Dr. Heather Higashi DPT ’19 Accepted to OHSU Pediatric Residency Program

Please join the Physical Therapy program in congratulating Dr. Heather Higashi, DPT ’19, who will be starting the OHSU Institute on Development and Disability Pediatric Residency this summer. This program was the first pediatric physical therapy program in the country and is accredited by the American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education. It is designed for “physical therapists who aspire to become leaders in the specialty of pediatrics.” 

Starting in August, Dr. Higashi will spend one year at the Child Development and Rehabilitation Center (CDRC) at the OHSU Institute on Development and Disability (IDD), where she will learn, practice and receive mentorship. In addition, the pediatric residency program functions within the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) program, which develops leadership, research skills and clinical expertise.  As a pediatric resident, she will also have opportunities to participate in community engagement, interdisciplinary seminars, family mentoring and advocacy. 

In the fall semester and as part of the residency program, Dr. Higashi will join Dr. Bompiani (who is also an alumna of the OHSU Pediatric Residency Program) in DPT 685: Pediatric Neuromuscular System: Examination & Interventions. She will participate in a mentored experience in the academic setting and will have the opportunity to work as a lab assistant and guest lecturer in the course.

“Pursuing a pediatric residency has been a goal of mine since I was a student and had the opportunity to meet and interact with previous residents of this program," Dr. Higashi added. "I am looking forward to returning to Pacific University’s Physical Therapy program as a pediatric physical therapy resident!"