Rachel T. Pittmann

Rachel T. Pittmann is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at the MGH Institute of Health Professions (IHP), where she also serves as Assistant Dean for Interprofessional Practice in the Center for Interprofessional Education and Practice. Her work bridges clinical rehabilitation, academic instruction, and systemic interprofessional collaboration, positioning her as a key leader in health professions education.

Education:

• PhD in Health Professions Education, MGH Institute of Health Professions
• MS in Health Professions Education, MGH Institute of Health Professions
• MS in Speech-Language Pathology, Boston University
• BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders, Syracuse University

Rachel's research and clinical interests focus on cognitive-communication disorders in adults with brain injury or stroke, telehealth applications in speech-language pathology, and innovative pedagogical methods such as simulation-based learning. Her scholarly work emphasizes the scholarship of teaching and learning, aiming to enhance interprofessional training and clinical outcomes through evidence-based educational models.

Her recent publications and presentations highlight trends in interprofessional aphasia programs, technology-enhanced interventions, melodic intonation therapy, and the adaptation of clinical services to virtual platforms. These works reflect a strong commitment to improving patient outcomes through team-based, inclusive, and technologically integrated care.

Scientific Contributions and Leadership:

• Active contributor to interprofessional education research and implementation
• Leader in telehealth education and virtual clinical practice innovation
• Core developer of the Center for Interprofessional Education and Practice at IHP
• Advocate for justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in healthcare training
• Integrator of national interprofessional competencies into curriculum design

Rachel is deeply involved in advising and institutional initiatives related to quality improvement in interprofessional education, student learning outcomes, and pro bono clinical services through the Sanders IMPACT Practice Center. She collaborates with the Center of Excellence in Healthcare Simulation Research to align simulation practices with real-world clinical demands. Her leadership fosters a culture of introspection, continuous improvement, and shared accountability among faculty, staff, and students.

Research and Practice Teams:

• Center for Interprofessional Education and Practice, MGH Institute of Health Professions
• Sanders IMPACT Practice Center (pro bono clinical services)
• Center of Excellence in Healthcare Simulation Research
• Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) Office collaborations
• Interprofessional Education Collaborative (IPEC) standards alignment team