December: Spotlight On An Expert - Janice Muradzikwa

As an occupational therapist I have always been driven by a passion for helping individuals overcome challenges and achieve their fullest potential.
My journey into this profession was inspired by my earlier work as a support worker with individuals with learning disabilities in supported living. In this role I provided hands-on care and assistance, helping individuals navigate daily tasks and build independence. This experience allowed me to see first-hand how crucial support and tailored interventions are to improving people’s lives.

While I found this work incredibly rewarding, I wanted to make a broader impact. This aspiration led me to pursue a career in occupational therapy, and I qualified in 2012 from Brunel University. Since then, I’ve worked across various sectors, including functional rehabilitation, neurorehabilitation,
and mental health, with both working-age and older adults. Currently, I work as part of an older person’s community mental health team (CMHT), where I complete complex occupational therapy assessments and treatment plans for older adults in their homes, care homes, or supported
accommodations. The individuals I work with often face a range of mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and dementia, combined with physical health challenges like Parkinson’s disease and arthritis. My role involves assessing how these conditions impact their ability to function and recommending aids or adaptations to promote independent living. This includes safety assessments following dementia diagnoses and reviewing care packages to ensure individuals receive the appropriate support.

In addition to my work in the UK, I had the privilege of working in Zimbabwe earlier in my career. This experience was both humbling and enriching, as it exposed me to the challenges of providing healthcare in a resource-limited setting. I worked with individuals and communities facing significant
barriers to mental health support, such as stigma and limited infrastructure. These challenges required me to think creatively and adapt interventions to suit the local context. It also deepened my appreciation for the importance of collaboration and resilience when addressing healthcare needs.

My journey into expert witness work began with a desire to broaden the impact of my occupational therapy expertise. As an occupational therapist I have extensive knowledge of human function, rehabilitation, and daily living, but many people are unfamiliar with the role of occupational therapy. This gap in awareness has provided me with a unique opportunity to advocate for my profession, particularly in quantum cases.

Over the past year, I’ve had the privilege of applying my skills to evaluate cases and prepare detailed reports, deepening my understanding of the legal system while highlighting the value of occupational therapy in the context of long-term care needs, life care planning, and compensation for future losses. This role has driven me to stay updated on best practices and research, ensuring that my contributions remain relevant and impactful. Each case reinforces the importance of occupational therapy in helping individuals achieve functional independence and improve their quality of life. The recognition of my expertise in this context has been incredibly rewarding, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in this new field.

Outside of work, I love swimming and staying active. Being a mother to two energetic boys means my time is often spent cheering them on at their sporting events, which I thoroughly enjoy. I’m also gearing up for an exciting personal challenge — climbing the Three Peaks in 2025 to raise money for the Lenoir Foundation. As a trustee for this charity, I’m committed to helping underprivileged children in Zimbabwe by building a library to give them better access to education. This project combines my love of adventure with my drive to make a positive difference.

If this story has sparked your intrigue, visit our recruitment pages to learn more about how expert witness work could change your career for the better!