Dr. Paolo Benito Andres has been welcomed onto the Board of Occupational Therapy in recognition of his outstanding commitment to the specialist field of Occupational Therapy. Over the last 18 years, he has gained a vast array of experience as well as a number of impressive qualifications.

Dr. Andres graduated from Emilio Aguinaldo College in Manilla, Philippines in 2000 rewarding him with his BS degree. Following this, in 2017, he graduated from the University of Medical Sciences in Arizona giving him his Doctorate in Occupational Therapy. He is also credentialed with Physical Agent Modalities (CPAM).

Throughout his teens, Dr. Andres aspired to either work for the United Nations or the World Health Organization. Later on, his interests moved more towards psychology and physiotherapy when he volunteered at a rehabilitation department in a center in Los Angeles – this is where Dr. Andres found his love for occupational therapy. Occupational therapy can facilitate independence in daily activities with various skilled techniques and that is what he loves about the profession.

Dr. Andres currently works as the Director of Rehabilitation based in Lake Balboa Care Center in California. Dr. Andres has been working in the healthcare industry since 2000 and in his current position since 2012. Lake Balboa Care Center is a five star, short-term skilled nursing facility in Van Nuys California, providing 24 hours care and rehabilitation services in a friendly and comfortable environment. They believe the most effective way to provide compassionate care is to maintain high medical integrity, have great team spirit among staff and provide friendly and beautiful surroundings for their patients and visitors. They want all visitors and patients to feel informed and comfortable during their recovery/transitions.

Dr. Andres is an expert in Physical Dysfunction (Geriatrics/Orthopedics/Neurology) as well as rehab operations and management. On a daily basis, Dr. Andres plays an overall leadership role that includes daily operations of physical, occupational and speech therapy. Dr. Andres has to ensure that the center is aligned with the state and federal regulations. He attends patient conferences and serves as a conduit between patients and the department.

During his time in the industry, Dr. Andres is always wanting to better himself as a manager and a clinician. He mainly learns from others, particularly their mistakes. Dr. Andres is continuously trying to improve rehab operations and adapt to the changes in healthcare. Dr. Andres believes that success within a department starts with respecting and embracing differences, being an example and great leadership with professional respect as a concrete foundation. His belief is that success is down to team effort.

Dr. Andres is particularly well-known for being a good listener and team player, who is consistently looking to recognize his staff – motivating and inspiring them to be their best. He has often regarded as an advocate to the profession.

In his professional life, Dr. Andres is associated with the WFOT: World Federation of Occupational Therapists, AOTA: American Occupational Therapy Association and the OTAC: Occupational Therapy Association of California. Over the next five years, Dr. Andres wants to move more towards becoming an educator, but he also believes he wants to do more work with the government, either federal or state level. Dr. Andres wants to be able to give policy help by voicing his perspective as a manager and clinician. He also plans to inspire a process movement – policy and change.

As well as being an advocate to the profession, Dr. Andres donates school supplies to unprivileged elementary students in the Philippines. He also supports disabled American veterans charity and American cancer society.

In his spare time, Paolo Benito enjoys traveling with his wife to exotic locations around the world, explore various cuisines, scuba diving, and various thrill-seeking activities.