Hand Therapy In the Military with Major Kathryn Brosseau. MAJ, USAF, BSC, OTR/L, CHT

This week, we celebrate Veteran’s Day and are so fortunate to be joined on this episode by an occupational therapist and certified hand therapist who serves in the United States Air Force. We discuss the role of a hand therapist in the military, her unique journey from civilian status to being commissioned, and how a hand therapist contributes to the overall mission of the United States Military.

Guest Bio:

Major Brosseau is the Executive Officer and Instructor of Biology, Department of Biology, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO. She and her team design and implement biology coursework designed to create awareness, appreciation, and an understanding of science and the principles of scientific reasoning for Academy Cadets. She is an instructor of Human Anatomy & Physiology and the Course Director for Biomechanics. Major Brosseau received a direct commission to the Air Force as an Occupational Therapist in 2012. She has served in numerous medical operational support assignments, including Element Chief of Occupational Therapy and Chiropractics at the 60th Medical Group, Travis AFB, and the 10th Medical Group, United States Air Force Academy. She was selected for physician extender training in the management of complex hand injuries through AFIT and is now is the primary consultant to the Air Force for specialized upper extremity orthopedic rehabilitation. In addition to this, she has performed as adjunct faculty to the Air Force’s sole Physical Therapy Fellowship for four years. In 2019, she was awarded Adjunct Faculty of the Year and was published in the leading upper extremity post-operative rehabilitation textbook. In 2021, she was bestowed the honor of Biomedical Sciences Educator of the Year.