The Duke Doctor of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Doctorate programs kicked off the 2024–2025 Interdisciplinary Rehabilitation Research Seminar Series on August 28.
Faculty, staff, and students gathered to hear from Jessica S. West, PhD, MPH, of the Department of Head and Neck Surgery & Communication Sciences. Her talk focused on "Hearing Loss Research at the Intersection of Medical Sociology and Clinical Practice.”
Her team focuses on the health and well-being of people with hearing loss to help them live the best lives possible. “Hearing loss is not the natural aging process and can happen anytime,” she said. She calculates that over 73 million people will experience hearing loss by 2027.
Dr. West summarized current research and techniques for helping patients modify their lives to accommodate hearing loss. This information provided a sound basis of knowledge for future OT and PT practitioners attending the seminar.
Join the next session scheduled for September 25, which features Louise Thoma, PT, PhD, Assistant Professor, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Division of Physical Therapy. She will present information about “Revitalizing Rehabilitation in Contemporary Rheumatology Care.”