https://sole.hsc.wvu.edu/Apps/News/rss/SchoolofMedicine/Occupational-Therapy50 most recent storiesen-USdb54ec2f-dd6c-4efd-ad90-9082a2d5b6fchttps://medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=acord-vira-earns-professor-emeritusWed, 27 May 2026 00:00:00 -04002026-05-27T11:22:44-04:00de216938-586c-4bee-8543-739e117245b1https://www.visionmonday.com/eyecare/article/west-virginia-university-raises-awareness-about-vision-impairment-for-mays-healthy-vision-month/As part of May's Healthy Vision Month, West Virginia University (WVU) has announced its assistant professor Heather Livengood of the WVU School of Medicine Department of Occupational Therapy who specializes in vision rehabilitation, is raising awareness about the effects of vision impairment experienced by more than 37 million adults in the United States. WVU said Livengood explained how natural light, glare and changing weather can worsen symptoms of common eye diseases including macular degeneration, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma, and is offering practical tips for people with low vision and their caregivers.Mon, 11 May 2026 00:00:00 -04002026-05-11T12:44:20-04:00bcd653ad-6c2c-4f92-b199-b9121da44ce1https://medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=occupational-therapy-doctoral-students-present-capstone-projects_0somenagaeMay 2026 graduates of the WVU School of Medicine's Occupational Therapy Doctoral (OTD) program presented their capstone projects, marking the culmination of their 14-week projects in a specialized area of occupational therapy. Wed, 06 May 2026 00:00:00 -04002026-05-07T10:52:22-04:000bbdf5d5-fb7c-4a11-8a35-88edf3669a42https://medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=meetgrads-sierra-haysWhat initially sparked your interest in occupational therapy?Wed, 06 May 2026 00:00:00 -04002026-05-06T12:22:07-04:001acc8bcc-7d16-4d10-ae54-17c99d9bccf3https://wvutoday.wvu.edu/media-center-blog/2026/05/04/expert-pitch-wvu-expert-explains-vision-impairment-effects-recommends-safety-precautionsAs part of May's Healthy Vision Month, a West Virginia University expert is raising awareness about the effects of vision impairment experienced by more than 37 million adults in the United States.Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 -04002026-05-04T15:35:26-04:0099c29f24-63c9-4768-9f48-71fd1490bd0ehttps://medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=students-collaborate-across-disciplines-in-parkinson-s-disease-music-movement-and-voice-groupsomhealThe beating of drums echoes, followed by the tapping of rhythm sticks. The room fills with movement and sound as patients sing along to "Country Roads."  Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -04002026-05-01T13:53:57-04:0055b1b653-325f-499c-a342-fd968a14e43ahttps://medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=wvu-occupational-therapy-doctoral-program-capstone-presentations-set-for-april-30thDoctoral students in the West Virginia University Division of Occupational Therapy will be presenting their capstone projects on Thursday, April 30th, from 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. in the WVU Health Sciences Center South, room 1202 or via Zoom.Thu, 16 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -04002026-04-16T10:33:04-04:00d09bba8e-f045-4abd-bf2d-97bb7ffaf3afhttps://medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=mountaineers-makingdifference-wvu-ot-alumni-flourish-at-encompass-health_0Wed, 08 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -04002026-04-08T18:54:35-04:002be58b6a-33b5-4b0d-ae51-f9e3d8576f64https://medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=u-s-news-world-report-recognizes-wvu-health-professions-programs_0West Virginia University School of Medicine Health Professions programs appear in the latest rankings of graduate programs by U.S. News & World Report, making them the top-ranked programs of their kind in West Virginia. Tue, 07 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -04002026-04-07T09:43:23-04:003bea83ca-7b91-4f46-864b-e270ad9d60dfhttps://medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=alumni-spotlight-dr-tiffany-topp-otd-otr-l-clt-alm Mon, 06 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -04002026-04-06T20:43:57-04:00dd8da20f-154b-46d1-a2ac-fbef53f59365https://www.wboy.com/news/monongalia/west-virginia-university/pin-ceremony-held-for-wvu-occupational-therapy-graduates/amp/The next generation of occupational therapists made their way to WVU's Okey Patteson Auditorium to receive their coats and pins on Sunday, marking the graduates transition from student to professional.Mon, 06 