Dr. Anvarizadeh’s inspiring lecture, titled “More Than a CPT Code: Reimagining Occupational Therapy Through Courage, Connection, and Collective Action,” challenged attendees to critically reflect on the evolving identity of the occupational therapy profession and the role practitioners play in shaping its future. It served as a “call-in for doers,” encouraging participants to examine both their perspectives and their responsibilities within occupational therapy.
“More Than a CPT Code”
Centering courage and authentic connection as catalysts for collaboration and innovation, Dr. Anvarizadeh challenged attendees to articulate the profession’s distinct value, claim their influence, and work collectively to dismantle the entrenched systems that create barriers to care.
The themes explored during the lecture also felt especially timely amid ongoing conversations in healthcare surrounding the increasing emphasis on productivity and billing structures. Dr. Anvarizadeh’s framing of occupational therapy as “more than a CPT code” resonated deeply with attendees, pushing back against the reduction of healthcare work to metrics and reimbursement.
Participants praised the lecture’s spotlight on courage and collective action. Dr. Tripta Velamoor, Clinical Assistant Professor at NYU OT, reflected on the lecture’s impact, noting:
“The most important takeaway for me was the need to be courageous and work in community. Speaking up and stepping out of silos, challenging the status quo, is not meant to be easy.”
A Vibrant Conversation
With more than 60 attendees, the online setting expanded accessibility for members of the wider NYU OT community and network who may not have been able to attend in person due to geographic or scheduling barriers. The format also fostered a broad and diverse dialogue, bringing together inter-disciplinary participants from multiple institutions and practice settings. A lively question-and-answer session, including chat-based participation, created space for a wide range of perspectives and meaningful engagement around the future of the profession, bringing into reality the lecture’s resounding call for collective voice and productive collaboration.
A Long-Standing Tradition
Dr. Anvarizadeh’s lecture joins a history of distinguished Mosey lectures at NYU. Established in 2003, The Mosey Lectureship holds a special place within NYU’s occupational therapy community. Named in honor of Anne Cronin Mosey, a pioneering thinker who consistently challenged the status quo to advance the profession, the lecture series creates a dedicated space for critical reflection, dialogue, and professional growth. Influential leaders in occupational therapy are invited to engage students, faculty, alumni, and practitioners in conversations that extend beyond clinical skills and into advocacy, system change, and professional identity. It is especially valuable for introducing strong OT role models to students across all our degree programs.
The Mosey lecture series strengthens a core value of NYU OT: fostering meaningful discussion around pressing issues facing the profession today. We look forward to future iterations of this important NYU OT tradition.
