OTD Newsroom

Lindy Norman, MAT, operations manager for Duke’s Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program, is no stranger to building something meaningful from the ground up. As the OTD program’s first staff member, Norman played a pivotal role in transforming the division from an emerging idea into a thriving academic community. She helped guide the program through its foundational years—supporting curriculum development, accreditation efforts, faculty and staff recruitment, and the launch of its inaugural cohort.

Black History Month is a moment for our profession to honor Black leaders whose vision, scholarship, and service have shaped occupational therapy. The individuals highlighted here represent a legacy of insight and innovation that continues to influence the field today. Their work strengthens our shared commitment to ensuring that occupational therapy grows in ways that welcome, reflect, and serve every community.

The Interdisciplinary Rehabilitative Research Seminar Series welcomed Steven Z.

Duke OTD proudly celebrates the contributions of Yeu‑Li Yeung, MS, OT/L, CPE, CSPHP, whose advocacy and student-centered teaching are shaping the future practice of Duke OTD students. Recently recognized across the Duke University Health System (DUHS) for her leadership in Safe Patient Handling and Mobility (SPHM)—and featured in Duke Today—Yeu‑Li brings this same expertise directly into students’ learning experiences. 

The Duke Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program opened the new year with an energetic and well-attended Open House on Saturday, January 3, welcoming admitted and prospective students and their family members to campus for an immersive look at the Duke OTD program.

Tiffany Adams, PT, DPT, MBA, PhD, and Tomeico Faison, OTD, OTR/L, FAOTA—both assistant professors of Orthopaedic Surgery—are transforming how Duke DPT and OTD students approach the financial realities of graduate education through the Duke OTD & DPT Financial Leadership Series. Since its launch in 2021, the program has provided students with practical tools for budgeting, debt management, loan forgiveness, and long‑term financial planning.

The Duke Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program recently hosted its first Occupational Therapy, Technology, and Ethics Colloquium at the Interprofessional Education Building.

Mary Beth Gallagher, PhD, OTR/L, BCMH, an assistant professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at Duke University School of Medicine, was recently featured on AJOT Authors & Issues to discuss her co-authored article, “Threat or Opportunity? Social Prescribing and Implications for Occupational Therapy,” published in the American Journal of Occupational Therapy (AJOT), Volume 79, Issue 6.

Rural communities across the United States face ongoing barriers to timely and accurate diagnosis — from limited specialty services and long travel distances to gaps in broadband and workforce capacity. Duke’s Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program, in partnership with faculty members in Orthopaedic Surgery, Pediatrics, and Population Health Sciences, is helping change this situation. Associate Professor Emily M.

Teoma LaShawn, PT, DPT, MDiv, faculty development resident, Duke's Doctor of Physical Therapy program, recently served as a guest speaker for the North Carolina Black Occupational Therapy Collective, delivering a powerful message centered on the theme “Confidently Taking Up Space.” LaShawn opened the session with words that set the tone for an afternoon of empowerment and reflection.