Speakers
An environment where participants and experts can exchange ideas and experiences
Prof. ROSHAN GALVAAN, PhD
Professor, Occupational Therapy, University of Capetown
Topic
TOWARDS MAKING MAGIC: CRITICAL REFLECTIONS ON OCCUPATIONAL SCIENCE FOR OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
Brief Bio
Roshan Galvaan is a Professor at the University of Cape Town Division of Occupational Therapy and a member of Inclusive Practices Africa Research Group. She is currently the Head of the Department of Heath and Rehabilitation Sciences in the Faculty of Health Sciences. She has contributed extensively to university leadership, including leading the Faculty Mental Health Working group which offered recommendations for promoting student mental health and is a former Head of the Occupational Therapy Division at UCT. In 2015, she received the UCT Social Responsiveness Award, recognizing her longstanding collaborations through engaged scholarship with multiple community partners.
Professor Galvaan is an alumnus fellow of the W.E.B. Du Bois Research Institute at the Hutchins Centre for African and African American Research at Harvard University. Her research explicates responses to the complexities of human occupation in relation to contexts of marginalization and exclusion. In addition to over 70 publications, she recently co-edited two books: ‘Concepts in Occupational Therapy: Understanding Southern Perspectives’, a book co-produced with colleagues in India and ‘Partnerships in Action: Transforming learning practices through interdisciplinary collaboration and community engagement’, a book demonstrating the utility of occupational science in improving the quality of basic education in South Africa.
G VIJAYARAGHAVAN
Hon. Director, CADRRE, Former Director, National Institute of Speech and Hearing
Topic
HOW DO OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS BECOME A HIGH IMPACT FORCE IN THE REHAB AREA
Brief Bio
G. Vijayaraghavan, widely known as GVR, is a trailblazer in Kerala's IT sector, acclaimed for his transformative vision. As the Founder CEO of Technopark, Trivandrum, he pioneered India's premier Electronic Technology Park, fostering economic activity and employment. With a degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Kerala, his illustrious career spans 40 years, including influential roles in government bodies like the Kerala State Planning Board. His impact resonates across diverse sectors.
G. Vijayaraghavan is the founder and director of the National Institute of Speech and Hearing (NISH) and currently directs the Centre for Autism and other Disabilities Rehabilitation Research and Education (CADDRE). He led pioneering initiatives in disability welfare and advised on digital service delivery for Kerala's government. His dedication extends to nurturing start-ups, mentoring entrepreneurs, and staying abreast of global technology trends. Beyond his professional endeavors, his passions include exploring forests and wildlife. His literary contributions include 'Vijayavazhikal – Ente Techno Park Smaranakal', reflecting on his Technopark journey. His multifaceted contributions continue to shape Kerala's technology landscape and social welfare, marking him as an exemplary leader and mentor in both business and societal advancement.
Dr. SANJEEV M. PADANKATTI
Head of Occupational Therapy, CMC, Vellore
Topic
BREAKING THE STIGMA. RISING ABOVE THE CHALLENGES - EMPOWERING THOSE CARING FOR LOVED ONES WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER
Brief Bio
Dr.Sanjeev M. Padankatti is a distinguished professional in the field of Occupational Therapy, currently serving as the Head of Occupational Therapy Education and Services at Christian Medical College, Vellore. With a specialization in Pediatric Rehabilitation, he is a renowned researcher, educator, and clinician with broad interests ranging from developmental disabilities to geriatrics, wellness, occupational health, risk, and safety. Sanjeev has an impressive track record, including 30 publications in international peer-reviewed journals, supervision of over 40 student dissertations, and leadership in 10 ongoing research projects. He received the Bayer International Caregiver Award and Grant in 2009.
Certified in Sensory Integration, Assessment, and Treatment (USC-USA), Sanjeev is passionate about working with children. His clinical practice emphasizes best practices in providing family education for parents of children with neuropsychiatric disabilities. Recognized as a Fellow of the Academic Council of Occupational Therapy, he was awarded the AIOTA's Professional Excellence Award in 2019.
Shri S H PANCHAPAKESHAN
Commissioner, Kerala State Commissionerate for Persons with Disabilities, Retd. District and Sessions Judge
Topic
LEGAL IMPLICATIONS OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY PROFESSIONAL MISCONDUCT
Brief Bio
Mr.S.H.Panchapakesan is a retired District and Sessions Judge currently serving as the Commissioner for the Kerala State Commissionerate for Persons with Disabilities. In this role, he leverages his extensive legal background to advocate for the rights and well-being of individuals with disabilities in the state. His career reflects a commitment to justice and inclusivity.
Dr. Salumon Chandrasekaran
Operations and Quality Specialist Health Support Services Department, Emirates Health Service, UAE
Topic
BENEFITS OF ACCREDITATION IN HEALTHCARE
Brief Bio
Dr. Salumon Chandrasekaran is a highly experienced healthcare professional with over 30 years of expertise. Currently serving as the Operations and Quality Specialist at Emirates Health Services (EHS) in the United Arab Emirates, he consults for the Health Support Service Sector, focusing on implementing CARF accreditation in 17 hospitals under the Ministry of Health. Before joining EHS, he spent 13 years in Tawam Hospital and Al Ain Hospital, holding roles in Accreditation and Compliance.