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -04002026-04-06T11:11:23-04:0021352dfd-2ac2-41c9-9668-587b4cd3c290https://medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=wvu-school-of-medicine-occupational-therapy-students-receive-white-coats-begin-clinical-rotatio_1somempowerThe West Virginia University School of Medicine's Division of Occupational Therapy hosted a white coat ceremony for 32 master's and doctoral program students on Sunday, March 29, at the Okey Patteson Auditorium in the WVU Health Sciences Center in Morgantown. Thu, 02 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -04002026-04-08T14:25:07-04:00811d8322-5f11-433c-9ebd-7492d779cb67https://medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=wvu-occupational-therapy-programs-to-host-virtual-information-sessionsomenagaeThe WVU Division of Occupational Therapy invites prospective students to learn more about their programs at a virtual information session on December 9 at 6 p.m. via ZOOM.  Fri, 14 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -05002025-11-20T09:08:12-05:00fe5659e3-b68c-45e6-a567-8b7b222fbb75https://medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=wvu-occupational-therapy-programs-to-host-information-sessionsomenagaeThe WVU Division of Occupational Therapy invites prospective students to learn more about their programs at an information session on November 12 at 4 p.m. in the OT Lab – HSC-S 1202. Mon, 03 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -05002025-11-04T15:05:00-05:009d39fe63-6b4a-4391-8809-2ba200c53e6chttps://medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=health-professions-faculty-honored-with-distinguished-teacher-awardsLori Sherlock, Ed.D., and Breanna Adkins, Ed.D., MOT, OTR/L, have been recognized with WVU School of Medicine Health Professions Distinguished Teacher awards.Thu, 18 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -04002025-09-22T19:44:58-04:009c130eba-d881-4093-9407-c0792eaa56cchttps://medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=davis-named-chair-of-occupational-therapy-atwvu-school-of-medicinesomeducateDiana Davis, Ph.D., MA, OTR/L has been named chair of the West Virginia University School of Medicine Division of Occupational Therapy, effective August 15, 2025.Thu, 04 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -04002025-09-08T10:23:04-04:0055b41b0d-f2cb-496e-bb3e-dfbe4cff0ceehttps://medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=adkins-recognized-with-distinguished-teacher-award_0We are proud to announce that Breanna Adkins, EdD, MOT, OTR/L, BCP, IMH-E, Assistant Professor in the Division of Occupational Therapy, has been honored with the School of Medicine Distinguished Teaching Award for her outstanding contributions to healthcare education.Fri, 22 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -04002025-08-22T17:35:02-04:00ae6ad5cc-5b73-4d63-b71f-9a2451b7faefhttps://medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=ot-faculty-member-earns-specialty-certification-in-brain-injuryMORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Jacob Greenfield, OTD, OTR/L, ATRIC, CSRS, CST, CBIS  is one of a limited number of brain injury experts in the state. Earning the Certified Brain Injury Specialists (CBIS) credential, Greenfield demonstrates the education, professional experience, knowledge, and skills to perform various roles and functions for individuals with brain injury.Fri, 15 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -04002025-08-15T09:53:03-04:00feed9ace-0f17-4068-8a61-23b49d7240e7https://medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=wvu-division-of-occupational-therapy-to-host-information-sessions-and-open-house_0someducateThe WVU Division of Occupational Therapy invites prospective students to learn more about its programs at a series of information sessions and an open house this fall semester. Wed, 13 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -04002025-08-18T11:50:34-04:00c861c637-2513-4613-8f83-88891758a995https://medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=wvu-occupational-therapy-student-helps-advance-ai-tools-for-infant-motor-development-researchsomenagaeAiden Aiello, a Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) student, is working alongside a team of faculty researchers to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) can assess head and neck control in infants during tummy time, an essential component of early motor development. Thu, 07 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -04002025-08-08T14:39:45-04:00e5a9b68a-571e-41aa-b01b-85971e900322https://wvutoday.wvu.edu/media-center-blog/2025/06/30/expert-pitch-wvu-occupational-therapist-advises-leaving-holiday-fireworks-to-professionalssomhealWhile fireworks on the Fourth of July are as American as apple pie, a West Virginia University expert in occupational therapy is providing tips to keep celebrations safe.Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -04002025-07-03T14:39:04-04:006f558c91-6e07-4fdb-9d25-03c6ca2ac84ahttps://medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=occupational-therapy-doctoral-students-present-capstone-projectssomempowerMay graduates of the WVU School of Medicine's Occupational Therapy Doctoral (OTD) program presented their capstone projects, each in a specialized area of occupational therapy of their choice. Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -04002025-07-03T14:39:24-04:0070b3ea85-61a3-4048-8bc2-819c0204f9dbhttps://wvutoday.wvu.edu/media-center-blog/2025/06/17/expert-pitch-wvu-occupational-therapist-offers-water-safety-tips-for-kidsAs families head outdoors for summer fun and spend more time at pools and beaches, a West Virginia University expert in occupational therapy says precautions — like teaching children age-appropriate water safety measures and dressing them in brightly colored, form-fitting swimwear — can save lives.Tue, 24 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -04002025-06-24T11:54:20-04:00ddc120c7-3e4a-436b-8cfe-57536a400e63https://medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=wvu-school-of-medicine-occupational-therapy-students-receive-white-coats-begin-clinical-rotatio_0somempowerThe West Virginia University School of Medicine's Division of Occupational Therapy hosted a pinning ceremony for 32 master's and doctoral program students on April 27 at the Okey Patteson Auditorium in Morgantown.Wed, 07 May 2025 00:00:00 -04002025-05-09T12:05:33-04:00b150e837-726a-460c-af81-92cf69cf7b12https://medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=u-s-news-world-report-recognizes-wvu-health-professions-programsWest Virginia University School of Medicine Health Professions programs appear in the latest rankings of graduate programs by U.S. News & World Report, making them the top-ranked programs of their kind in West Virginia. Thu, 17 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -04002025-04-17T12:20:14-04:0051dcce10-7d34-429b-b7c5-ba3d2cf17538https://medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=wvu-division-of-occupational-therapy-to-host-open-house-april-25somenagaeStudents interested in learning more about WVU's Occupational Therapy programs are invited to meet faculty and current students at an open house event on Friday, April 25 at 4 p.m. in room 1202 HSC-South.   Wed, 02 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -04002025-04-08T12:51:58-04:007d5e3bf2-0751-4215-976a-38d648a9fa91https://medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=wvu-division-of-occupational-therapy-to-host-open-housesomeducateStudents interested in learning more about WVU's Occupational Therapy programs are invited to meet faculty and current students at an open house event on Sunday, March 2 at 2 p.m. in room 1202 HSC-South. Thu, 13 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -05002025-02-17T16:21:28-05:00495aa09b-5022-497a-824c-d9cdce2d7569https://medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=wvu-division-of-occupational-therapy-to-host-information-sessionsomdiscoverThe WVU Division of Occupational Therapy invites prospective students to learn more about their programs at an information session on February 3 at 4 p.m. in the OT Lab – HSC-S 1202. Thu, 23 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -05002025-01-24T13:48:14-05:006f52bdf9-56ca-4589-812a-1dfd0ebf557fhttps://wvutoday.wvu.edu/stories/2025/01/14/wvu-hearts-of-gold-to-help-establish-standards-for-service-dog-training-with-grant-supportsomempower Tue, 14 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -05002025-01-24T13:50:00-05:00e94434d4-15bc-4f98-a665-f0b7b7c12c1ahttps://medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=wvu-alumni-spotlight-jessie-parkuloJessie Parkulo, MOT, OTR/L, BCP carries her mountaineer pride with her into Indianapolis, Indiana. Since graduating in 2017, Parkulo has provided occupational therapy services in a variety of pediatric settings including early intervention, outpatient, ABA center, Montessori school, and currently a public school district.Tue, 14 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -05002025-01-27T08:59:07-05:006ef70634-1e69-483a-b6b2-a102a0fd8039https://medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=university-motors-sponsors-wvu-go-baby-go-carLocal business, University Motors Mercedes Benz of Morgantown has been a proud supporter of children in our community including donating bicycles to children at Eastwood Elementary in Monongalia