SHRS Blog

The PAS Hybrid program has completed its first didactic year. To end their third and final semester of classes, 96 students filled the halls and exam rooms of the Murdoch building to demonstrate their skills in suturing, splinting and head-to-toe examinations before celebrating their transition from didactic student to clinical student with their white coat ceremony. These clinical students are now in supervised clinical practice across the country.

After receiving my undergraduate degree in Rehabilitation and Health Services from Penn State, I came to the University of Pittsburgh to pursue a Doctor in Occupational Therapy (OTD) degree through the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (SHRS).  

The Dietitian Nutritionist (DN) Program offers an entry point for students who obtained a bachelor’s degree from a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) at another accredited institution prior to coming to SHRS, allowing them to then obtain a Master of Science degree through Pitt’s DN Program. These students will complete two years in the DN Program, fulfilling 60 credits as opposed to the traditional three-year program for the other program entry points. While completing the two years of courses, all students complete supervised experiential learning which is divided into three major rotations: Community and Public Health Nutrition, Food Service Management and Clinical. 

Read more to learn about Sarah Grace Hayward and Danielle Barsky--two students who utilized the DPD entry point in Pitt’s DN Program. 

The Pitt OT Occupational Justice (OJ) Discussion program was designed to create a more inclusive learning and work environment and a department-wide culture that not only understands that justice, equity, diversity and inclusion (JEDI) are essential but creates connection and real belonging. The OJ Discussion program serves as a space for students, faculty and staff to reflect, share thoughts and act on issues related to JEDI and health disparities

During my first term as a Pitt Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) student, I had the privilege of joining Assistant Professor Emily Grattan's Vision and Perception Research Laboratory, an experience that significantly enriched my academic journey. Within this dynamic research environment, I acquired invaluable insights into the assessment and treatment of stroke related visual perceptual disorders, in addition to the collaborative field of low vision rehabilitation.

Happy Black History Month! I am always excited to acknowledge and commemorate the heritage, culture and accomplishments of past, present and future Black changemakers within SHRS and beyond. SHRS and the Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement consistently strive to establish an environment where you can authentically be yourself and have the space and tools necessary to grow personally and professionally.

FACETS Magazine Feature: The verdict is in on CORRT. And it’s no surprise. After more than 16 years, the Comprehensive Opportunities in Rehabilitation Research Training (CORRT) initiative is widely recognized as one of the most successful research career development programs for physical and occupational therapy scientists ever. 

While many students may feel that graduate school is required to find a fulfilling career with a Communication Science undergraduate degree, alumna April Klein has proven otherwise. 

FACETS Magazine Feature: Prosthetists by their nature—and profession— are dedicated to helping people overcome physical challenges. But now students in the Prosthetics & Orthotics (P&O) program are learning how their industry is expanding to help man’s best friend put their best paw forward.

FACETS Magazine Feature: As Co-Director of the Smart Home Tech Division of Pitt's Healthy Home Lab, Health Informatics Assistant Professor Yong Choi is doing real-world research on how smart technologies can provide health and wellness solutions to older adults.

FACETS Magazine Feature: When Professor Paul Arciero arrived at SHRS’ Department of Sports Medicine and Nutrition (SMN) in Aug., he was already a renowned nutrition and applied physiology scientist, keynote speaker and author. His academic credentials include more than 70 peer reviewed journal articles that primarily focus on two distinctive research paths—neuro-cognition and improved health and performance through nutrition and exercise. Arciero is excited about continuing these studies at Pitt, expanding his work even further.

Becoming a part of the University of Pittsburgh Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program has given me the support and fellowship of belonging to a group as well as the visibility of being seen as an individual. As a Pitt OTD student, I have discovered many ways to take ownership of and personalize my educational experience.