Beth Fields, PhD, OTR/L
Beth is a first-year postdoctoral associate in the Department of Occupational Therapy studying system wide implications of including caregivers during hospital stays. She completed her PhD in Occupation and Rehabilitation Science at Colorado State University. She conducted research in non-pharmacological, environment-based interventions focused on enhancing activity performance, participation and quality of life of older adults with dementia. Beth is extending her intervention research skills and gaining skills in health services and translational research methods. She secured foundation funding to be part of a multidisciplinary team that focuses on system wide implications of including caregivers in hospitalization procedures for older patients. Her primary interest is in examining and evaluating health service delivery and quality of person and family-centered geriatric care.
Beth has worked as an occupational therapist with older adults with physical, cognitive and mental health conditions in in-patient rehabilitation, home health, and long-term care settings. Apart from really enjoying her research activities, she also loves catering to her dog, Sonny, spending time with family and friends, and hiking and exploring all that her new city, Pittsburgh, has to offer. Beth is excited to serve on the UPPDA Executive Board and is looking forward to helping other postdoctoral trainees identify and participate in career development opportunities.