A lot has changed over the past 20 years, but one thing remains the same for Occupational Therapist Adam Lo- his love of working in the mental health field. 
 
The Senior Mental Health Clinician recalls entering the workforce when Occupational Therapy (OT) was in its infancy, with only two Queensland universities offering the course.  
 
Adam completed a placement at the Logan Central Adult Mental Health Service towards the end of his study and enjoyed it so much he applied for a locum position there, starting just a fortnight after his graduation ceremony. 
 
Adam shared some blasts from the pasts, reflecting on his Nokia work phone, how he used the Refidex to find addresses for home visits, and the time spent deciphering the handwritten medical notes of colleagues.  
 
Over the past two decades Adam said the people he worked alongside had been the best part of his job. 
 
"I have had the opportunity to meet and work with a lot of fantastic and dedicated people across multiple disciplines and professional streams,” he said. 
“This also includes the young people and families I have had the privilege to work with.”
 
Along with healthcare, Adam said he had a passion for the creative arts industry; something he has been able to incorporate into his work at Addiction and Mental Health Services. 
 
“I am fortunate to be able to use the creative arts to promote mental health, with one project that I’m particularly proud of being the Positive Mindset Creative Arts Festival,” he said. 
 
Adam created the festival as a Metro South Health community project in 2015 to bring the community together and help reduce the stigma of mental illness and addiction problems in young people. 
 
“Next year will mark the 10th anniversary of the project that promotes mental health in the local community, using the creative arts of music, dance, drama, visual and media arts to engage primary and secondary students from across the South East.” 
 
When asked what the future held Adam said whatever the next 20 years looked like, he was sure it would still involve him working in mental health in one shape or form.  
 
Congratulations on 20 years’ service Adam.