SHRS Blog

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.

Professor Catherine Palmer is the new chair of the Communication Science and Disorders (CSD) Department at the University of Pittsburgh School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (SHRS), effective February 1, 2024. Palmer, currently serving as interim chair, is also professor in the School of Medicine’s Department of Otolaryngology and director of Audiology for the UPMC Integrated Health System. Palmer joined the university in 1990 and expanded her role as director of Audiology at UPMC in 1998. Since then, she has been a critical contributor to tremendous growth in both the CSD Department at Pitt and the Audiology service line at UPMC.

One day I was looking through the bachelor’s degrees offered at Pitt when one stuck out to me – the Bachelor of Science in Health Informatics (HI). The more I learned about the program in the Department of Health Information Management, the more excited I got! The combination of health care and technology just seemed so interesting to me, and made me feel hopeful about my studies and future career again.

The Catherine Worthingham Fellow Award (FAPTA) is the highest award that one can achieve in the physical therapy profession. It is bestowed on a physical therapist whose leadership, influence and achievements demonstrate frequent and sustained efforts to advance the profession. Since 1985, 26 of the named Fellows have been graduates or faculty from Pitt PT!

Third-year University of Pittsburgh Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Hybrid student Amanda Klein from Spokane, WA, completed her third of four clinical education experiences over the summer. Klein, a U.S. Air Force veteran, was awarded a special clinical education placement at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC) in Bethesda, MD, and has been sharing her insight with current and prospective students by writing this short blog series. In her final installment, Klein reflects on this invaluable experience and how it broadened her skillsets and influenced her career goals.