OTD Newsroom

In April, I was honored to travel to Philadelphia to present at the American Occupational Therapy Association's (AOTA) Inspire Conference alongside my undergraduate lab from the University of Florida. This momentous experience was filled with learning, connection, and a deep appreciation for the ever-evolving field of occupational therapy.

Duke University continues to lead the way in integrating climate science into professional education with the launch of Climate and Health for Healthcare Professions, co-instructed by Dr. Denise Nepveux, PhD, OTR/L, associate professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, Duke Occupational Therapy Doctorate program, and Dr.

Since graduating from the Duke Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to work in various orthopaedic clinics across Indiana, Virginia, and North Carolina. I am a full-time hand therapist at the Raleigh Hand to Shoulder Center. This role blends my passion for upper extremity rehabilitation with the fulfillment of helping patients regain function and independence.

A Career Built on Trust & Collaboration

Under the golden glow of a spring morning, the Duke Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program marked a momentous occasion—the graduation of its Class of 2025. The swaying branches of the willow oaks outside Duke Chapel seemed to echo the movement of time and transformation as forty-three graduates proudly accepted their doctoral shawls and diplomas.

In September 2024, second-year OTD student Fatima Al-Arakbi Hernandez embarked on a transformative journey alongside four fellow Duke Health Professions Education (HPE) program students. United by a shared commitment to fostering peer well-being, they joined the Collaborative Peer Support Collective (the "Peer Collective") pilot program, funded by Duke AHEAD.

At the 2025 American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) INSPIRE Conference, Duke Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) faculty members were honored for their outstanding contributions. Their dedication to advancing occupational therapy through leadership, research, and mentorship was celebrated with prestigious awards, solidifying Duke’s reputation as a leader in the field.

AOTA Roster of Fellows Recognition

Emily M. D’Agostino, DPH, MS, MEd, MA, an associate professor in Orthopaedic Surgery and Population Health Sciences at Duke University, is leading groundbreaking research aimed at improving healthcare access for rural communities in North Carolina. Her efforts focus on innovative solutions, such as next-generation mobile medical clinics, which will address barriers like transportation and provider shortages.

The latest Duke Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) Huddle was a highlight of the semester. Students had the privilege of meeting Jason Albers, OTR, and drummer for the acclaimed band Flatland Cavalry. Albers joined the session to share his compelling story, captivating the audience with insights from his journey as an occupational therapist and a musician living with Tetramelic monodactyly, a rare genetic limb malformation resulting in a single digit on all four extremities.

Dr. Abigail Carroll, PhD, MS, OTR/L, has expertise centered around Changing Criterion Designs (CCDs)—a process-driven research methodology—which was the topic of her recent talk at the Interdisciplinary Rehabilitative Research Seminar Series. Her presentation, Occupational-Centered Inquiry: Practical Application of Theory and Changing Criterion Design Methodologies in Intervention and Education Research, captivated her audience with its depth and applicability.

As part of the Duke Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program, students complete a culminating capstone project and a 14-week immersive experience during their final year. This capstone provides an opportunity to apply coursework and fieldwork to collaborate with community partners and deepen knowledge in a specific practice area. Recent graduate Jisun Kim reflects on her journey, challenges, and the valuable lessons learned throughout the process.