Pitt Doctor of Occupational Therapy Students Spearhead Interprofessional Service-Learning Trip to Belize
Two Pitt Doctor of Occupational Therapy students took the initiative to start an annual service-learning trip to Belize, a country where there are no occupational therapists.
Pitt Occupational Therapy 2024 Fall Colloquium Honors CScD in OT Graduates
The colloquium brought together professionals, students, alumni, researchers and community members from across the field of occupational therapy to discuss cutting-edge quality improvement projects.
Pitt Doctor of Occupational Therapy Students Awarded Certificate for Specialization in Geriatrics
Three students received a Graduate Certificate in Gerontology for their geriatric-focused coursework and fieldwork placements. The certificate provides an opportunity for students to specialize with this specific population post-graduation.
Doctor of Clinical Science in Occupational Therapy Student Is Driving Change
Melissa Aleksak is the consummate interprofessional dedicated to improving lives. An established occupational therapist (OT) who owned her own business as a driver rehabilitation specialist in Scranton, PA, she moved to Pittsburgh in 2022 to become the director of the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (SHRS) Adaptive Driving Program where she works alongside assistive technology experts in the Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology.
Interprofessional Education Seed Award: The Birmingham Free Clinic Improves Community Access to Health Care
Once a month, an interprofessional team of volunteers comes together to provide free health care services to uninsured and medically underserved individuals at the Birmingham Free Clinic, transforming both student education and community health.
Curriculum
Senior HUD officials visit to unveil Pitt Healthy Home Lab study with the Allegheny County Housing Authority and Age-Friendly Greater Pittsburgh
The Healthy Home Lab was presented with a $1 million HUD grant representing the first in the United States to study technology-based options for people aged 62-plus in public housing and focuses on helping older adults remain at home and age in place.
Pamela Toto Awarded ROC Spirit Award by University of Pittsburgh Alumni Association
Pamela Toto, director of the University of Pittsburgh Doctor of Clinical Science in Occupational Therapy program and Healthy Home Lab, was awarded the 2024 ROC Spirit Award from the Pitt Alumni Association in recognition of her outstanding enthusiasm, loyalty, pride and Pitt spirit.
Applied Skills
Beyond the Home: Collaboration between Pitt Programs Brings Forth a Dementia and Sensory-Friendly Garden Event
In late April, Pitt’s Healthy Home Lab (HHL) held a highly successful garden event that showcased the collaborative efforts of an interprofessional team dedicated to educating the community about gardening and dexterity.