Dr. Salumon Chandrasekaran began his career as a Physiotherapist in the Indian Navy, contributing 15 years to naval service. His educational background includes an MBA in Hospital Management, a Diploma in Hospital Administration from TISS Mumbai, and a Doctorate in Business Administration from the University of Atlanta, U.S.A. He has pursued disaster management courses from EMDM Academy in Italy, and safety certifications, including NEBOSH International Diploma, GradIOSH membership, and Lead Auditor status for ISO standards.
Dr. Reginald Alex
Professor of Medicine, Coordinator, Occupational Health, CMC Vellore
Topic
WORK RELATED MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS AMONG HEALTHCARE WORKERS - CMC EXPERIENCE
Brief Bio
Dr. Reginald Alex is a distinguished professional in the realm of Occupational Health and Toxicology, with a comprehensive academic background and an array of qualifications. Graduating with an MBBS in 1993, He pursued Internal Medicine in 2009, further advancing expertise in this domain. His commitment to occupational health led to a Masters in Public Health, specializing in Occupational Health from the National University, Singapore, in 2011. Additionally, He has obtained a Diploma in Clinical Toxicology from WikiTox - Online in 2012, broadening his understanding of toxicology's clinical aspects. His specialized interest lies at the intersection of Occupational Health and Toxicology, evident in his extensive affiliations and accomplishments. He serves as a Board Member of the Asian Network of Occupational Health (ANOH) and is a valued member of esteemed associations such as the Association of Physicians of India, Indian Association of Occupational Health, International Commission of Occupational Health, and the South Asian Clinical Toxicology Network. His dedication to professional development is underscored by certifications in Advanced Hazmat Life Support (AHLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS). Dr. Reginald's academic rigor is complemented by a prolific publication history, boasting over 50 contributions to National and International Journals.
Mr. HARSH VARDHAN
Registered OT, New Zealand, National Programme Manager (Public Health Strategy & Engagement, Ministry of Health, New Zealand), Former President
Topic
SIGNIFICANCE OF STRATEGIC ADVOCACY IN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
Brief Bio
Harsh Vardhan is an Indian-origin central civil servant in New Zealand. Harsh has provided leadership and oversight for commissioning national-level work programmes, including New Zealand’s first women's health strategy, the fetal alcohol spectrum disorder action plan, and the sexual & reproductive health portfolio. In his current role, Harsh serves as the national programme manager, public health strategy and engagement for the Ministry of Health New Zealand, which includes leadership of a team of advisors and policy analysts providing stewardship to the federal alcohol harm reduction programme. Harsh's role has a significant level of advisory component serving the government of the day, and he has a track record of leading quality advice to the Prime Minister and Ministers, including written briefings and drafting responses to parliamentary questions.
Harsh is a NIRTAR alumnus and former president (over two terms) of New Zealand's national association of occupational therapists (OTNZ-WNA). He is the incumbent chair of the International Chapter of AIOTA and has several awards to his name, including the AIOTA Young OT Achiever Award and the OTNZ-WNA Achievement Award. Harsh has worked as a paediatric occupational therapist for several years and has a background in developmental disabilities (e.g., autism, dyspraxia), complex housing modification, wheelchairs, and 24-hour positioning equipment prescriptions.
Dr. Deepak Joshi
Associate Professor, Centre for Biomedical Engineering, IIT Delhi; Joint Faculty, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi
Topic
COTE - ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY - APPLICATIONS IN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
Brief Bio
Dr. Deepak Joshi is an Associate Professor at Centre for Biomedical Engineering, IIT Delhi and a joint faculty with All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) New Delhi. He is also an Executive Director of school of international design program of Ministry of Biotechnology. He received his Ph.D. in biomedical engineering from Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi and a postdoctoral from University of Oregon, USA in Human Physiology. He also worked at the National University of Singapore, Singapore and Newcastle University, UK before joining IIT Delhi as a faculty. He has a technology transfer and a granted US patent to his credit. He is a passionate teacher and has received Teaching Excellence Award at IIT Delhi in the year 2017. He was also awarded the membership of American Association of Advancement in Sciences in the year 2014.
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has selected his laboratory at IIT Delhi to launch the global health fellowship programme. Dr. Joshi’s current research work combines experimental and computational techniques to understand the neural correlates during walking and balancing for the diagnosis of neuromuscular disorders and for the development of assistive devices for stroke survivors, amputees, elderly population, and Parkinson’s patients. He has an international project with University of Zurich, Switzerland where he is working to understand recovery patterns in Spinal cord injured patients. His research laboratory is primarily funded by Department of Science and Technology, Indian Council of Medical Research, Government of India, and department of biotechnology, government of India.
