Dr. Michael J. Urban
Dr. Michael J. Urban
Assistant Professor | Columbia University’s Programs in Occupational Therapy
An executive leader boasting more than 20 years of experience in the healthcare industry, Dr. Michael J. Urban utilizes his expertise in occupational therapy as an educator. He has been active as an adjunct assistant professor at Gannon University since 2019 and an assistant professor within the Programs in Occupational Therapy at Columbia University since 2024.
In addition, he found success for four years as a senior lecturer at the University of New Haven, where he also served as founding director and developer of its doctoral program in occupational therapy; he also implemented program design for founding programs of Master Speech Language Pathology, Master Athletic Training, and Doctor of Occupational Therapy. Prior to that, he was a member of the adjunct faculty at Sacred Heart University and an instructor at the Lincoln College of New England.
Wielding a Bachelor of Science in occupational therapy from D’Youville University, Dr. Urban launched his career in the field at Norwalk Nursing and Rehabilitation from 2002 to 2005, simultaneously working a Haven Healthcare Management up through 2008, at which point he worked at Masonic Healthcare Inc. for a year. In 2007, he started up his own business, Urban Therapy and Research Associates, which he still runs to this day. Even juggling Urban Therapy, he continued to lend his services as an occupational therapist to Gentiva, Preferred Therapy Solutions, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs between 2009 and 2019—while continuing his education with a doctorate degree in occupational therapy from Quinnipiac University. Additionally, he served as the Chief of Prosthetics at the VA, overseeing a $27 million budget, 13 direct employees, and two campuses in Connecticut.
Outside of his primary endeavors, Dr. Urban has excelled as a peer reviewer for the Open Journal of Occupational Therapy and a supporter of the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund. In addition, he serves on the American Occupational Therapy Association board, advising entry-level Master of Science students. He’s currently focused on quality research in healthcare and aims to pursue a career in leadership and finance in the next five to 10 years.
Press Release
Marquis Who’s Who Honors Dr. Michael J. Urban for Expertise in Occupational Therapy
Dr. Michael J. Urban is a distinguished expert in occupational therapy and health care policy and administration
CHESHIRE, CT, October 15, 2024, Dr. Michael J. Urban has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who’s Who. As in all Marquis Who’s Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.
Dr. Urban, an esteemed professional in the field of occupational therapy, is the owner of Urban Therapy and Research Associates, a position he has held since 2007. He has also served as an assistant professor at Columbia University’s Programs in Occupational Therapy since 2024 and as an adjunct assistant professor at Gannon University since 2019. Additionally, he held a senior lecturer position at the University of New Haven from 2019 to 2023.
Dr. Urban’s expertise in occupational therapy and policy and administrative work in health care settings is widely recognized. He has served on the board of directors for the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) since 2022 and advises entry-level Master of Science occupational therapy students. His contributions to the field are further evidenced by his inauguration into the Leaders & Legacies Society in Occupational Therapy in 2015 and his previous roles on the Ergonomic Team Committee for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs from 2012 to 2019. He was also the president of the Connecticut Occupational Therapy Association from 2014 to 2017.
Dr. Urban’s academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in occupational therapy from D’Youville University in Buffalo, New York, in 2002. He then earned a Master of Business Administration from the University of New Haven in Connecticut in 2006, followed by a doctorate in occupational therapy from Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Connecticut, in 2016.
In addition to his academic credentials, Dr. Urban holds several certifications that underscore his commitment to professional development. These include the Fieldwork Educator Certificate Workshop from AOTA in 2024, the Verified Certificate for Teaching and Learning in the Diverse Classroom from edX in 2024, the Human Trafficking Prevention Training and the Human Rights Education Training Certificates from the U.S. Institute of Diplomacy and Human Rights in 2024, Occupational Therapist certification from the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy in 2002, Certified Ergonomics Assessment Specialist and Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification.
Dr. Urban’s dedication extends beyond his professional life into civic engagement. He supports the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) and contributed to local community safety through his volunteer involvement with the Yalesville Volunteer Fire Department and the New Haven Firefighting Rehabilitation Initiative.
As a speaker for the Representative Assembly of AOTA since 2022 and a peer reviewer for the Open Journal of Occupational Therapy since 2012, Dr. Urban continues to influence and shape the field through his leadership, scholarly contributions, and public speaking engagements. AOTA honored him with a recognized with a Service Commendation Award. Looking ahead, he is focusing on quality research in health care and aims to pursue a career in leadership and finance. His future aspirations reflect his ongoing commitment to advancing both his personal growth and the field of occupational therapy.