
By Jill Pease
Becky Piazza, O.T.D., OTR/L, a clinical assistant professor in the University of Florida College of Public Health and Health Professions, has been named a Distinguished Fellow of the Occupational Therapy Academy, part of the National Academies of Practice.
The honor recognizes Piazza’s outstanding achievements and leadership in both the occupational therapy profession and interprofessional care. Throughout her career as an educator and as a therapist, Piazza has been devoted to fostering collaborative health care teams.
“Becky has extensive experience working in and leading projects in interprofessional clinical environments,” said nominator Christine Myers, Ph.D., OTR/L, a clinical professor, director of the UF Doctor of Occupational Therapy program and a Distinguished Fellow of the Occupational Therapy Academy. “Since coming to UF, she has initiated successful interprofessional education activities with the College of Dentistry and the Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Her engagement in these projects has shown her commitment to collaborating across professional programs for the benefit of our students.”
Piazza has developed and implemented interprofessional opportunities for occupational therapy and dental students on best practices for inclusive care for people with sensory sensitivities, and for occupational and physical therapy students in neuro rehab safe patient handling and mobility and orthopedic orthoses. In addition, Piazza has created opportunities for students in collaboration with the UF Disability Resource Center’s Accessible Day at the Lake and an artist perspective workshop with UF Health Shands Arts in Medicine.
Prior to joining the UF Department of Occupational Therapy in 2021, Piazza served as the lead occupational therapist for the Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases at UF Health Traumatic Brain Injury/Concussion multidisciplinary clinic and as the clinical coordinator for therapy at UF Health Rehabilitation Hospital.
The Class of 2025 National Academies of Practice Distinguished Fellow inductees will be honored at a banquet in March held in Washington, D.C.