Don Gordon

Don Gordon is an Associate Professor of Clinical Occupational Therapy at the University of Southern California (USC) within the Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy. His academic roles include teaching and clinical practice in acute care neurobehavioral diagnoses, particularly focusing on epileptic and non-epileptic seizures. He also serves as a life advisor at the California Wellbeing Institute, integrating his expertise in neuroscience, positive psychology, and prevention/wellness. Dr. Gordon holds a PhD in Occupational Science from USC (2002), following earlier degrees in Biology and English Literature from UC Santa Cruz (undergraduate) and an M.S. in Occupational Therapy from USC (1994).

• Education:
  • Bachelor’s in Biology and English Literature, UC Santa Cruz
  • Master’s in Occupational Therapy, USC (1994)
  • PhD in Occupational Science, USC (2002)

His research interests span the scientific foundations of occupational therapy, neurobehavioral interventions, and the application of advanced imaging technologies (e.g., MRI, CT) to diagnose and manage conditions like hydrocephalus and Chiari malformation. He has pioneered work in automated imaging analysis, non-invasive CSF flow measurement, and interdisciplinary collaboration in healthcare.

In publications, Dr. Gordon emphasizes innovations in neurosurgical techniques, pediatric cranial disorders, and AI-driven diagnostics. His work often addresses clinical challenges such as shunt malfunction detection, surgical outcomes in rare conditions, and optimizing perioperative care for complex cases.

Notably, he has contributed to developing HIPAA-compliant healthcare systems and frameworks for prioritizing hydrocephalus research. His advisory roles and teaching span USC’s academic and clinical networks, reflecting a commitment to both patient care and academic rigor.