Occupational Therapists Treating the 'Whole Person' in Primary Care: How Do We Do That?

Sue Dahl-Popolizio, DBH, OTR/L, CHT

Dr. Dahl-Popolizio brings over 20 years of experience practicing as a licensed occupational therapist and board certified hand therapist and upper extremity specialist (CHT). She has practiced in multiple medical settings (inpatient intensive care, acute care, subacute care and intensive rehabilitation), as well as in outpatient and home care settings. She has created and developed four outpatient hand therapy clinics, spearheading activities such as equipment needs assessment, inventory acquisition and program marketing development. Most recently, Dr. Dahl-Popolizio developed the hand and upper extremity specialty department at a private physical therapy clinic where she practiced. In addition to her practice, Dr. Dahl-Popolizio is an entrepreneur who has successfully created a unique hands-free, virtual occupational/physical therapy program, advancing the practice of therapy with today’s technology.  She recently published the findings of the research completed with this program. Her current research includes inter-professional collaborative projects to increase the presence of integrated care providers in the primary care setting.  She is a leader in the movement to integrate occupational therapy services in the primary care setting. In her work as an entrepreneur she led an interprofessional team comprised of therapists, software program developers, and administration to develop the product and the patent.  Currently Dr. Dahl-Popolizio is Clinical Assistant Professor in the Doctor of Behavioral Health program at Arizona State University (ASU).  She received her Doctor of Behavioral Health from ASU, her Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Occupational Therapy from Quinnipiac University, and her Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education, from California State University San Bernardino.