County. This year, the WVU Division of Occupational Therapy received a Go Baby Go car donation from University Motors Mercedes Benz of Morgantown.Fri, 03 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -05002025-01-03T11:18:15-05:00d9654245-eae6-4cf5-82a1-26a25b2b39fdhttps://medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=occupational-therapy-faculty-earns-seating-and-mobility-certificationRichelle L. Gray OTD, OTR/L, ATP/SMS, CDP, Assistant Professor, in the West Virginia University Division of Occupational Therapy, has earned the Seating and Mobility Specialist (SMS) Certification by the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA).Thu, 02 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -05002025-01-02T11:41:02-05:008a5043a5-9b05-4e88-8a62-f212a789d0d8https://medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=wvu-division-of-occupational-therapy-to-host-virtual-information-sessionsomeducateThe WVU Division of Occupational Therapy invites prospective students to learn more about their programs at a virtual information session on January 22 at 6 p.m. via Zoom.  Thu, 02 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -05002025-01-03T12:34:18-05:001a0e4b77-47a7-473c-bdf8-d2aeed18a844https://medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=wvu-ot-alumnus-appointed-to-american-parkinson-disease-association-rhode-island-chapterWVU OT alumnus Luke Davis, MBA, OTR/L, joins the Board of Directors for the American Parkinson Disease Association Rhode Island Chapter. Davis is the Regional Director of Rehabilitation at Spaulding Rehab Network and brings a wealth of experience in OT, healthcare administration, business, disability services, and community engagement. Wed, 04 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -05002024-12-04T14:13:03-05:00a837aa61-add7-47ff-81ab-594841ba46ebhttps://medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=wvu-ot-faculty-earns-addition-credential-in-psychiatric-rehabilitationThe WVU Division of Occupational Therapy congratulates Dr. Kayleigh Nolan, PhD, MOT, OTR/L, SCLV, PMH-C, CPRP, on earning the credential of Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner (CPRP). Tue, 03 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -05002024-12-03T10:55:20-05:002d031ade-beb5-4e3a-b7b8-e317511406f1https://medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=occupational-therapy-students-participate-in-nicu-simulation-gain-experience-in-advanced-practice-sesomeducateMany students report they learn best through active learning – or learning by doing. At the West Virginia University School of Medicine, lab experiences, hands-on curriculum and simulation training support students' experiential learning.Tue, 19 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -05002024-11-22T13:33:03-05:002d53784a-1f16-431e-83d1-962c513670achttps://www.wdtv.com/2024/10/16/wvu-occupational-therapist-gives-tips-pumpkin-carving-safety/ Pumpkin carving is a cornerstone of fall and Halloween, but carving does come with risks. Sometimes, people can cut their hands and get seriously hurt.Mon, 21 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -04002024-10-21T11:13:44-04:00e8363f8a-67f7-4482-b193-be96c92cf2c2https://medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=wvu-school-of-medicine-master-of-occupational-therapy-program-receives-maximum-reaccreditationsomempowerThe West Virginia University School of Medicine's Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) program has been reaccredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE), extending its accreditation for the next 10 years. Mon, 23 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -04002024-09-27T16:32:03-04:00e3ee2151-69c4-4d20-a812-ef4ff214038dhttps://medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=wvu-division-of-occupational-therapy-to-host-information-sessions-and-open-housesomeducateThe WVU Division of Occupational Therapy invites prospective students to learn more about their programs at a series of information sessions as well as an open house this fall semester. Tue, 20 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -04002024-09-27T14:57:01-04:00ae3f55c6-9096-4ee9-a712-511bbd30b22ahttps://medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=wvu-health-professions-provides-assistive-technology-evaluations-and-recommendations-to-west-virginiThe West Virginia University School of Medicine hosted an event to offer free pediatric evaluations by faculty members in physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech-language pathology for West Virginia families.Mon, 22 