Mr. Nekram Upadhyay
Head of the Department of Assistive Technology., Indian Spinal Injuries Centre, New Delhi
Topic
COTE - ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY - APPLICATIONS IN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
Brief Bio
Mr. Nekram Upadhyay is the head of the Department of Assistive Technology at Indian Spinal Injuries Centre, New Delhi. He also serves as adjunct lecturership at ISIC Institute of Rehabilitation Sciences. He was awarded the Ford Foundation International Fellowship program to pursue his higher studies in the area of Assistive Technology and Rehabilitation Engineering at the College of Applied Health Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, USA. He has dedicated his career to improving mobility, function, and quality of life for people with disabilities through advanced Assistive Technology Engineering in medical rehabilitation. After his fellowship, he joined Indian Spinal Injuries Centre in 2006 where he played a key role in the establishment of the first of its kind Department of Assistive Technology (DAT). He has been an active member of various national and international scientific societies and organizations like the World Disability Rehabilitation Network, WHO’s Global Cooperation on Assistive Technology (GATE) Asian Spinal Cord Network.
Mr. Upadhyay is the member of Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Committee. He is the chairperson of Special Interest Group on Assistive Technology and Orthotics of Spinal Cord Society-India. He has been awarded with several prestigious medals and awards like Gold Medal in Abilympics, Gold Medal by Spinal Cord Society India, Universal Design Award 2013 & 2019, NASOH Award, Rotary Club Distinguish Professional Award and the Ford Foundation International Fellowship Award.
Mr.Premraj Isaac Chandran
Director of Adult Rehabilitation - Occupational Therapy, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
Topic
COTE - ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY - APPLICATIONS IN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
Brief Bio
Premraj Issac Chandran holds a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Manipal University and a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from The Dr. M.G.R. Medical University. Currently pursuing PhD in occupational therapy at Nova Southeastern University, Chandran has made significant contributions to field of occupational therapy, particularly in the development of robotic labs at the Qatar Rehabilitation Institute. The Lab utilizes cutting-edge robotic devices to aid patients with upper extremity dysfunctions, with a range of equipment and standardized tests used to measure progress. His certifications include being a licensed occupational therapist in India and Qatar.
As the Director of Occupational Therapy at Hamad Medical Corporation, he provides leadership and strategic planning for occupational therapists, oversees program development, and ensures compliance with service level agreements. He has contributed to publications and presentations in reputable journals, showcasing his research contributions. His innovative approach to rehabilitation, particularly through the development of robotic labs, demonstrates a commitment to advancing therapeutic techniques and improving patient outcomes.
Mr. Salah Adarbeh
Occupational Therapy Specialist & Assistive Technology Coordinator, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
Topic
COTE - ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY - APPLICATIONS IN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
Brief Bio
With a Bachelor's Degree in Occupational Therapy from Hashemite University and a Diploma in Medical Technology from Amman Tanning College, Salah Adarbeh has consistently demonstrated his commitment to professional development and excellence. His extensive professional experience includes serving as an Occupational Therapy Specialist at HMC's Qatar Rehabilitation Institute. He has completed various training and courses, including becoming an Assistive Technology specialist, NDT, Take the Lead HMC, WOW, WOC, WOO, taping, cognitive assessment, Bioness, seating and positioning, CERNER, splinting, fire and safety, environmental safety, infection control, constraint-induced movement therapy, and more.
As an active member of the Jordan Society of Occupational Therapists (JSOT), he is driven by his objective to further develop his expertise and make a meaningful contribution to the healthcare organization. With his wealth of experience, diverse skill set, and unwavering dedication, he continues to be a valuable asset in the field of occupational therapy and assistive technology.
Dr. T.V. Velayudhan
Topic
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY CREATING MAGICAL MOMENTS IN MY JOURNEY TO RECOVERY
Brief Bio
Dr. T.V. Velayudhan, a seasoned healthcare professional, began his career after completing MBBS and post-graduation from the Government Medical College in Thiruvananthapuram. His commitment to public health led him from Assistant Surgeon in 1983 to Civil Surgeon in 1995. An accident in 2008 led him to the Occupational Therapy department. From being admitted as a quadriplegic patient, he progressed remarkably, achieving substantial functional independence, a testament to the transformative impact of occupational therapy on recovery and adaptation.
Presently, Dr. Velayudhan continues to contribute significantly to healthcare and rehabilitation. His commitment extends to medical training and education, serving as a Master Trainer in various programs, particularly in the National AIDS Control Program. Moreover, his roles as Additional Director of Health Services and Additional Project Director of KSACS underscore his instrumental contributions to combating HIV/AIDS in Kerala. Dr. Velayudhan's exceptional journey, coupled with his extensive healthcare background, positions him as a compelling speaker at OTICON 2024, where his experiences serve as a testament to the pivotal role of occupational therapy in empowering individuals post-injury. His insights promise to resonate, offering inspiration and invaluable lessons in resilience and adaptation in healthcare and rehabilitation.
