Rhonda M. Eppelsheimer, MSW

Oregon Health and Science University, UCEDD

Rhonda M. Eppelsheimer, MSW, is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics at Oregon Health & Science University and Co-Director of the University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) in the Institute on Development and Disability. She received her MSW from the University of North Dakota in 2012 and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She completed her clinical training at the OHSU Child Development and Rehabilitation Center. She served as Assistant Director at the OHSU UCEDD from 2013 to 2016 when she became Director.

As UCEDD Co-Director, Ms. Eppelsheimer oversees a diverse portfolio of local, state, and national projects that focus on promoting the health and quality of life of people with disabilities and their families across the lifespan. In her role, she is responsible for oversight and implementation of the UCEDD core grant and developing and maintaining strong community partnerships and national networking. Her research and scholarship support the quality improvement of the disability service delivery system in Oregon through the National Core Indicators project. She is primary investigator on funded projects from the Administration on Community Living, Oregon Health Authority, and Oregon Developmental Disabilities Services.

Ms. Eppelsheimer’s teaching includes the development and implementation of curricula to educate pre-service and practicing health care professionals and promote access, rights and dignity in health care. She engages advocates and professionals in education and training to improve health and mental health outcomes for people with disabilities in Oregon and beyond. Ms. Eppelsheimer co-directs a course in the OHSU School of Medicine that specifically addresses ableism in medicine and includes simulations designed to improve the competency of providers who will provide care to people with disabilities. She teaches in several other programs including the School of Dentistry, Physician Assistant Program and is the LEND training coordinator for Health Administration. She serves on numerous committees, mentors graduate students, and residents and participates in multiple workgroups within the School of Medicine and with AUCD partners to advance instruction and training on providing high-quality care to people with disabilities.