UVM’s interprofessional approach gave Alyssa the skills to work confidently across clinical, community, and research settings.

Alyssa Smith chose the University of Vermont’s Interprofessional Health Sciences Ph.D. program for its commitment to collaboration, real‑world impact, and cross‑disciplinary research. She graduated prepared to step directly into a competitive postdoctoral role at the University of Arizona, where she now advances integrative health and wellness coaching for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

How UVM Prepared Her for Success

UVM’s interprofessional approach gave Alyssa the tools to work confidently across clinical, community, and research environments. Through close faculty mentorship and team‑based learning, she strengthened her ability to collaborate with clinicians, researchers, and community partners, skills that are essential in today’s health sciences fields.

The program’s emphasis on methodological rigor allowed her to develop advanced mixed‑methods research skills. With the support of UVM faculty, she also became a board‑certified health and wellness coach, blending scientific training with practical experience. This combination uniquely positioned her to translate research into meaningful, person‑centered interventions.

Real‑World Impact Through Community Partnerships

During her doctoral studies, Alyssa worked directly with community organizations and care professionals, gaining hands‑on experience designing and evaluating health promotion programs. These experiences helped her understand how to create interventions that are not only evidence-based but also equitable, sustainable, and responsive to the needs of real people in real contexts.

A Career Shaped by Vision

Alyssa came to UVM with experience as an occupational therapist and a passion for serving neurodiverse communities. The Interprofessional Health Sciences Ph.D. program helped her turn that passion into a focused, impactful research trajectory. Today, she is committed to improving health care access, autonomy, and whole-person wellness for people with disabilities, work deeply rooted in the training and opportunities she gained at UVM.