SHRS Blog

Pitt offers over 100 undergraduate majors—as a new college student this can be equally exciting and overwhelming. If you’re struggling to choose, you will find that Communication Science checks off a lot of boxes on the proverbial list. Communication is a fundamental skill in all aspects of life and gaining a foundational understanding of the science behind it is beneficial in all environments.

Nearly forty years ago, the University of Pittsburgh began a world class Sports Medicine program for students interested in sports injury prevention and research. Since then, it has never stopped evolving to meet the ever-changing needs of athletes, military personnel and everyday people or setting the standards for sports medicine research.

School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (SHRS) faculty continue to shine with awards that reflect their transformative contributions to the health care community. The American Academy of Audiology is honoring Catherine Palmer, professor and interim chair in the Department of Communication Science and Disorders (CSD), professor in the Department of Otolaryngology, and director of Audiology at UPMC with the Honors of the Academy award.

Nutrition and dietetics play a major role in the treatment and recovery of cancer patients. In her role as clinical dietitian lead at the Allegheny Health Network (AHN) Cancer Institute, Rachel Harken (BS ’95, MS ’99) works as part of the Oncology Navigation team. She builds relationships with patients and utilizes different nutrition therapies to help alleviate some of the nutrition-related side effects that often accompany chemotherapy and other cancer treatments.

One of the University of Pittsburgh’s own will have his name listed among other pioneering, world renown innovators such as Steve Jobs and Thomas Edison. The School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (SHRS) distinguished professor and founder and director of the Human Engineering Research Laboratories (HERL), Rory Cooper, will be one of 16 new inductees into the National Inventors Hall of Fame (NIHF) as part of their 50th year celebration.

The Administrative Elective Course prepares Doctor of PA Studies (DPAS) candidates for leadership roles in their places of practice. The course focuses on the U.S. health care system, health care reform, payment models and how the U.S. health care system compares to others in the world. Candidates also learn about different types of leadership styles and how to analyze their own strengths and opportunities to lead positive change. 

Are you a student with your eyes on applying to a physician assistant (PA) program? If so, consider getting your undergraduate degree in Emergency Medicine at Pitt!

Lori Cherok, program director of the Nutrition Science program, lists the top 5 reasons to join the SHRS Nutrition Science program! ...

What is Rehabilitation Psychology? About two years ago, I asked this question myself while selecting an elective course to complete my undergraduate psychology degree at Pitt. At the time, my heart was set on becoming a mental health counselor, and I didn’t understand how “rehabilitation” could factor into counseling and therapy. Nevertheless, this course in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (SHRS) broadened my interests by providing a well-informed, holistic and functional approach to counseling and mental health. 

The University of Pittsburgh School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (SHRS) has received international recognition for its bold moves in advancing health care. Department of Physical Therapy Associate Professor Michael Schneider was awarded the Sheikh Zayed International Award for Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicine for his academic expertise in chiropractic research and education. The award gives recognition to eminent TCAM (Traditional Complementary and Alternative Medicine) academics and scientists for their distinguished contributions to improve the quality of life for humanity, and who have contributed significantly in enhancing TCAM knowledge and practices around the world. ...

At Pitt’s School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (SHRS), the Master of Science in Sports Medicine offers a limited number of Experiential Opportunities positions that combine academic scholarship and professional practice. The positions offer a scholarship or funding support that varies each year. The early application deadline for these competitive positions is in mid-January, well ahead of the regular Sports Medicine admission deadline in mid-March. These invaluable opportunities provide qualified students with real-world experience during the Sports Medicine program, putting them ahead of the game as they work hands-on with local Pittsburgh sports clubs, research labs and community centers. ...

Groundbreaking research, investment in education, community engagement, clinical excellence and advocacy are all areas that Professor Elizabeth Skidmore embodies in her work as an occupational therapist. Her leadership in the field and her dedication to the mission of the University of Pittsburgh School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (SHRS) has made her a tremendous asset to the school as associate dean for Research. Her own extensive research portfolio has recently earned her the 2022 Women in Rehabilitation Science Award from the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. ...