin Crews, Ginsberg Dupuy, Kathryn Loukas, and Emily McIntosh

The 51品茶鈥檚 Interprofessional Education Collaborative (IPEC) and the Westbrook College of Health Professions Occupational Therapy program hosted Said Nafai OTD, OTR/L CLT, founder of occupational therapy in Morocco, for an interprofessional presentation in Ludcke Auditorium.

Nafai received his Doctorate in occupational therapy from Boston University, following completion of his Master's degree in occupational therapy from Salem State University. Born and raised in Morocco, he was determined to establish the practice of occupational therapy in his country in response to his brother鈥檚 experience with physical disability as a child.  

In a presentation marked by his lively sense of humor, 鈥淐onsiderations in Working with Muslims as Interprofessional Team Members; Cultural Awareness, Humility, and Health Literacy," addressed cross-cultural team building opportunities found in modern health care teams. Nafai鈥檚 interest in strong teamwork for better patient care comes from his emphasis on improving the lives of people with disabilities. He has extensive experience in directing rehabilitation programs, working with both hand therapy and home care.

The Occupational Therapy program collaborated with Physical Therapy, Social Work, and Nursing to bring Nafai to UNE. On campus programming that promotes collaborative care is supported by the Interprofessional Education Collaborative (IPEC). Members of the collaborative include faculty from the Westbrook College of Health Professions, the College of Pharmacy, The College of Dental Medicine and the College of Osteopathic Medicine. Collectively, these faculty work to provide programming that brings students from all the health professions at 51品茶together to learn 鈥渨ith, from, and about鈥 each other.

 

To learn more about the 51品茶鈥檚 Interprofessional Education Collaborative visit

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