Dr. Reut Binyamin-Netser
Department of Occupational Therapy
My life before BGU:
I was born and raised in Beer-Sheva, where I graduated from Makif Zayin High School. I completed my bachelor's degree in occupational therapy and my master's degree in neurology at the University of Haifa. I did my PhD at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, in the Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences. Today I am pursuing postdoctoral studies in the same department.
Why BGU?
As I mentioned, I was born and raised in Beer-Sheva, and both the city and the Negev are close to my heart. Happily, my doctoral studies brought me back home—and during that time I also started my family here. As an occupational therapist working in the western Negev at the Adi Negev–Nahalat Eran Rehabilitation Medical Center, I see firsthand the significant shortage of professionals in the health disciplines. I firmly believe that Negev residents deserve high-quality, professional services no less than those available in Israel’s center, and that is why it is so important to train occupational therapists in the Negev.
For many years, establishing a B.A. program in occupational therapy at Ben-Gurion University was little more than a dream. I feel privileged to be part of the team that is building the department, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity. I believe our department is innovative and distinctive, especially in the composition of its faculty. We understand that training excellent occupational therapists for the field requires faculty members who are closely connected to clinical practice and come from it, while also being active in the world of research. That is exactly who we are: a team of remarkable, high-caliber women. Anyone who comes to study with us is in for a truly exceptional experience.
My research:
I am an occupational therapist who researches how to improve post-stroke rehabilitation. My work focuses on the relationship between post-stroke cognitive impairment and its impact on motor learning and motor recovery. I also investigate whether and how increasing therapy hours leads to better motor outcomes after stroke. In an effort to tackle broader questions, such as whether rehabilitation truly contributes to recovery after stroke, we collaborate with a rehabilitation research center in Jordan.
An insight from my research:
Our brain plays a vital role in everyday life, and after injury, no less so. We should treat it with respect and never take it for granted: get enough sleep, exercise, and eat well. Just as we strengthen the body through physical training, the brain also needs training. It is not enough simply to stay active; we must challenge the brain again and again, step outside our comfort zone and try new things.
Something that doesn’t appear on my CV:
I love acting and theater. In the past I worked as a medical clown, and today I really enjoy playing different characters (often by using different voices) with my daughter and my nieces and nephews.
A source of inspiration:
My parents have always been a source of inspiration to me, both personally and professionally. They taught me about the power of family, unconditional love, and selflessness. Thanks to them I got to where I am today, and they continue to accompany me at every step of the way.
When I grow up…
As a child, I wanted to be an actress. At some point in my adult life, I realized I wanted to work with people, to care for them, to be meaningful, and to make an impact. That is why I chose the path I did. Today I feel fortunate to be doing exactly that, and I still aspire to make a difference for stroke patients.
If I weren’t a researcher, I would be…
I have always combined research with my work as an occupational therapist. So if I weren’t a researcher, I would probably be “just” an occupational therapist—still driven by the ambition to bring about change and improvement in my workplace.
In brief:
- Summer or winter? Winter, but I prefer daylight saving time.
- Steak or tofu? Chicken.
- Shuk or shopping mall? I’d rather skip shopping altogether, if I can.
- Instant coffee or espresso? Espresso.
- Trekking or the beach? Trekking, and then lounging.
- Car or train? Train. I hate driving.
- Classical Europe or the Far East? Classical Europe.
- Sea or pool? Pool.
- Dog or cat? I like animals, as long as they’re not mine.
- Fantasy or reality TV? Fantasy.
Lab website:
https://www.negevlab.com/
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