As the new dean of VCU’s College of Health Professions, Amy R. Darragh, OTR/L, Ph.D., FAOTA, is tapping into her extensive background as a leader and as an occupational therapy researcher to continue elevating research and learning experiences within the college’s highly acclaimed OT program.

Darragh will leverage her extensive background in leadership and research to advocate for  every department in the college. A key priority for the college, which is echoed for its outstanding and nationally ranked OTD program, is attracting top faculty and students – and providing a robust and inclusive environment where they can do meaningful research and gain deep professional and/or clinical knowledge in their fields.

“We have outstanding scientists in our programs now, and I want to invite even more up-and-coming young researchers and clinicians,” she said. “But it’s not just about recruiting top-tier professionals. We also must invest in their success by supporting and mentoring them in their journeys toward funding and impactful work.”

Darragh’s own path to occupational therapy began after college, when she took a job at United Cerebral Palsy working in a day program for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She soon met two occupational therapists, and “I thought what they did was so  interesting,” said Darragh, who returned to school to earn a graduate degree in OT from Colorado State University. “It's both a scientific and creative field, and I was fascinated by it.” Her journey to academic leadership was inspired by her mentor, Jane Case-Smith, Ed.D., OTR/L, FAOTA

one of occupational therapy’s foremost scholars and thought leaders. “Jane saw this potential in me before I had any sense that it would become my true passion.”

A background in research

Darragh arrived at VCU this summer, bringing an extensive research portfolio she developed while at The Ohio State University, where she served as director and vice dean in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences.

With a focus on pediatric rehabilitation and virtual simulation technologies, she is positioned to spark new cross-functional initiatives, while continuing a handful of National Institutes of Health-funded studies. She recently submitted a grant for the next phase of her project, C-Progress 2, which focuses on building the infrastructure to improve clinical trials in pediatric rehabilitation. 

At the heart of the project is ensuring that outcomes reflect what is most important to individuals with lived experience, such as children with disabilities and their families  – particularly since some disabilities start in childhood and require lifelong management. The project involves researchers from Virginia Tech, the University of Virginia and Ohio State. 

“We’re looking at how to measure what truly matters,” she said. “Are we assessing outcomes that are impactful and relevant to the people we serve? That’s a critical focus for this research.”

Additionally, Darragh has led a series of initiatives to develop virtual simulations to train home health care workers in identifying and responding to hazards in client homes. A current project, which is funded by the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, aims to help home health care workers identify hazards and effectively communicate safety recommendations to families. The focus is on ensuring the home health care workers’ safety, however, many changes that keep them safe also protect their clients, such as removing throw rugs to eliminate tripping hazards. 

Collaborative mindset for OT, college

Darragh is a team scientist whose work involves partnering with engineers, software developers, nurses, psychologists, neurologists, developmental pediatricians and physical therapists. Indeed, her own educational background blends multiple disciplines: Her undergraduate program at Barnard College focused on psychology and arts, while her doctoral degree from Colorado State is in environmental health epidemiology.

The connections she has made in those varied fields – coupled with those across the OT research community – will be invaluable as she nurtures an holistic approach to health care, which must be based on high-quality, evidence-based practices. “Team-based care is critical for ensuring the highest quality care for the patients and populations we serve. Each team member brings a unique set of knowledge and skills that enhance care,” she said. “OTs, like all the disciplines in our college, are critical members of those teams, and I want our CHP graduates to be prepared to assume leadership roles, think creatively and drive their organizations forward.”

That means CHPstudents must be able to tap into robust research opportunities, which aligns with a broader VCU vision where “Every Ram’s a Researcher.” Currently, about 56% of CHP faculty already engage students in research. The OT department is no exception - its outstanding researchers provide OT students with strong mentorship and opportunities to discover and thrive in a research environment. A new initiative, which builds on student requests for more interprofessional opportunities to learn from each other,  is a spring research fair. Offering both in-person and virtual presentations, this event allows CHP students to showcase their work, share ideas and grow student involvement. 

Darragh also highlighted the importance of preparing students for interprofessional teamwork, a cornerstone of modern health care. “Whether they’re delivering care, supporting healthcare or leading health systems, our graduates must excel in collaboration,” she said.

As part of the Health Sciences Campus, the college creates and leverages campus-wide interprofessional education (IPE) opportunities for cross-discipline work – from researching better therapies to applying new knowledge to improve patient care and outcomes. “When we operate in an interdisciplinary way, the students become part of that team,” Darragh said. “It sets the expectation that we are one community driving science forward together."

The future of occupational therapy

Looking ahead, Darragh sees several areas for growth in OT education and practice. The need for therapists in rural and underserved communities is a pressing challenge. “Accessing care in these areas can be a significant challenge for individuals and families,” she said. “We need to equip our students with the skills to deliver high-quality care in areas of scarcity.”

Additionally, she emphasized the importance of preparing students to address the needs of an aging population, given that OTs are uniquely positioned to help older adults age in place and maintain independence. To be successful, however, requires understanding the dynamics of the home and the community, she added.

Darragh also stressed the need for OTs to take on leadership roles in clinical settings and professional organizations, advocating for better services and policies. “Our graduates need to think creatively, lead assertively and support underserved populations through outreach and advocacy,” she said.

Ultimately, Darragh envisions a future where the College of Health Professions and its practice areas, including OT, continues to lead in research, education and community engagement. “Occupational therapists are critical to helping communities thrive,” she said. “I want to ensure that all our graduates, including OT,  leave here not only as exceptional professionals – but also as leaders who advance their professions and make a meaningful impact.”