Sara Brito, PhD, OTR/L, CHT

Dr Sara Brito (PhD, MOT, MEd, BSc - OTR/L, CHT) is an Associate Professor at Eastern Kentucky University and serve as the Doctoral Capstone Coordinator. She has previously taught in two other higher education occupational therapy programs. Sara she has had the opportunity to teach a range of classes including some inter-disciplinary ones. Occupational therapy topics have included: foundations of occupational therapy, kinesiology, hand therapy, assessment, clinical practice, mental health, and OT in population health. Interdisciplinary topics have covered included: health & healthcare, clinical medicine, rural and remote health, and primary & public healthcare. Her clinic experience included in-patient rehabilitation and upper limb rehabilitation in both hospital and private therapy settings. Her work involved assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of patients with hand and upper limb injuries or conditions. She is interested in optimizing health and well-being outcomes for individuals. Her work aims to benefit patients, their communities and health professionals working with these patients by providing improved health care and subsequently improved patient outcomes. Sara's doctoral studies provided a more nuanced understand of recovery and participation following brachial plexus injury from a psychosocial and occupational perspective. Her research interests continue to explore upper extremity health, understanding and addressing rural health disparities, and optimizing health through meaningful participation in daily life.