Departmental Information

Rehabilitation Services is a multidisciplinary team of allied health professionals consisting of Physical and Occupational Therapists and their support staff. There are currently 27 full time employees and 4 part time employees within the department. The department prides itself on providing coordinated and integrated rehabilitation care to individuals with disabilities or impairments in order to maximize function and overall quality of life. In addition, the department creates a climate that emphasizes the importance of clinical research to advance the knowledge base of rehabilitation professionals while increasing patient outcomes. Rehabilitation Services aims to facilitate the education of therapy students by directly participating in classroom lectures at the School of Health Professions and by providing clinical training to students from across the country.

May Spotlight

The Department of Rehabilitation Services is proud to spotlight Kathleen Zipprian during the month of May.

Kathleen Zipprian has been a loyal UTMB employee for the past 25 years.  During that time, she has learned the UTMB systems well.  Currently, Kathleen functions as the Administrative Secretary for Rehabilitation Services, and has been an integral part of our department for the past 10 years.  In addition, Kathleen is an active member of the Support Staff Professionals Organization.  This program encourages fellowship and cooperation among the administrative support staff professionals, and promotes educational seminars, programs, service projects, and socials adapted to the interest of the members and to the mission of the University.  During her spare time, Kathleen enjoys spending being with her family and friends, traveling, making jewelry and, knitting.  Rehabilitation Services is proud to have Kathleen as a member of our team!

News and Announcements

Rehabilitation Services is proud to announce Pam Christiansen as this year’s recipient of the Rosa Lee Torres Award. Each year one occupational therapist is recognized for his or her outstanding dedication to clinical service and quality patient care. The recipient is nominated by his or her peers based on the following characteristics: demonstrates great respect for patient’s rights, displays a positive working relationship with peers, as well as a willingness and ability to share creative treatment ideas, provides quality care, particularly to those individuals of diverse cultures and disabilities, and has a positive outlook and ability to offer an optimistic viewpoint. Pam initially began working for Rehabilitation Services in 1979, but left in 1981 to begin her focus with the pediatric population. In 1994, Pam returned to UTMB and has been a loyal employee ever since. She works enthusiastically with children ages 0-21 years with various conditions affecting their ability to meet developmental milestones. Currently, Pam is an integral part of the Pediatric Feeding Team, provides assessments for wheelchair clinics, and provides evaluations and recommendations for home programs with families. Pam is particularly interested in working with children who have behaviors that fall into the autism spectrum. Our department is fortunate to have a therapist like Pam as she approaches every day and every new challenge with enthusiasm and optimism.