OTD Newsroom

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.

On June 26–27, Duke’s Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) and Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs came together to host the 4th Annual High School ImpACT Program. We welcomed eight students from City of Medicine Academy and Hillside High School for two days of hands-on learning, exploration, and connection centered around health, wellness, and the impactful roles of OTs and PTs in our communities.

Dr. Emily D’Agostino, DPH, MS, MEd, MA, associate professor of Orthopaedics and director of Community-Engaged Research Practice in the Occupational Therapy Doctoral Division, led the evaluation of the Going Places initiative—a community-based after-school program developed by Durham Parks and Recreation in collaboration with Duke pediatric and orthopaedic researchers.

At a recent public hearing in Alamance County, Dr. Denise Nepveux, PhD, associate professor of Orthopaedic Surgery in the Duke Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program, joined a strong community turnout advocating for full funding of the Alamance-Burlington School System (ABSS).

Dr. MaryBeth Gallagher, PhD, OTR/L, BCMH, assistant professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, Occupational Therapy Doctorate program, recently co-presented at UNC’s annual Ethics Event alongside Dr. Nancy Bagatell, Director of UNC’s Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy.

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.