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
EdD, University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
DPT, Florida Gulf Coast University
MS in Physical Therapy, Florida International University
BS in Biology & Exercise Physiology, University of Miami
Research Interests
Falls Prevention in Adult Neurological Population
High Intensity / Functional Mobility Training with Adult Neurological Population
Patient Integration in the DPT classroom
Areas of Expertise
Administration and ManagementStroke RehabilitationFalls Prevention in Adult Neurological Population
Dr. Miguel Garcia is an assistant professor and core faculty member in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences Miami campus. He has been teaching in the DPT Flex program since 2009 and leads the various neurological courses within the DPT curriculum on the Miami campus. Dr. Garcia earned his bachelor’s degree in Biology and Exercise Physiology from the University of Miami, his master’s in Physical Therapy from Florida International University, his transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy from Florida Gulf Coast University and his Doctor of Education from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences.
Since entering the profession, Dr. Garcia has primarily worked with patients who have neurological disease in the inpatient rehab, outpatient rehab, and home health settings with an interest in patients who have suffered a stroke. Currently, Dr. Garcia has a primary interest in Falls Prevention with the adult neurological population and leads a research study assessing a community-based falls program that is run on campus. During his career, Dr. Garcia has also served in various leadership positions, most recently serving as the director of rehabilitation at West Gables Rehabilitation Hospital where he oversaw daily operations for the therapy and case management departments and overall program development. He has spoken at local, state, and national conferences and led various continuing education courses. Beyond his work for the university and the rehabilitation hospital, he also serves as a program surveyor for CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities).
