SHRS Blog

When Bethany Beckwith was working in an outpatient clinic during the COVID-19 pandemic, she became frustrated and burnt out with health care delivery. She found herself wanting to embark on more academic endeavors, searching to extend her prior degree in occupational therapy. It was during her searches that she came across the Doctor of Clinical Science in Occupational Therapy program at Pitt’s School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, something that ignited her passions once again. 

Alumna Tahani Almutairi (MSOT ’23), is an occupational therapist and lecturer at King Saud University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. In this MSOT alumni series, Tahani shares what inspired her to study at Pitt and the support of her mentors.

Read more to learn about student Darby Robinson, who utilized the post-baccalaureate entry point in the Dietitian Nutritionist Program. 

Embedded within the Pitt Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program is a strong emphasis on community engagement by our students, both in Pittsburgh and across the country. All DPT students actively engage with their communities by supporting continued efforts of longstanding community partners or by responsibly initiating new partnerships in their local areas.

Department of Physical Therapy Professors Susan L. Whitney and Charity G. Patterson received a subcontract award of $1.1 million from BlueHalo. Over the next three years, they will study the feasibility and effectiveness of a prototype app to enhance recovery after mild brain injury or a vestibular disorder. The grant is supported by the Military Technology Enterprise Consortium (MTEC).    

Giavanna Gulino is a senior studying Nutrition Science at the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (SHRS). Gulino engaged in research during her time in the Nutrition Science program, gathering insightful information related to the relationship between nutrition and overall well-being.

Michelle Varnell, assistant professor in the Athletic Training program, is SHRS’ inaugural Director of Sustainability. This newly established role intends to implement strategic plans for sustainability throughout all areas of the school. 

My name is Britney Beatrice, and I am a registered dietitian and instructor at the University of Pittsburgh in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. I teach in the Dietitian Nutritionist and Nutrition Science programs in the Department of Sports Medicine and Nutrition. 

The entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program at the University of Pittsburgh School of Health and Rehabilition Sciences (SHRS) is ranked one of the first in the nation according to the latest surveys of the 2024 Best Health Schools published by U.S. News & World Report.  

SHRS graduate programs that rank among the top ten “health schools” include: 

It’s not unusual for students and mentors to develop a solid rapport. A mutual understanding and respect. Perhaps even a friendship. But occasionally, the connection goes much further.

Anna Michalski is in her second term of Pitt’s one-year Master of Science in Sports Science program. The hands-on program is designed for students to gain didactic and real-world experience in sports data collection and technology to improve athletic performance and minimize injury.​

In the Bachelor of Science in Health Informatics (BSHI) program at Pitt, students have the opportunity to participate in one three-credit internship to gain further knowledge of the profession through an immersive experience with an established site where they can apply what they’ve learned in their courses to hands-on work. Last summer, Carly Ukalovic (BSHI ‘24), completed her internship with BNY Mellon in Pittsburgh, which greatly influenced her goals in pursuing a career in data analytics.