At a key transition point in their studies, occupational therapy students across all USAHS campuses participate in a meaningful ritual, witnessed by family and friends. The OT pinning ceremony marks the end of the classroom portion of their studies and the beginning of their fieldwork. For Residential MOT and OTD students, this happens in their fourth term, and for Flex, in the seventh term.
A longstanding tradition in OT practice, the pin celebrates the diversity of practice areas, the client-centered nature of our practice and the values of our profession.
“It’s an opportunity for faculty to acknowledge our students’ transition from classroom learning to clinical learning,” says Mary Zadnik, ScD, MEd, OTR/L, director of the entry-level OT programs on Read more
Doctor of Physical Therapy, University of Medicine & Dentistry SHRP & Rutgers Camden
Master of Public Health, St. George’s University
Bachelor of Science in Physiology, McGill University
Research Interests
Educational Innovation
Educational Technology
Areas of Expertise
Public HealthOrthopedic Physical TherapyLymphedema
Dr. Leiselle Pilgrim is an Assistant Professor at the University of St. Augustine for Health Science’s Miami, FL campus in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program. She also serves as the University’s Director of Academic Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access.
Dr. Pilgrim received her Doctor of Physical Therapy in 2013 from University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey- School of Health Related Professions and Rutgers Camden after receiving her Master of Public Health from St. George’s University. She completed her Doctor of Education from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in 2022.
Her research is focused on education and incorporating affective skills into curricula as well as academic intersectionality with diversity, equity and inclusion. Dr. Pilgrim’s practice was primarily in outpatient orthopedics, and she is also a certified lymphedema therapist.
Dr. Pilgrim currently serves as the Florida Physical Therapy Association Vice President and on the American Physical Therapy Association’s Nominating Committee.
