OTD Newsroom

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 Duke Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program recently hosted an energetic and inspiring Mentorship Social, led by assistant professor Tomeico Faison, OTD, OTR/L, FAOTA. Now in its fifth year, the event brought together current students, alumni, faculty, and volunteer leaders to foster meaningful connections and emphasize the importance of mentorship within the Duke OTD community.

In a compelling session of the Interdisciplinary Rehabilitative Research Seminar Series, Duke DPT and Duke OTD co-hosted a presentation by Amy M. Pastva, PT, MA, PhD, Professor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Director of Research for the Duke Doctor of Physical Therapy Division. Her talk, “The Vital Sign We Forgot: Function in Acute Heart Failure—Evidence from REHAB-HF and REHAB-HFpEF,” highlighted an often-overlooked marker of health and recovery: physical function.

In celebration of National Encouragement Day, students from Duke’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) programs came together for an afternoon of creativity, connection, and camaraderie. The event was co-hosted by Duke LeWell and the Duke DPT program, offering a refreshing opportunity for students to pause, reflect, and support one another.

We’re excited to welcome Melissa Werz, OTD, OTR/L, CDRS, to the Duke Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) division, where she joins us as a Lecturer and Director of the CAMP program. Melissa brings a lively mix of clinical expertise, creativity, and a strong commitment to student development—qualities that make her a great addition to our community.

The Interdisciplinary Rehabilitation Research Seminar Series welcomed Brian Pietrosimone, PhD, ATC, to Duke on August 27 for a compelling presentation titled “Biomechanical Path to Osteoarthritis Following Knee Injury and a GAIT-way to Improved Outcomes.” Dr. Pietrosimone is a professor in the Department of Exercise Science, Director of the Motion Science Institute (MSI), and Co-Director of the Sports Medicine Institute.

The Duke Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) Class of 2028 gathered at the Mary Duke Biddle Trent Semans Center for Health Education to kick off their academic journey with a warm and inspiring welcome from leaders across the Duke School of Medicine.

The Duke Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) Division is happy to welcome Warren Lattimore, MDiv​​​​​​, to a full time position as assistant professor and Director of Student Affairs and Inclusive Excellence. A Chicago native with a deep appreciation for community, storytelling, and equity, Warren brings a powerful blend of lived experience, academic insight, and institutional knowledge to this pivotal role.

We are excited to welcome Stephanie Parken, MS, OTR/L, CKTP, to the Duke Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) faculty as the Applied Practice Experience (APEx) Learning Support and Placement Specialist. With over 18 years of experience in pediatric occupational therapy across various settings—from schools and hospitals to homes and clinics in both the U.S. and Germany—Stephanie brings a wealth of knowledge, compassion, and a global perspective to her new role.

On July 7, Duke OTD hosted its annual OT Summer Discovery Day, a virtual event designed to introduce participants to the dynamic field of occupational therapy. More than 50 attendees from across the globe joined morning and afternoon sessions led by current students, faculty, and practitioners.