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Black History Month is a moment for our profession to honor Black leaders whose vision, scholarship, and service have shaped occupational therapy. The individuals highlighted here represent a legacy of insight and innovation that continues to influence the field today. Their work strengthens our shared commitment to ensuring that occupational therapy grows in ways that welcome, reflect, and serve every community.

Our students wrapped up 2025 with a bang, completing numerous exams, fundraisers, volunteer hours, and more. With the start of another year, our community has continued to lead in their work and service. As this new month begins, we want to take a moment to highlight some of the accomplishments of our current students and alumni. 

   

Alli Alvarez, Patient Experience Improvement Specialist, has been appointed to The Beryl Institute’s Ambulatory Care Workgroup. This national role places Alvarez among leaders shaping strategies to improve patient experience in outpatient care.

The Interdisciplinary Rehabilitative Research Seminar Series welcomed Steven Z.

Duke DPT was honored to host Dr. Stanley Paris and Dr. Catherine Patla this month. Both are distinguished physical therapists, philanthropists, and lifelong advocates for the profession. They are the benefactors of the Duke Center of Excellence in Manual and Manipulative Therapy, led by Dr. Chad Cook and Dr. Derek Clewley, and together have contributed more than $5 million to physical therapy–oriented grants.

Our mission is to provide centralized services to support SOM students and others involved in the healthcare learning environment.  Check out our website.

Collaboration fuels scientific discovery, and Duke faculty have a unique opportunity to take their research further through the Duke-Duke-NUS Travel Grant Program.

Lauren Brinkley-Rubinstein, PhD, an associate professor in the Department of Population Health Sciences at Duke, focuses on how the trauma of incarceration — whether from flooded cells during climate disasters or the “extreme deprivation” of solitary confinement — shapes people’s health long after release.

The Art and Science of Mentoring: An RCR Workshop Series for Faculty Co-facilitators: Maria Wisdom, Assistant Vice Provost for Faculty Advancement; and Yan Li, Associate Dean for Graduate Programs, The Graduate School.