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This Veterans Day, Duke’s Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program highlights the transformative power of service and healing through the story of Chante Perlberg, OTD'27. With a background as a veteran and military spouse, Chante’s path to occupational therapy is rooted in lived experience, empathy, and a drive to support others through life’s most difficult transitions.

This Veterans Day, Duke Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) proudly honors Emily “Emy” Kenser, a second-year student whose journey from military service to occupational therapy reflects resilience, transformation, and a deep commitment to meaningful service.

Graduate students Gavin Thompson and Riya Hathi, both members of Duke’s Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) Class of 2027, are helping shape the future of youth health in Durham through their work on Going Places, a community-based research initiative led by Dr.

This month, we honor the service and sacrifice of those who have worn the uniform by sharing their stories. Rob Farris, a U.S. Navy veteran and current Duke Doctor of Physical Therapy student, reflects on his journey from maintaining communications systems aboard a naval ship to pursuing a career dedicated to helping others move and heal. His perspective offers a powerful reminder of resilience, growth, and the commitment to serve—both in the military and in healthcare.

September 12 was National Day of Encouragement. Le Well partnered with DPT Student Affairs Office to offer rock painting, coloring and learning about Kawa.

Duke Orthopaedics celebrated Halloween in style with our annual social and virtual costume contest—and what a frightfully fun time it was! The festivities kicked off with a pizza lunch (thank you, Dr. Alman!), setting the stage for an afternoon filled with music, laughter, and community-building opportunities for faculty, staff, and students. It was wonderful to see everyone come together to share in the spirit of the season.

This month, Duke alumni, faculty, and students played a leading role at the annual PAEA Education Forum, held in San Diego, California. Contributing all across the board, they led presentations and participated in panels and workshops that showcased their passion for the profession. Attendees had the opportunity to connect with others, hear from leading PA voices, and gain knowledge that builds toward professional growth.

At the October session of Duke’s Interdisciplinary Rehab Research Seminar Series, Dr. Michael Iwama, Professor in the Occupational Therapy Division at Duke Orthopaedic Surgery and Assistant Director of Duke’s Health Center for Interprofessional Education and Care, delivered a compelling presentation titled “The Kawa Model: De-colonizing Occupational Therapy.”

The Office of Physician Scientist Development (OPSD) is now accepting applications for the 2026 Fund to Retain Clinical Scientists (FRCS) award. These awards aim to help junior faculty members with the challenge of working to establish academic careers while simultaneously managing significant caregiving responsibilities. The Fund will provide two awards of $30,000 each to physician-scientists with significant caregiving responsibilities.

The Duke Clinical Leadership Program (DCLP) provides participants insights into health system operations and strategy, opportunities for networking and skill development, and application of concepts, all of which expand leadership capacity within Duke Health.   Target Audience: Mid-career Duke faculty members with clinical responsibilities who are in, headed for, or aspiring to leadership roles.