Erin Lewis

Background

About Erin Lewis

I am excited to start my career as an Occupational Therapist in the acute care setting at OhioHealth Riverside! This setting and position will allow for me to grow my skills as a well-rounded practitioner. I recently graduated in April 2023 from the University of Pittsburgh Doctor of Occupational Therapy program. During my final year, I lead a capstone group in a quality improvement project at the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh in their Child Development Unit (CDU). Our goal was to provide education to parents and families who receive evaluation services at the CDU to allow for more streamlined and efficient services provided by professionals. During my capstone experience, I also studied Spinal Cord Injury patients after they are discharged lengthy inpatient rehabilitation stays. I created a clinical practice guideline summarizing evidence into best practice for occupational therapy practitioners. I disseminated my findings at one of the United State's leading Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation facilities, UPMC Mercy. Throughout my time as a student at the University of Pittsburgh, I had two rigorous level II fieldwork placements. I was a student at OhioHealth Grant Medical Center where I rotated through trauma, cardiac, and ICU specialties. Next, I was a student at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center where I rotated through 10 different hospitals in the area. I stretched my skills by adapting to new environments, specialties, and coworkers every day to provide unwavering patient centered care in acute and inpatient rehabilitation settings. As a student, I maintained a high GPA, held various volunteer and leadership positions, and maintained a part time job. I was elected as the AOTA Representative for my cohort, where I attended the AOTA conference and kept my cohort informed on AOTA news. I was appointed as a Founder and Co-President of the American Geriatric Society for Pitt's OT program. I worked closely with professors, students, and community connections to create a long standing student group and volunteer organization. In my third year, I was recipient of the Award of Professional Excellence from the OT faculty. This is a great honor as they recognize my achievements and my contribution to the OT program.