Helping People Get Back to the Things That are Most Meaningful in Their Lives
Andrea Muraoka
Outpatient Occupational Therapist
Q&A with Andrea Muraoka, Outpatient Occupational Therapist
As an occupational therapist, Andrea Muraoka performs skilled evaluations for patients with injuries to the upper quadrant. Her team designs customized treatment plans based on the most-current evidence to help patients maximize their potential for independence and lead meaningful lives.
While her schedule varies each day and includes a variety of tasks, her main responsibilities include working with patients on a one-to-one basis and treating general upper extremity conditions such as repetitive strain injuries, degeneration, trauma and neurological disorders.
Continue reading to learn more about Andrea and her role with Hawaii Pacific Health.
When did you start at Hawaii Pacific Health (HPH)?
I began my career as an outpatient occupational therapist at Straub Benioff Medical Center in February 2007. I’m originally from a small farming community in California and moved to Hawaii after graduating from California State University, Northridge, where I received a Bachelor of Arts in liberal studies. I also completed my Master of Arts in occupational therapy from the University of Southern California.
Why did you want to work in the healthcare field?
I became interested in a career in health care when I was an undergraduate student working at an afterschool program with young children. There, I met a young girl with autism, and we instantly connected.
I would watch the girl struggle with many day-to-day activities and wanted to help but wasn’t sure how until I observed the student working with an occupational therapist.
The therapist created calmness and focus so that the child could be more successful with her relationships at school and with her family. It was such a meaningful way to help someone that I knew I wanted to help others in the same way.
What do you most enjoy about your job at HPH?
My favorite part about the job is making connections with people and designing a plan tailored to what is important to them. I help them get back to the things that are most meaningful in their lives.
Is your current role at HPH helping you to pursue other career goals?
I enjoy the collaborative environment at Straub Benioff, where I work closely with many of the best physicians, physical therapists, speech therapists and occupational therapists.
With the support of Straub Benioff, I have been able to obtain specialized training and certifications to perform hand rehabilitation, burn rehabilitation, lymphedema management and oncology rehabilitation.
I value the ability to openly exchange ideas and share treatment techniques to help improve patient outcomes.
What are some activities you enjoy in your free time?
When not at work, I enjoy spending time with my family, as well as swimming, practicing Pilates and yoga, cooking and baking. I am also involved with helping the community through many Hawaii Pacific Health-sponsored events.
What would you say to someone you knew was interested in working at HPH?
I would recommend applying to Hawaii Pacific Health because it is a great place to work and is invested in its employees and the surrounding community.
It’s a place where I get to do what I love every day.