SHRS Blog

Carly Homler (SLP ‘25) is in her second year of the program and shares what made her choose Pitt and what the clinical experiences have meant to her professional development. 

Are you interested in becoming an occupational therapist? Have you ever wondered what your first year is like as a student in the University of Pittsburgh’s entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program, ranked #1 (tie) in the nation by U.S. News & World Report? As the past academic year came to an end, we surveyed first-year students about their experiences. See what some of Pitt Occupational Therapy's first-year OTD students had to say about the program.

In June, Assistant Professor Jennifer White transitioned to her new role as the director of the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) program. White’s knowledge in developing and managing early mobilization programs for clients requiring intensive care services and community-based occupational therapy services for underserved populations has been instrumental in transforming patient care.

Briana Patterson (SLP ‘25) is in her second year of the program and shares what her experience has been like so far! 

Master of Science in Health Informatics alumnus Jordan Hilsman (MSHI ‘23) has been selected among a competitive pool of nationwide candidates for an eight-month National Institutes of Health training program called AIM-AHEAD (Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning Consortium to Advance Health Equity and Researcher Diversity). Its goal is to increase researcher diversity in artificial intelligence and machine learning by training individuals from diverse backgrounds who are committed to gaining proficiency in AI/ML data analysis and applying their expertise to benefit communities underrepresented in biomedical research.

The mission of the University of Pittsburgh Doctor of Chiropractic program is to produce and inspire empathetic, patient-centered health care professionals. This will be done by providing an innovative, evidence-based and clinically robust education that sets Pitt apart from other chiropractic programs in the country. Our students will graduate with skilled minds and skilled hands, excelling at spinal manipulation and mobilization and contributing to reducing the burden of musculoskeletal conditions, primarily spine-related disorders, around the world.

Facets Magazine Feature:“Pitt offers one of the only athletic training programs in the country that requires students to earn their EMT certification prior to admission to the Athletic Training program,” notes Assistant Professor and Director Amy Aggelou. “We try to prepare our students for the worst-case scenarios and their EMT certification provides a solid foundation from day one in our program. Clearly this training led Autumn to do all the right things at the right time.”

If you are considering applying to the Pitt Doctor of Audiology or Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology programs, you likely have heard of “holistic review.” Sometimes we can hear a term repeatedly and not give it much thought. Here at Pitt, holistic review is important to us and there are several ways to consider it in the context of your graduate application.  

Christie-Lee Coad, cohead athletic trainer for USA Track and Field, is headed to Paris in July for the Olympic Games. She attended Pitt for graduate school from 2008-10, getting her master's degree in sports medicine. She also was a graduate assistant for athletic training, working with swimming and diving.

Distinguished Professor and Founder and Director of the Human Engineering Research Laboratories (HERL), Rory Cooper, won a bronze medal in the 4x400 meter wheelchair relay in 1988 and continues to contribute to Team USA. He has been named to the United States Olympians and Paralympians Association’s (USOPA) Executive Committee and will be in Paris to assist the athletes at the Paralympic Games this summer.

A career in rehabilitation technology combines personal experience, academic pursuit and a passion for making a difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities. Kayden Gill, a 2023 graduate of the Master of Rehabilitation Technology (MRT) program, shared his journey, experiences and aspirations within this dynamic industry. 

Facets Magazine Feature: Recent Master of Sports Science alumna, Tatianna Rivas, completed her year-long internship with the Pitt women's volleyball team on their way to the NCAA Final Four! Rivas talks about working with the powerhouse women's team and how she was able to merge her love of volleyball with the Pitt Sports Science program.