OTD Newsroom

When thinking seriously about occupational therapy schools, I knew I wanted to go to a program out of state. I lived in Seattle for 15 years and felt I needed a change.

It was the best choice! I have gained many transformative experiences that led to personal growth in the past year. I am confident in my abilities as a mature adult to handle errands and even purchase home insurance. Freedom has been abundant compared to living with my parents, and I can feel the shift in my mental health.

In recognition of Veterans Day, we reached out to Duke Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) students who have served in the military or have a military affiliation through a family member or partner. Their stories reveal how these experiences have influenced their lives and shaped their identities.

In honor of National Native American Heritage Month, two Duke Occupational Therapy Doctorate students shared how their native heritage has shaped their occupations, identities, and lives.

Antoine Bailliard, PhD, MS, OTR/L, collaborated with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) over the summer to educate and train frontline community mental health workers. His efforts focused on promoting best practices in psychosocial rehabilitation and enhancing the ability of these workers to support individuals in achieving meaningful participation in their communities. 

We’re thrilled to welcome Raheleh Ghasseminia, MS, OT/L, who joined the Occupational Therapy Doctorate Division as an assistant professor on October 1.

After living in the U.S. for nearly a decade, I find myself reflecting on various experiences that have strengthened my Latina identity. Upon arrival, I struggled to connect with others due to unfamiliar contextual factors, including a new language, diverse cultures, and a completely different environment.

Have you ever considered how your identity affects how you participate in and experience your occupations? 

As part of Duke’s National Hispanic Heritage Month celebration, we asked our Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) students who identify as Hispanic/Latinx about their background and what they're most proud of.

Their answers underscore our pride in the OTD program—one that is rich with diverse individuals and perspectives that come together to create a unique learning community. 

OTD 604, Formation for Service IV, is the fourth installment in a series of courses in which Duke Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) students explore pathways to professional development as colleagues, community members, and change-makers.

The Duke Doctor of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Doctorate programs kicked off the 2024–2025 Interdisciplinary Rehabilitation Research Seminar Series on August 28.