Andreea Bocicariu is sitting at a table in the Orthopedics and Plastics Clinic, across from a patient whose back is to the camera. She’s smiling from ear to ear at her patient, while wrapping a splint on her hand.
From student to skilled hand therapist at KHSC, Andreea Bocicariu is making a difference — helping patients get back to what they love, one purposeful step (and splint) at a time.
Credit
Matthew Manor

Less than two years ago, Andreea Bocicariu was an occupational therapy student walking into Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC) on a placement while completing her master’s degree.

Today, she’s a confident hand therapist at our Orthopedics and Plastics Clinic, specializing in upper-limb rehabilitation.

“My student placement left a lasting impression on me,” grins Bocicariu.

“The collaborative atmosphere, mentorship opportunities and strong sense of community made it a place I could genuinely see myself growing professionally. I felt supported right from the beginning and starting my career here felt like a natural step.”

And that first step has turned into a stride — and a career full of purpose.

“In the clinic, we offer specialized ambulatory care with a focus on conditions affecting the hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder. We treat a wide spectrum of patients, from those recovering from fractures, tendon or nerve injuries, to those managing chronic concerns like arthritis or repetitive strain injuries.

“My work involves helping patients regain strength, motion and function in their hands and arms. I collaborate closely with orthopedic and plastic surgeons to create individualized home exercise programs and fabricate custom splints, always aiming to help patients return to their meaningful roles and activities.”

Andreea Bocicariu is sitting at a table in the Orthopedics and Plastics Clinic, across from a patient. Over her shoulder is a surgeon examining the splint, she’s put on the patient’s hand. Bocicariu is smiling from ear to ear.
Featured

Stretch 💪. Splint 🖐. Smile 😊.

You’ll almost always find Bocicariu with a smile, and a can-do spirit that lifts the whole clinic. She credits her supportive colleagues and mentors at KHSC for inspiring her every day — proving that great teamwork is truly the hand that heals.
Andreea Bocicariu is standing against a wall and smiling directly into the camera. She has brown wavy hair, brown eyes and is wearing a white blouse with a gold heart necklace.
Featured

Stretch 💪. Splint 🖐. Smile 😊.

You’ll almost always find Bocicariu with a smile, and a can-do spirit that lifts the whole clinic. She credits her supportive colleagues and mentors at KHSC for inspiring her every day — proving that great teamwork is truly the hand that heals.
Andreea Bocicariu is sitting at a table in the Orthopedics and Plastics Clinic, across from a patient whose back is to the camera. She’s looking down at her patient’s hand, while wrapping a splint on it.
Featured

Stretch 💪. Splint 🖐. Smile 😊.

You’ll almost always find Bocicariu with a smile, and a can-do spirit that lifts the whole clinic. She credits her supportive colleagues and mentors at KHSC for inspiring her every day — proving that great teamwork is truly the hand that heals.
A close up shot of Andreea Bocicariu examining a patient’s hand. Both of Bocicariu’s hands are on the patient’s thumb, examining its movement.
Featured

Stretch 💪. Splint 🖐. Smile 😊.

You’ll almost always find Bocicariu with a smile, and a can-do spirit that lifts the whole clinic. She credits her supportive colleagues and mentors at KHSC for inspiring her every day — proving that great teamwork is truly the hand that heals.

Bocicariu says she’s always been drawn to working with people in an impactful way... and that’s exactly what she’s doing at KHSC.

“What I enjoy most is the opportunity to make a tangible difference in someone’s quality of life. Every patient brings a unique story and set of goals, and being able to help them achieve those goals, whether it’s regaining the ability to cook a meal or return to a favorite hobby, is incredibly rewarding.

“I’m motivated daily by the relationships I build, with patients, colleagues and mentors, and by the continuous learning this field offers. Seeing progress, even the smallest wins, reminds me why I chose this profession.”

That’s probably why nine times out of 10 (OK, let’s be real — 9.5 times out of 10) you’ll see her sporting a smile from ear to ear.

And why she’s known for her positivity and the type of person everyone wants on their team.

“A positive mindset and a willingness to support others are essential in a fast-paced, high-demand clinic like ours. We’re all working toward the same goal, excellent patient care and that takes communication, flexibility and mutual support.”

Andreea Bocicariu is standing against a wall and smiling directly into the camera. She has brown wavy hair, brown eyes and is wearing a white blouse with a gold heart necklace.
Featured

From student 🎓 to standout 🌟

Bocicariu’s journey from student placement to hand therapist at KHSC is all about passion, purpose and positivity — giving patients a helping hand back to the things they love.
Andreea Bocicariu is sitting at a table in the Orthopedics and Plastics Clinic, across from a patient. Over her shoulder is a surgeon, examining her patient’s hand, which has a splint on it, with both of his hands. Bocicariu is looking directly at the patient, while holding her hand.
Featured

From student 🎓 to standout 🌟

Bocicariu’s journey from student placement to hand therapist at KHSC is all about passion, purpose and positivity — giving patients a helping hand back to the things they love.
Andreea Bocicariu is seated on a table, next to a patient in the Orthopedics and Plastics Clinic. The patient is doing a hand exercise with a bright orange tool. Bocicariu is observing her patient and looking directly at her hands.
Featured

From student 🎓 to standout 🌟

Bocicariu’s journey from student placement to hand therapist at KHSC is all about passion, purpose and positivity — giving patients a helping hand back to the things they love.
Andreea Bocicariu is standing next to a surgeon who is seated across from a computer monitor. On the monitor is an X-ray of a patient’s ha Bocicariu is pointing towards the monitor, on a section of the X-ray.
Featured

From student 🎓 to standout 🌟

Bocicariu’s journey from student placement to hand therapist at KHSC is all about passion, purpose and positivity — giving patients a helping hand back to the things they love.
Andreea Bocicariu is seated on a table across from her patient, whose back is to the camera, in the Orthopedics and Plastics Clinic. Bocicariu is smiling, while looking down at some paperwork with a pen in her hand.
Featured

From student 🎓 to standout 🌟

Bocicariu’s journey from student placement to hand therapist at KHSC is all about passion, purpose and positivity — giving patients a helping hand back to the things they love.

Bocicariu adds working alongside experienced hand therapists and highly skilled surgeons has been both humbling and empowering.

“The level of collaboration, expertise and mutual respect within this team is something I deeply value.

"Transitioning from student to clinician in such a specialized field was challenging, but my team supported me every step of the way. Their mentorship has been crucial in developing my clinical reasoning, confidence and technical skills.

“It's also fulfilling to be part of a team where every person, from the front desk to the surgeons and everyone in between, plays a vital role in that journey. Knowing I’ve contributed to someone’s recovery in a hands-on, personal way is a privilege I don’t take lightly.”

Bocicariu’s career may just be getting started, but something tells us she’s only getting warmed up — one patient, one purpose-filled step at a time.

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