OTD Newsroom

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.

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.

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

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.

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.