Donna L. Gregory, PhD, MBA, CTRS
Biosketch
Dr. Donna Gregory is the Chief of the Recreational Therapy Section in the Rehabilitation Medicine Department at the NIH Clinical Center. Dr. Gregory holds a PhD in Recreational Therapy from Clemson University, an MBA from Penn State University, and a BS from the University of Maryland. Prior to joining the NIH Clinical Center in 2007, Dr. Gregory was the Director of the Outpatient Rehabilitation Medicine Department at Bryn Mawr Rehabilitation Hospital in Pennsylvania. She managed outpatient clinical services, including daily operations, clinical care, financial performance, program development, and quality process improvement.
At the Clinical Center, Dr. Gregory leads a team advancing the field of Recreation Therapy through collaborative clinical care and research for patients enrolled in a variety of behavioral health and medical research studies. She specializes in the use of meaningful activities to facilitate functional improvement, social connection, community engagement, and enhanced well-being. Dr. Gregory's areas of interest include interventions and research addressing the physical and psychosocial health of at risk populations, family centered care, inter-professional collaboration, data-driven quality improvement, and strategic planning.
Dr. Gregory's research has focused on functional outcomes associated with community re-integration and Recreational Therapy interventions for individuals who have sustained traumatic brain injuries. She has also examined the influence of an intentionally designed peer support camp on the emotional health and well-being of siblings of children with cancer.
Honors and Awards
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National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification - Excellence in Leadership and Distinguished Service (2020)
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Clemson University - Brett A. Wright Award for Graduate Student Achievement (2020)
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American Therapeutic Recreation Association - Best Research to Practice Poster (2018)
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NIH Clinical Center Directors Award - Education and Training (2015)
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NIH Clinical Center Director's Award – Science (2014)
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NIH Clinical Center Director's Award – Strategic Initiatives (2009)