Dr. Adam Steuer joined DePaul University in the Winter of 2023 as Assistant Professor in the Master of Occupational Therapy program. Prior to joining DePaul, Dr. Steuer was a faculty member at Texas Woman's University in Denton, Texas in their entry level OTD program and adjunct instructor in the entry level OTD program at Rush University Medical Center. Clinically, Dr. Steuer worked at Rush University Medical Center for 10 years in acute medicine, out-patient, and leadership. His primary clinical focus has been adult physical dysfunction in the hospital and outpatient settings following traumatic events such as strokes and various surgeries.
His scholarly areas of interest include occupational therapy's role after various surgeries including stroke, breast reconstruction, mastectomy, gender affirming surgery, and head and neck cancer, as well as how participation in occupation is crucial for physical recovery. Dr. Steuer's dissertation was titled “Occupational Therapy's Role After Breast Cancer Surgery: What is our unique contribution?"
Service to others and the profession include volunteering on the Roster of Accreditors for the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) and advocating for the healthcare rights of the LGBTQ community in Chicago and internationally. Dr. Steuer presented at the World Professional Association for Transgender Health Conference: Surgeon's Day, in Canada in 2022 attempting to have occupational therapy included in their Standards of Care version 8 as a valued member of the interprofessional healthcare team in supporting the health and recovery of people after gender affirming surgery. He also presented at the Chicago Breast & World Lymphedema Surgery Symposium on the role of rehabilitation following breast cancer surgery and lymphedema.
Dr. Steuer enjoys spending time with his husband and two children, playing competitive tennis, and traveling the world.
Education:
BA in Movement and Sport Sciences, Purdue University, 2010
MOT in Occupational Therapy, University of Pittsburgh, 2012
DHSc in Doctor of Health Sciences, University of Indianapolis, 2021
Licenses and Certifications:
IL OT License
NBCOT Certified
Certified Lymphedema Therapist
Selected Presentations:
- Steuer, A. & Kral, M. Breast Cancer Rehabilitation. Illinois Occupational Therapy Association Conference. April 2016.
- Kral, M. & Steuer, A. Head & Neck Cancer Rehabilitation: Occupational Therapy's Role, Illinois Occupational Therapy Conference. April 2019.
- Kokosis, G., Shenaq, D., Steuer, A. Innovations in Lymphedema Management: Microsurgical Techniques. Continuing Education Event Sponsored by Rush University College of Medicine, October 2020.
- Steuer, A., Polo, K., Little, L., Madrigrano, A. Occupational Therapy After Breast Reconstruction: A Matched Case Control Study. American Society of Breast Surgeons Conference. April 2021.
- Steuer, A. The Need for Therapy Clinical Practice Guidelines and Pathways. Chicago Breast & World Lymphedema Surgery Symposium. April 2021.
- Steuer, A., Polo, K., Little, L., Madrigrano, A. The Effects of a Breast Reconstruction Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Program. The Southwest Surgical Congress. September 2021.
- Steuer, A., Lunt, L., Madrigrano, A. Prolonged Healing And Radiation Therapy Are The Only Factors That Preclude Women From Attending Occupational Therapy After Breast Reconstruction. The Southwest Surgical Congress. April 2022.
- Steuer, A., Little, L., & Taylor, S. Age and Occupational Therapy are Associated with Lower Rates of Opioid Prescriptions after Breast Reconstruction. Occupational Therapy Summit of Scholars. June 2022.
- Steuer, A., Toates, J., Smith, E. P., Alison, N. I., Little, L. Occupational Therapy after Breast Reconstruction: The Effect on Opioid Refills On Over 450 Patients. World Federation of Occupational Therapy Congress. August 2022.
- Steuer, A., Mendes, C., Ciesla, C., Schechter, L. The Need For A Comprehensive Interprofessional Post-Surgical Rehabilitation Pathway: Initial Recommendations And Future Visions. World Professional Association for Transgender Health Conference. State-of-the-Art Surgeon Symposium Workshop. September 2022.