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -04002024-07-23T09:23:57-04:00ab20eff8-4f8f-4207-bce9-1913796904ffhttps://medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=nolan-earns-perinatal-mental-health-certificationWVU Division of Occupational Therapy faculty member, Dr. Kayleigh Nolan, PhD, MOT, OTR/L, SCLV, PMH-C, is recognized for her work in perinatal mental health. Sun, 21 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -04002024-07-21T15:40:53-04:00b2a24fee-4ad4-4f68-aed0-bb5f196ec614https://medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=mcgurkGraduates from the WVU Division of Occupational Therapy have numerous career opportunities in the healthcare sector, and Ben McGurk, MOT, OTR, is a prime example of such success.Wed, 17 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -04002024-07-17T12:28:58-04:006247eb68-35a4-4281-86cc-567385dc32e2https://medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=new-otd-graduate-joins-country-roads-staff-after-creating-peer-mentor-workbook-for-capstone-projectsomeducateNew OTD graduate Taylor Grout made a workbook for Country Roads peer mentors as her capstone project. She herself was a former peer mentor, and will use her previous experiences to guide her as she joins the Country Roads staff this fall.Tue, 09 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -04002024-07-09T09:15:49-04:00d305e2fc-ee65-4e90-9e65-bb4599922515https://medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=alumni-spotlight-nick-nuzzo-otr-l-atpGraduates of the WVU Division of Occupational Therapy have the opportunity to pursue a variety of specializations. Nick Nuzzo, OTR/L, ATP, initially began providing OT in skilled nursing facilities in Ohio. Shortly into his career, he stepped into a leadership role as the Director of Rehabilitation. As the Director of Rehabilitation, Nuzzo began navigating state and federal guidelines to advocate for complex medical equipment for the residents of his facility. Fri, 07 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -04002024-06-07T15:28:27-04:00a394a888-f03b-498d-be6b-3cf8003c1226https://medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=faculty-and-staff-invited-to-continuing-education-event-on-disability-educationThe WVU School of Medicine invites interested faculty and staff to an upcoming continuing education event Friday, June 21, from 12-1:30 p.m. via Zoom. The event, titled "New Best Practices in Disability Education," will be presented by Dawn Bentley, M.Ed.Thu, 30 May 2024 00:00:00 -04002024-06-03T11:27:00-04:00560aea94-896a-4ef2-b3ea-17860b31ba1dhttps://medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=wvu-school-of-medicine-occupational-therapy-students-receive-white-coats-begin-clinical-rotationssomempowerThe West Virginia University School of Medicine's Division of Occupational Therapy hosted a pinning ceremony for 37 master's and doctoral program students on April 14 at the Okey Patteson Auditorium in Morgantown.Mon, 29 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -04002024-05-03T13:29:57-04:00dbaf56ec-92b9-438b-9a1c-825e557422aehttps://medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=history-inmaking-wvu-school-of-medicine-celebrates-first-class-to-graduate-from-occupational-therapysomhealAs a first-generation college student, Loryn Frame has made a habit of going first. Now, she's part of the first class of students to graduate from the West Virginia University School of Medicine's Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program.Fri, 26 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -04002024-05-07T09:05:36-04:00c28c9a79-b39a-45dd-8f95-e12e9f06645chttps://medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=wvu-health-sciences-graduate-programs-receive-high-ranking-from-u-s-news-world-reportSeveral West Virginia University Health Sciences academic programs recently earned "Best" status from U.S. News & World Report.Mon, 15 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -04002024-04-22T09:58:55-04:00e9f18e3a-6fae-4d1c-b6b3-8b9a8627a071https://medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=ot-alumni-spotlight-on-milena-maragossompurposeAs part of the ongoing spotlight on Occupational Therapy Month, the WVU Division of Occupational Therapy continues to spotlight the success of alumni. Tue, 09 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -04002024-04-24T10:18:12-04:0055d6151b-e075-4742-9969-a7395c2a1478https://medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=adkins-earns-multiple-recognitionsStudents enrolled in the WVU Division of Occupational Therapy benefit from focused pediatric expertise from Assistant Professor, Breanna Adkins, EdD, MOT, OTR/L, BCP, IMH-E. Mon, 01 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -04002024-04-01T10:07:35-04:00